The Mercedes-Benz CLA receives a mid-cycle refresh for the 2023 model year. The three-pointed star marque revamped the four-door, compact coupe with a new face, more advanced tech, and upgraded powertrain options.
The CLA serves as an important model in Mercedes as it bridges the gap between the A-Class and the C-Class. It is also touted as a trendsetter in the compact segment of the German automaker. The arrival of the 2023 CLA means the following new features of the range:
Exterior
The facelifted CLA offers some significant updates in its snout featuring a revised front grille with a scattered star pattern making up its mesh, new LED high-performance headlamps, and new LED taillights. Meanwhile, its AMG variant takes in a redesigned rear diffuser.
New colors are also introduced for the paint finish, namely Hyper Blue and Starling Blue, to give the CLA a cooler aura. A new selection of wheel designs going up to 19 inches in diameter is available for the taking, too.
The Shooting Brake version of the CLA gets a facelift showcasing the same set of changes as well. However, this variant is not sold in US dealerships of Mercedes.
Interior
The interior is where most of the action takes place in the refreshed CLA. Standard in the model is a pair of 10.25-inch screens wherein one is for the digital cluster and the other is for the multimedia display. Integrated within the tech is the automaker’s signature MBUX infotainment system complemented by a Burmester sound system enhanced with Dolby Atmos “immersive audio experience”.
The upholstery is highlighted by its use of Nappa as a standard fit. These can be had in black, Macchiato Beige, and Sage Grey depending on the buyer’s preference. Meanwhile, microfiber covers that mainly use recycled materials are offered for its AMG Line guises. Likewise, the package further expands the interior color options with the addition of Bahia Brown, Titanium Grey Pearl with black, and red-black combination.
Powertrain
The most exciting part of the updated CLA is found under the hood though. The CLA is offered in four trims in the US. That is if you count the CLA 250 and CLA 250 as separate units.
It should be noted that they both share the same mild-hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 48-volt onboard power supply of the auto adds a 13-hp boost to the system.
The same engine graces the AMG units but with the addition of an exhaust-gas turbocharger and twin-scroll exhaust turbocharger mounted on the roller bearings for the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and 45 S, respectively. This enables the AMG CLA 35 to achieve 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque while the AMG CLA 45 S produces 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The most potent of the bunch can propel itself from 0 to 60 mph in just four seconds and can attain a max speed of up to 167 mph.
