2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021-2022 Review

It’s no secret that Malaysians have a much healthier appetite for sedans than they do for hatchbacks, which was one of the reasons entry level hatchbacks aren’t quite as popular as their sedan sisters. In the case of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the closest approximation to this would be the four-door sedan that is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class – essentially following in the footsteps of the incredibly popular Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class that was a four-door coupe based on the E-Class.

Since the introduction of the CLS-Class, there have been plenty of different offerings from a variety of manufacturers – even making its way down to the more mass market end of the market with many sedans adopting coupe-like rooflines. The CLA-Class proved to be extremely popular as well, and in its first generation it was offered in a variety of different trim levels and with different powertrains.

This second generation CLA-Class isn’t in quite the same position as its predecessor. For one, Mercedes-Benz developed and launched the A-Class Sedan – which as the name suggests is a more traditional shape and form rather than the four-door coupe design of the CLA-Class. Despite being a more familiar and loved shape, the CLA-Class’ roofline tapered quite aggressively to the rear in order to provide that coupe roofline, and in turn compromised rear headroom.

As a result, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia only decided to offer the current generation CLA-Class in a singular variant: the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45S 4MATIC+ Coupe. Since uptake of this model in simpler trim variants has been somewhat cannibalized by the A-Class Sedan, it makes sense that only the most potent variant of the CLA-Class is offered here, with performance to really match the looks.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021-2022 Specifications

It’s pretty easy to talk about the powertrains on offer with the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class in Malaysia, because there is just one – a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine. This is one of the most powerful 2.0-litre production engines on the market, the M139, and it forms the basis of both the 45 and 45 S models within the Mercedes-Benz range.

In this state of tune, the engine makes an impeccable 421 PS and 500 Nm of torque – the latter figure being available from 5,000 rpm to 5,250 rpm, for a boost pressure of 2.1 bar. This is in contrast to the usual beefy low-end to mid-range high torque figures, showing that Mercedes-AMG is really pushing the output of this engine and ensuring torque continues to build even as it closes in on peak power.

That performance is delivered to all four wheels via the 4MATIC+ system, with an eight-speed dual clutch-type automatic transmission handling gear ratios and switching. There is also the AMG Torque Control system for the rear differential that shuffles torque between the rear wheels for both optimal traction, and better control of yaw angles when trying to slide the car around in DRIFT mode.

In terms of raw dimensions, the wheelbase is the same as the A-Class at 2,729 mm, with the body being slightly wider at 1,830 mm as opposed to 1,796 mm for the hatchback. As it stands, the CLA-Class in this singular AMG variant is one of the most powerful options on the market, and a great entry point to high-performance AMG models.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021-2022 Exterior

It isn’t unreasonable to come to the conclusion that purchasing the current generation Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class means that you get a pretty unique body shape and design, limited to just the AMG variant. That sleek coupe roofline stands out when placed next to the more regular sedan variant of the A-Class. 19-inch wheels sit at each corner of the car, being cross-spoke forged units for extra lightness. As expected, this being an AMG variant also means it comes with the sportier Panamerica design front grille.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021-2022 Interior

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is quite nearly identical to that of the regular A-Class hatchback – and honestly, that’s a fantastic thing. The A-Class came with one of the most exquisitely designed interiors for a luxury car, let alone one at this price point. The dashboard is dominated by that dual screen setup, blending nearly seamlessly between the instrument cluster portion and the infotainment portion. Three circular vents are front and centre, offering intuitive operation and easy redirection of airflow. The centre console doesn’t provide the largest amount of stowage space, but it provides enough for your phone, wallet, and other knick knacks you may have.

More specific to the this AMG variant of the CLA-Class are little highlights of red throughout the cabin, as well as electrically adjusting semi-bucket seats that really help to hold the front occupants in place. It’s an incredibly pleasant place to be, whether you’re chucking it around bends on a back road, threading corners on a track, or just soaking up miles on the open highway.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021-2022 Safety Features

The Driving Assistance Package was something that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has included in many of their models, even with the previous generation of products. This current generation CLA-Class is no different, which means the Intelligent Drive systems are present and accounted for. Adaptive cruise control is more a luxury aspect of this, even working down to stop and go traffic, while autonomous emergency braking and warning, active steering assist, active braking assist, active lane keeping assist, and active blind spot assist are all items which contribute to a level of semi-autonomous driving.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021-2022 Strengths & Weakness

There’s a lot to love with the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, especially in this CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ variant. High performance from that extremely potent engine, combined with a highly competent all-wheel drive system and an impeccably responsive gearbox really leads to a cohesive package that is a joy for any driving enthusiast. The AMG Ride Control suspension is also an improvement on the foibles of its predecessor, which tended to ride quite stiffly.

Gorgeous on both the inside and outside, it means that you would be hard pressed to really find anything to dislike with this four-door coupe. Perhaps therein lies the only issue – the fact that it retains that tapered roofline means that rear occupants may have a little bit of trouble fitting their heads comfortably, or find their necks exposed to an uncomfortable amount of sunlight.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021-2022 Price

The singular variant of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Coupe, which will run you a heft RM 453,374.19 – with current exemptions in place, and inclusive of all payments short of insurance.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021-2022 Features

Much like the current generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the party piece of the CLA-Class in terms of functionality is the MBUX multimedia system. This control system offers a variety of ways to control it, along with an elegant two-screen setup that really combines luxury with high-tech design. A wireless phone charger, a bird’s-eye view 360 degree camera, and an LTE communications module for better connectivity are included as standard, as is a Burmester surround sound system for the entertainment side of things. Ambient lighting is an especially nice touch.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021-2022 Fuel Consumption

While there are no locally quoted fuel consumption figures for this variant of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, overseas figures are roughly 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres, which translates to 14.5 kilometres per litre of fuel. That being said, these turbocharged powertrains are extremely notorious for drinking fuel if you are continuously spooling up that turbocharger, so your mileage may severely vary.