A disguised version of the third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA four-door ‘coupe’ has been unveiled in France.
Since the company decided to skip this year’s Paris motor show, the new entry-level sedan stepped out at the 39th Festival d’Hyères fashion show instead.
As expected, the design for the production car has been toned down somewhat from the Concept CLA Class unveiled at the 2023 Munich motor show.
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The overall shape remains true to the concept, and keeps the frameless windows, slightly drooping rear deck, and arched roof line that have become a signature for the model line.
The latter compromises rear seat head room, as well as ingress and egress, but arguably allows the car to keep its ‘coupe’ designation.
Flush-fitting pop-out door handles are a new addition to the CLA styling book, as are the new circular lighting signatures at both ends.
Based on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), the new CLA will be available with both internal combustion, and pure electric drivetrains.
The car on display at the Festival d’Hyères seems to be an electric variant as the grille area is completely closed off.
While Mercedes-Benz hasn’t revealed which drivetrains will make into the CLA and other MMA-based vehicles, the Concept CLA Class was powered by a rear-mounted electric motor making 175kW.
Last year’s Concept CLA Class had an “anticipated” range of over 750km, although the German firm didn’t disclose specifics about the car’s battery.
Pure electric versions of MMA cars will be available with battery packs featuring one of two cell chemistries. Entry-level models will utilise lithium iron phosphate (LFP), whereas the higher spec cars will have an anode design with silicon-oxide content for “excellent energy density”.
Electric MMA vehicles will also have an 800V electrical architecture with DC fast charging capable of adding 400km of range in just 15 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the MMA platform will be used for at least four vehicles: the CLA sedan seen here, as well as two crossovers, likely the replacements for the five-seat GLA and seven-seat GLB, as well as a wagon, probably a successor the CLA shooting brake.
2023 Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA 
As part of the company’s desire to whittle down its entry-level offerings from seven to four, the A-Class hatch and sedan, and B-Class mini-people mover are expected to end production around the middle of decade.
Also going to the great scrapyard in the sky are the EQA and EQB, which are lightly restyled electric derivatives of the GLA and GLB crossovers.
Production of the new CLA is expected to start in Germany and China in the latter half of 2025, so it’s likely the third-generation sedan won’t arrive in Australia until some time in 2026.
