Saar: In form at least, it looks like a shrunken CLS, and we are absolutely fine with that!
Mercedes-Benz has been busy testing the next-generation of the CLA for a while now. A new video has surfaced wherein it was spotted testing in Germany. Predictably, most of the exterior remains camouflaged but in its form at least, the new CLA gives a very CLS vibe. How come?
Apart from the wheels, roof and the outer rear view mirrors, everything has been concealed under the camo. That said, the headlamp and taillamp enclosures, and the number plate positioning, all give us a good-enough package to state that in terms of design, the new CLA will be more inclined towards the CLA rather than the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan, which broke cover during the 2018 Beijing Motor Show.
If we take a close look at the headlamp enclosures, they seem to be from a lesser variant rather than of a range-topper. We can’t see any projector units, though the LED DRLs could be hiding under the black strips. The taillamps too seem basic in nature which just reassures that the test mule isn’t the top-of-the-range model. The dual-tone bumper with integrated exhaust vents looks like a pure rip-off from the latest CLS model.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA will ride on the company’s MFA2 platform, which also underpins the A-Class. Other compact models, such as the next-gen GLA and the upcoming GLB, will also get the same skeleton underneath. As we saw with the latest Mercedes-Benz A-Class, expect a similar improvement in terms of packaging, technology and the engines with the CLA.
Needless to say, the new-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA will get the same set of engine options as the A-Class. In India, it is expected to commence its innings with the 200 and 180 d variants. While the former moniker comes with a 1.3-litre petrol engine that puts out 163PS/250Nm, the latter gets a 1.5-litre diesel producing 116PS/260Nm. We expect Mercedes-Benz to introduce both the variants with only a 7-speed automatic gearbox. Inevitably, the AMG-marked variant will also make it to our shores.
When will it come to India? Well, considering the current-gen CLA was launched in 2015 in India, the next-gen model should arrive by early next year. Thanks to walkoART, here’s the video of the test mule:
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