Just got notified by my dealer that preliminary order placed 2 weeks against dealer allocated build has now revised and confirmed by the factory for build during week 1 of September, 2021. Expected delivery by East Coast dealer now expected in early October.

Although this is my first AMG model I have previously owned a 2019 C350 (European Delivery Plan) and a 2013 CLA 250.

 

Just curious when did you originally place your order? Was that two weeks ago?

 

Order placed on July 10th.

 

My build has now been delayed from the first week in September to the specific date of 09/29/2021. There are also reports of the likely deletion of packages/options impacted by the ongoing semiconductor shortage. For my build this would appear to be the Augmented Reality Navigation in the Multimedia Package, the wireless phone charging, the hands free access (foot activated trunk opener), and possibly the automated exterior mirror folding.

 

Did they let you know if these features can be added later on? If they didn't tell you... can you ask? I'm curious about what to expect myself.

 

The most significant option deletion is the Augmented Reality (AR) which will not be retrofitted and instead handled with a TBS price reduction for the Multimedia Package and as yet unannounced offers by MBUSA to compensate buyers for the inconvenience caused by the necessary deletions. There is a recent YouTube video posted by a UK customer who has ordered a 2022 CLA45s that has had his build delayed about 2 months and options deleted. In the video he describes the MBUK planning to offer free maintenance contracts by way of compensation.

I will know more when my build actually occurs and the VIN # becomes available. It seems that the degree of option deletion may be dependent on the evolving week-to-week parts situation. In any event, I have already decided to take the car, even with the option omissions, rather than forego possibly my last opportunity to own an AMG that actually has an internal combustion engine.

 

The car was built on 9/29/21 and then left the plant in Hungary on 10/2/21 headed for the shipping port. The last SA status was 10/8/21 with the car awaiting shipping at the port.

I have the VIN, the MSRP and top-level as built codes for packages and options, plus the Vehicle Datacard printout which has 12 pages of factory build codes and serial numbers for major components.

1. Good news is car has a complete/active HERMES module installed and the communications should all work. Was expecting delivery without and having to do the "waiver" to get delivery and a later retrofit.
2. No Augmented Reality as expected, and no option for later retrofit. Multimedia Package price adjusted downward $345 to reflect absence of AR.
3. No Keyless Access to open trunk foot kick under the bumper. Won't miss this much. No price adjustment to Premium Package.
4. Burmester Surround Sound upgrade was deleted based on MB policy to conserve components for higher priority ($$) builds. Option ($850) omitted from MSRP without prior notice to dealer and customer.
5. Unexpected MSRP price increases for upgraded paint ($720 increased to $750) and 19" Matte Black (RVL) wheel package ($800 increased to $900). Tires are still Michelin Pilot Sport 4S.
6. Driver Assistance Lite package seems to be complete, including critical Blind Spot Assist warning and active Blind Spot assists (if enabled). New code for this package is PAY.

That is all for now. Now I just have to wait for shipping, for which I have only received guidance to be very patient given the ongoing shipping and port backlog issues.

Todd R

 

Congrats on having your car built! It seems like people in general are getting their CLA AMG's built... so gives me hope that mine will be built next week as well. It's good to hear you got your HERMES module because that's a set of features I was really looking forward to (data connection, controls from your phone, etc.). Like you I don't care about the foot release for the trunk. Removal of Augmented Reality is not a surprise but I'm still disappointed.

Did you get the impression the Burmester audio system was being removed from ALL CLA35/45? Or just from certain trim levels? This is one option I'd be really disappointed not to get.

 

I first discovered the Burmester deletion when I reviewed the MSRP Sticker that was issued when the build was completed and the VIN # confirmed. I then got a download of the Vehicle Datacard which confirmed the deletion. Then a call to SA at the dealership to complain and learned that Burmester was being withheld for all A Class vehicles. He also said "other" vehicles classes were also being impacted by this "silent" MB policy. So, I think no Burmester for CLA 45 in the near term but, guess what, you do get the Access Free gizmo... CLA 35's do not.

 

Do you know if you have the base audio system or the ADVANCED audio system? Doing some research I've learned there's three different audio systems... I've pasted the details I read below. On the Canadian CLA build site... they no longer show the Burmester stereo for 2022... but they now list the "Advanced" audio system that wasn't there previously. I'm hoping that if I don't get the Burmester stereo installed... they will atleast install the ADVANCED audio system. The advanced audio system adds 125W more... 3 additional speakers and a subwoofer.

Standard Sound System

• Max. Total power: 100 watts
• 6 speakers

Advanced Sound System

• Max. Total output: 225 watts
• 9 speakers
• 1 subwoofer
• 1 external booster amplifier

Burmester Surround Sound System

• Max. Total power: 590 watts
• 11 premium speakers
• 1 subwoofer Dual Voice Coil 120Watt
• 1 external Class-D amplifier
• Optimized sound
• Burmester logo speaker grills

 

I cannot tell what kind of stereo is coming in my 2022 CLA 35, only that my order for the Burmester Surround Sound (Option 810) was simply not included in the as built MSRP sticker or factory Datacard build printout.

I went back to the July 30th 2022 CLA Coupe Quick Reference Guide to look for any descriptions that could disclose and differences between Base CLA 250, AMG CLA 35, and CLA 45 in regard to standard equipment and available updated equipment. This was not helpful in regard to your question as it does not go into any details on the sound systems, other than show the Burmester system is an upgrade option for all three CLA variants.

However, one possibly positive note is that when I discovered the "missing" Burmester in my build I called my dealer for an explanation and to complain of course. I asked directly if this meant I would be receiving a very basic unit lacking an external power amp or a subwoofer located in the trunk under-panel next to the Tirefit inflator kit. I was informed that all AMG models include an generic amplifier and subwoofer whenever the Burmester upgrade is not ordered or already included in the base vehicle configuration. The quality and specs of the generic/base system will vary by AMG class/model. I was told the base AMG unit for CLA's sound quite good, but lack the synthesized sound processor, more powerful amplifier (needed for LOUD BASS), and the upgraded Burmester speakers and speaker covers.

Hope this helps, but for myself I realize I really don't have any choice unless I am willing to wait for a much later build/delivery date in order to get AR and Burmester. And so the old bird-in-the-hand, etc. is too tempting to forego. Best luck with your order, I will follow your postings.

LAST MINUTE ADDENDUM: Vehicle has shipped on 10/14 and is scheduled to arrive in Baltimore on 10/23. Delivery date will depend on US Customs backup due to individual emissions testing of all ICE vehicles.

 

The dealership called to inform me that the CLA 35 has passed US Customs, emission testing, and has just arrived at the dealership.

Arranging for delivery next Monday, Nov 8th.

Dealership is honoring the original preliminary order deal-sheet, and updated to include the modest MY2022 MBUSA rebate applicable to A Class vehicles.

Will post snapshot following delivery.

 

I ordered a CLA35 back on end of August and i included the Burmeister sound system in my build. Dealer informed me that my car will come in without the Burmeister sound system as there is a processor shortage unfortunately

 

Just wanted to let followers know that I did take delivery on November 8th as planned and the delivery process was very quick and uneventful. The dealer honored all of the original pricing agreements made back in early July 2021 and the car arrived as notified/expected missing a few options and features due to parts/component shortages.

Only missing items were no Augmented Reality for NAV, no Burmester Surround Sound, and no Keyless Trunk Access. Everything else was included and works fine, especially the full comm connectivity provided by the fully activated Hermes Communicator Module. Mirror Control Package was included as no-cost standalone option as it is no longer included in the (parts supply limited) modified/regular premium package. Ditto for a no-cost standalone Sirius-XM radio which would have formerly been included in the MY2022 premium package as described back at July 30th release date.

The included standard audio unit for AMG A Class models sounds OK as it does have a trunk mounted subwoofer, but I would have preferred the better speakers and higher powered amplifier of the Burmester which is no longer being offered in this model.... saved $850 though.

The optional AMG Ride Control suspension is turning out to be my star option as it very significantly improves both ride comfort when desired and wheel/tire contact with the road surface on uneven/bumpy road surfaces when in sport and sport+ mode... folks should really consider adding this option.

The dealer and I had to work together a bit in order to get my car "paired" to my Mercedes Me account so that I can select/activate the important services that are free or paid for for for 1-3 years. These are now working great and very significantly improved the MBUX system, especially the MB Nav functionality. Seems that everything activation wise is skewed to support smartphone users with the Mercedes Me app on their phones. Folks like me using the MBUSA/Mercedes Me link for internet PC based management have a couple of minor hurdles to overcome due to what appears to be obsolete webpage linkages in the signup/paring procedure. My SA at the dealer figured it out and set everything right very quickly. I also used the manual update procedure to update "as delivered" MBUX software and Nav Maps from the 2020 dated versions to the latest 2021 versions. It was easy to do and all 21.9 GB was transferred in about 1.5 hours into the MBUX system while I continued to drive and use car normally... well done MB.

Sorry for no pictures yet but I am having too much fun driving around and it just keeps raining around here and dirtying the car.

That's about it for now, and I hope everyone who is waiting for their cars have wishes soon fulfilled.