Second Generation Mercedes-Benz CLA Now Available
Mercedes-Benz South Africa has just launched the second generation of the successful CLA in South Africa. Here’s everything you need to know about the compact four-door coupe.
“With the first CLA we had created a totally new segment with a four-door coupé and celebrated huge sales success by selling 750 000 CLA’s globally,” says Johannes Fritz, Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa and Executive Director Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The new edition of the CLA has been developed further in an intelligent way and is even more emotional and sportier than its predecessor. Coupled with new operating systems, it sets new benchmarks for the entire class.”
The CLA and the A-Class Sedan were launched at the same time, and you can find out what makes them different each other in this article, but where the A-Class sedan takes a more practical approach, the CLA strives for a more high performance look which is evident from the first impression of the car. The front features the aggressive ‘shark nose’ shape, complemented by slim headlights and a diamond radiator grille. The biggest visual cue of the CLA’s performance heritage is seen on the bonnet where two lines, which Mercedes calls ‘powerdomes’, create a very scary look. The roof of the car slopes elegantly over the rear seats before blending into the boot to create a coupe silhouette. At the rear you’ll find a more pronounced shoulder line as well as a number plate located much lower to maintain the aggressive look.
At launch there are two engines available in the CLA – a petrol and a diesel. Both models are equipped with an automatic transmission and a suspension that features Dynamic Select, allowing drivers to toggle between Eco, Comfort and Sport mode on demand. The entry level Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 makes use of a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque, while the CLA 220d uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 140kW of power and 400Nm of torque.
Pricing:
Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 - R570 500
Mercedes-Benz CLA 220d - R612 800
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-Benz CLA cost in South Africa?
The entry-level Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 starts from around R580,000, whilst the diesel CLA 220d will set you back approximately R620,000, making it a premium compact coupe that sits nicely between the A-Class and C-Class in Mercedes' lineup.
Q: Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA worth buying over the A-Class sedan?
The CLA is worth the extra cash if you prioritise style over practicality, as it offers the same tech and engines as the A-Class sedan but with a dramatically more striking coupe silhouette and sportier design cues like the powerdome bonnet lines.
Q: What engines are available in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA?
Mercedes offers two engines at launch: the CLA 200 with a turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine producing around 120kW, and the CLA 220d with a 2.0-litre diesel unit delivering approximately 140kW, both paired with automatic transmissions.
Q: Does the Mercedes-Benz CLA have good rear seat space?
The CLA's sloping coupe roofline does compromise rear headroom compared to the A-Class sedan, so if you regularly carry tall passengers in the back, the more practical A-Class might be the better choice for your family.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is worth buying if you want the most stylish compact Mercedes money can buy. At R580,000 for the CLA 200, it's the best-looking four-door coupe under R650,000 in South Africa, offering genuine Mercedes luxury with head-turning design that makes the slightly more expensive ask over the A-Class sedan completely justified. The aggressive shark nose, powerdome bonnet, and sleek coupe silhouette deliver serious kerb appeal that you simply can't get from any other compact executive car in this price range. Just be prepared to sacrifice some rear passenger comfort for all that style.
