DRIVEN | New Mercedes CLA impresses with its tech, driving manners

The new Mercedes CLA is expensive but it's great to drive and comes with impressive cabin tech.

Mercedes-Benz is rethinking its compact car family with a brand-new electric-first platform that also accommodates internal combustion hybrid models, and the third-generation CLA is South Africa's first taste of this new generation of products.

It's available in CLA 200 (hybrid) and CLA 250+ (all-electric) variants, and buyers get to choose between Progressive and AMG Line trim grades, with prices kicking off at R937,000 for the ICE model and R1,212,650 for the EV. While it does encroach quite closely on the locally-built C-Class, which is just R6,000 more expensive in base form, the CLA is almost as big as its 'bigger' brother and comes comprehensively equipped, with even the panoramic glass sunroof included in the price.

Dimensionally, the new model is 35mm longer than its predecessor, as well as 25mm wider and 29mm taller, with its overall length of 4,723mm making it just 28mm shorter than the latest C-Class sedan. 

The CLA's styling announces that the future is here, almost resembling a concept car with its large star-laden grille and swoopy shape. It might not be to everyone's taste, but it certainly makes a statement.

Even more so inside, with its optional full-length MBUX 'Superscreen' and integrated 'virtual assistant' that makes use of generative AI.

2025 Mercedes CLA The CLA boasts a coupe-inspired fastback profile. Picture: Supplied

The new CLA also introduces the MBUX Virtual Assistant. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) from Google Gemini, the system has short-term memory and is capable of relatively complex conversations. For instance, if you like Italian food and want a restaurant with a play area for children or something dog-friendly, it will search the web for the most suitable spots in your area and mention the ratings.

The Superscreen is a visual delight too, thanks to Unity Game Engine graphics, and its control and display concept can be tailored to individual owner preferences. It also features intelligent navigation with 3D representation of the surroundings.

Mercedes CLA interior A new-generation MBUX Superscreen, with passenger-side screen, is available for the first time. Picture: Supplied

While the optional passenger screen is certainly a highlight, regular versions feature a decorated panel in place of the passenger-side digital screen, as per the bottom picture.

The C200 features a brand new mild-hybrid drivetrain that pairs a new 1.5-litre Miller-cycle petrol engine with a small electric motor and a 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, which can power the vehicle on its own when less than 20kW is needed. The system delivers 120kW and 250Nm to the front wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 8.0 seconds. Combined fuel consumption is listed at a claimed 5.4 litres per 100km.

The CLA 250+ electric version is somewhat quicker, with its 200kW, 335kW electric motor getting it from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.7 seconds.

We spent about two hours with the CLA 200 hybrid model on a route in Gauteng this week, and came away impressed with the general driving manners.

Acceleration from rest is smooth, largely thanks to that small e-motor, and power delivery throughout the rev range is responsive and effortless, with the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission executing seamless gear changes. While not trying to be a performance car, the CLA 200 dishes up decent performance and overtakes slower traffic with ease out on the open road. 

An electronically enhanced engine note is not something that everyone appreciates, but for what it's worth, the CLA's 'piped in' soundtrack makes it sound a lot more like a straight six than the four cylinder unit that it is.

Through corners, the CLA felt nimble and agile, and certainly felt like a breath of fresh air after weeks of driving SUVs, and the ride was very comfortable even over rougher road surfaces.

The CLA scores highly for its overall driving manners, and in this modern automotive landscape where sedans have become a rarity, it certainly impresses as a nice product. It's pricey, though.