Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid review: New-gen Baby Benz hits the right notes

The arrival of the third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA brings with it a marked shift, the new model casting off the shackles of its predecessor in a package that holds more appeal than ever before.

Where previous generations always seemed a bit ‘entry-level’, the new CLA holds nothing back, a generational update that not only brings new architecture along with new hybrid and battery electric powertrains, but also a level of in-car technology and interior fitment that imbues it with the feeling of a ‘proper’ Mercedes.

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And it does so while being significantly more affordable than the previous model, no easy feat in an age where the cost of everything is rising on an almost daily basis. Cue, aspirational first-time buyers flocking into showrooms.

Mercedes-Benz Australia is staggering the rollout of its newest baby, with mild-hybrid variants first, followed shortly by the CLA’s EV variants. First up, the flagship hybrid CLA 220 4Matic.

How much is the Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid?

In a remarkable turn of events in these cost-of-living-pressure times, Mercedes-Benz has ensured the price of the new CLA is significantly more affordable than the model it replaces.

The mild-hybrid range gets underway with a new entry-level model, the CLA 180, priced from $66,500 before on-road costs. Stepping into the mid-spec CLA 200 asks for $68,100, a significant drop of $5100 over the outgoing model while the range-topping CLA 220 4Matic is also more affordable than the model it replaces, down $3300 for a sticker price of $84,300.

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Two electric models will join the range soon – the CLA 200 ($72,200) and the flagship CLA 350 4Matic ($91,300).

For now, though the focus is on the mild-hybrid range and whether Mercedes-Benz’s claims that its 48-volt electric architecture more closely resembles a regular series hybrid stack up.

What engine does the Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid have?

All hybrid models pair a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an integrated electric motor housed inside an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A small 1.3kWh lithium-ion battery powers the electric motor which can, according to Mercedes, propel the CLA in electric-only mode in urban environments where less than 20kW of power is needed. It’s a bold claim of the 48-volt mild-hybrid architecture and one I’m keen to test. Power and torque outputs differ across the three hybrid models. 

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In the CLA 180, outputs are rated at 100kW and 200Nm, giving a 0-100km/h claim of 8.8 seconds. The CLA 200 ups the ante marginally, with 120kW and 250Nm and 8.0 seconds from zero to 100km/h. The CLA 220 4Matic, the only all-wheel drive model in the hybrid line-up, enjoys 140kW/300Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.1 seconds. All three models benefit from an extra 22kW boost thanks to its electric motor.

Mercedes brought just one model to the Australian launch, the hybrid flagship CLA 220 4Matic.

Is there anything interesting about the Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid’s design?

While this new third-generation CLA may resemble its predecessors, thanks to its swoopy profile, the reality is it’s a much bigger car than previously, growing in stature by every measure – 43mm longer, 25mm wider, 17mm taller and sitting on a 61mm longer wheelbase.

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That growth spurt has led to a more resolved profile than before, as if the CLA has finally grown into its skin.

Up front, new headlights featuring a three-pointed star motif, are joined by a light band that stretches the width of the grille. The new “shark nose” grille features an illuminated frame, the effect at night distinctive and striking.

That theme is mirrored out back with new tail-lights (again with three-pointed star signature) joined by a light band across the width of the bootlid.

CLA 220 (and CLA 200) comes with Mercedes’ AMG Line package as standard that brings body enhancements including to the front and rear splitter and diffuser. The CLA 220 sits on 19-inch AMG alloy wheels in a five-twin-spoke design while both the CLA 180 and 200 are fitted with 18-inch alloys.

In profile, the CLA’s aero efficiency is underscored by frameless doors and retractable door handles helping the small sedan achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.21Cd.

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The AMG Line theme continues inside with sports seats, a multifunction sports steering wheel, carbon-grey trims, and plenty of AMG logos including on the floor mats.

Thanks to its growth spurt, the cabin feels significantly larger than its predecessor’s, a feeling enhanced by the standard panoramic glass roof that fills the cabin with light.

The choice of materials throughout is excellent, playing right into Mercedes’ premium playbook. Highlights include the Artico and Microcut leather seats with contrasting red stitching, available in black as standard or a stunning black and white two-tone as a no-cost option. I sampled both and as much as I can see the white causing some headaches after prolonged use, it’s the colourway I’d opt for. It looks sensational.

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There’s plenty of storage on offer including in the generous centre console and door pockets that easily accommodate bottles. The centre console is floating too, freeing up additional space underneath for smaller items.

The second row is more generously proportioned than previously, with excellent knee and legroom. But despite an additional 28mm of height in the second row, headroom is still at a premium for anyone over 182cm. Still, my 173cm frame had no trouble getting comfortable in the second row, which, thanks to the presence of that panoramic roof, offered a vibrant and light-filled space to spend time in.

Boot space is quoted at 405 litres and while the second row seats can be folded in 40:20:40 split fashion, Mercedes-Benz does not quote a combined figure for the expanded area. Don’t look for a spare wheel and tyre, though, the CLA range equipped with a ‘repair kit’ to get you out of flat tyre purgatory, which, while increasingly the norm in today’s new car landscape, still rankles. Call your local roadside assistance is our recommendation.

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What technology comes with the Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid?

The CLA’s suite of in-car technology is as impressive as it is in-your-face. There’s no hiding from the massive cabin-wide, single-frame screen that runs the length of the dash. Dubbed the MBUX Superscreen it debuts Mercedes’ in-house developed MB.OS operating system.

The Superscreen blends a central 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver display and an optional 14-inch touchscreen for the passenger. It looks like the future, as impressive as it is large but most importantly, it functions beautifully.

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High-res graphics coupled with smooth animations and sharp respsonses to inputs, the MBUX Superscreen is the nerve centre of the CLA. Mercedes-Benz has partnered with some of the giants of the tech world to offer familiar functionality, including Google (mapping), as well as Gemini, ChatGPT and Bing AI-powered voice assistants. We did briefly try the AI assistant, which wasn’t as helpful as advertised on the box. I suspect, however, that my short time with the CLA at launch precluded me from a more thorough dive into the world of automotive AI so will reserve judgment for when we get the car through the Whichcar by Wheels garage for an extended loan.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as is wireless smartphone charging, bringing a more familiar environment to interact with the CLA.

The optional passenger screen has access to third party streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney+ and even a suite of games including Angry Birds. The caveat here is they only work when the car is stationary. I’d suggest not ticking that box on the options list. 

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What’s the Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid like to drive?

Where the CLA has – arguably – taken its greatest strides over the outgoing model is in the driving experience.

A newly-developed 1.5-litre turbo-four does the heavy lifting, augmented by a 22kW electric motor housed inside the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Ostensibly, this is a mild-hybrid setup, but the reality is, out on the road, the CLA 220 does a great job of mimicking a conventional series hybrid.

Take off from standstill is predictable and smooth, the initial surge of speed coming courtesy of the electric motor before the petrol engine chips in, seamlessly and quietly, to take over the motivation.

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In everyday traffic situations, the electric motor is happy to hum along without assistance from the 1.5-litre petrol. To a point. Mercedes-Benz claims it’s capable of powering the car alone under a light power load, quoted at 20kW. And while that’s not measurable out in the real world, it certainly feels on the money.

Navigating flat suburban streets at speeds of around 30km/h results in the petrol engine lying dormant under the bonnet. Once over that threshold, or when faced with even the slightest incline, Merc’s newest four-cylinder feels the need to chip in.

Once up to speed, however, and under cruising conditions, the petrol engine is happy to switch off and let the electric motor drive the wheels for short spells, helping to eke out fuel consumption.

It’s not a series hybrid, by any stretch, but also park your notions of what a mild-hybrid can do because Mercedes’ system has moved the 48-volt game forward. Significantly.

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Better still, the eight-speed dual-clutch actually features a third clutch, which is able to decouple the engine and gearbox from the wheels, allowing the CLA 220 to cruise at 100km/h on flat stretches of highway on electric power alone. It works too, and nicely at that, with flat and downhill stretches of the motorways that formed part of the test drive completed solely on electric power.

Mercedes-Benz has also addressed one of the more strident complaints of the previous model with this new CLA. Where the older model always felt firm and jarring on the road, this new third-gen iteration takes the idea of ride comfort seriously. There’s no adaptive damping, and after covering around 230km over the full gamut of road surfaces, there doesn’t need to be.

Instead, the steel-spring suspension – three-link up front and multi-link at rear – delivers an excellent comfort and handling package, equally at home on suburban streets as it is hustling through some twisties.

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Patchy and scarred road surfaces are handled with composure, ironed out with barely a ripple transmitted into the cabin. But underscoring the suspension’s well resolved engineering, hustling through some corners reveals a nicely-balanced chassis with decent body control. It’s by no means a corner-carver, but there is enough inherent enjoyment engineered into the CLA 220 to elicit a grin.

There is a small downside, however. The eight-speed transmission, as slick and as responsive as it is under normal driving conditions, can prove a little recalcitrant when on the move, taking a moment too long to engage the right ratio under harder acceleration. But it’s a minor brickbat in a field of bouquets.

How much fuel does the Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid use?

So how does the new CLA stack up at the bowser? In a word, brilliantly. Mercedes-Benz claims a combined fuel consumption number of 5.8L/100km. After a day behind the wheel, covering the full range of driving conditions – from urban traffic, to motorway cruising, and a spirited fling through some beguiling backroads in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, we saw an indicated 5.7L/100km, bettering the manufacturer’s claim.

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The highest we saw was 7.1L on the climb up the Dandenongs and into the Yarra Valley, but the return leg highlighted the efficacy of Merc’s mild-hybrid system to good effect, dropping back to our final readout in the heart of suburban Melbourne.

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t offered a fuel octane rating, but we suspect it’ll be at the premium end of the bowser spectrum.

What’s the verdict on the Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid?

The new third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has struck the right chord of premium affordability in a tech-laden package that is sure to appeal to younger, aspirational buyers.

Sharp styling and premium appointments only tell part of the story, though, With its fuel-saving technology, Mercedes has added broader appeal in a market where hybrids of all colours are dominating the new car landscape. And with the imminent arrival of the CLA electric range, every fuel-saving whim is catered to.

The driving experience has improved markedly over the outgoing model, with better ride comfort and, thanks to this new mild-hybrid powertrain, enough sportiness to sate the needs of most.

That Mercedes-Benz has managed to achieve this while significantly cutting the price of entry should ensure the brand attracts an entirely new cohort of buyers.

Specifications