Mercedes-Benz CLA (Third Generation)

Mercedes-Benz CLA (3rd Generation)

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a series of prestigious compact luxury cars produced by Mercedes-Benz since 2013. Over time, it has gone through three distinct generations: the first was produced from 2013 to 2019, the second from 2019 to 2025, and the third has been in production since 2025.

III Generation (C178/C174)

The third generation of the CLA, known as the CLA with EQ technology, was unveiled on 13 March 2025. The model was initially launched as a saloon (sedan). The CLA is the first car built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA).

For the first time at Mercedes-Benz, the CLA models with internal combustion engines and fully electric motors share the same exterior and interior design. They also share a common name. This marks the end of the company’s strategy of creating fully distinct electric models that would be produced alongside petrol versions, such as the E-Class and EQE.

On 14 July 2025, the Shooting Brake model was unveiled – the first electric estate car from Mercedes-Benz.

The third-generation CLA is the first car to run entirely on Mercedes-Benz’s own operating system (MB.OS) – using QNX for safety functions and the instrument cluster, and Linux for the infotainment system. The MBUX virtual assistant is based on ChatGPT4o, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing.

Design

The front end of the car features a ‘shark-nose’ design. The electric version is fitted with an illuminated grille featuring 142 chrome stars and a star-shaped logo, which is also illuminated. Models with internal combustion engines have a traditional radiator grille for cooling. The LED headlights are connected by a thin strip, and the optional MULTIBEAM headlights incorporate daytime running lights in the shape of the Mercedes-Benz star.

The side doors are frameless, with retractable handles. Engineers have increased headroom by reducing the curvature of the side windows. All CLA models come as standard with a fixed panoramic glass roof, providing more space for rear passengers. The Shooting Brake model features an extended roof from the B-pillar with a full-length panoramic glass roof, which is heat-insulated and safe. The roof is adorned with 158 stars and an optional electrochromic function.

The interior features the MBUX Superscreen with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. The navigation system is based on Google Maps and the Mercedes-Benz user interface. An MBUX Superscreen with an additional 14-inch screen for the front passenger is also available as an option, equipped with eye-tracking technology to ensure the driver remains focused.

Engines

Petrol