2020 Mercedes CLA is Better in Every Way than its Predecessor

Interior Upgrade

You can wax about the performance of the all-new CLA, and we’ll get to that, but the heart of any luxury vehicle is the interior. For a vehicle with an MSRP of $34,000, this 4-door can lay claim to having one of the nicest interiors of anything in its segment. The layout is simple without compromising on ergonomics or Mercedes-Benz standards of how their driver should feel. Even the steering wheel gets a flat bottom—a nod to their motorsport heritage.

Tech Fest

The CLA gets a host of new technologies that are so cutting-edge they almost sound like science fiction. Mercedes have incorporated technology that can actually detect if someone is reaching for something in the cockpit. There are a host of lane departure systems that have been improved upon as well. Menus and the way you interact with them are miles better than previous generations. Touch screens are used as opposed to clunky buttons that were littered among the older CLA's interior. This is a huge step up with major strides being made on all fronts. All-wheel-drive is an option and would be a must to make the most of this amazing platform. 

>>Join the conversation about the new CLA right here in MBWorld.org.

Step Changes Can be Small

Unmistakably the smallest Mercedes in the company’s consumer market, the 2020 CLA marks a big change for the overall meaning of a Mercedes-Benz. It no longer looks cheap or obviously entry level. Aggressive features replace a front end that was dull and soft in the past, while a smoothly curved roofline creates a side profile that stands out. The short deck lid and rear bumper design give it a classic muscle car feel that is distinctly German. Overall, it’s a smooth upgrade that manages to look more expensive than it is. A huge improvement.

>>Join the conversation about the new CLA right here in MBWorld.org.

Horsepower and Fun Stuff

Power is provided by a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder that makes a healthy 258 lb-ft and 221bhp, which is plenty for the environments these cars will find themselves in. Turbocharging is a finely honed art now among manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and you can expect all of that 258lb-ft to be available very low in the rpm range, which means acceleration times will be fast. Couple this with a 7-speed gearbox and you can multiply that torque tremendously. Expect AMG models and aftermarket tuners to embarrass BMWs and maybe even some older Ferraris. 

>>Join the conversation about the new CLA right here in MBWorld.org.

Overall Impact

From its looks to an increase in horsepower and torque, the all-new 2020 CLA is a big improvement for Mercedes-Benz that marks a new wave of affordable luxury. There was a time when every car that wore the three-pointed star was a symbol for the best in everything and those times seemed to have slipped with models like the CLA in recent years. As they are never one to stop improving, Mercedes has gone back to the drawing board and given us something truly special. We can’t wait to see what the AMG models are capable of.

>>Join the conversation about the new CLA right here in MBWorld.org.

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