Here's How The New Mercedes CLA Is Different From The A-class Sedan

Here's How The New Mercedes CLA Is Different From The A-class Sedan

There are a few differences that are immediate by comparing the spec sheets. At 184.6 inches long and 72.0 inches wide, the new CLA is 5.5 inches longer and 1.3 inches wider than the A-class. It's also slightly shorter in height thanks to that sloping roofline. The CLA comes only in CLA250 form, with a 221-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the A-class is available only in 188-hp A220 form. The CLA also receives different suspension, steering, and stability-control tuning, But to many鈥攊ncluding some at the C/D office鈥攖he CLA and A-class are still too similar. So to really understand Mercedes' thinking behind the two cars, we sat down with Gorden Wagener, Daimler's chief of design, to gain some insight into the CLA's design process. We asked Wagener about his number-one goal in designing the new CLA, and his answer stemmed from the previous car. We then asked if there is a specific design feature on the CLA that is his favorite thing about the car, knowing that is nearly impossible for a designer to answer. Finally, we asked about the possibility of the not-for-the-U.S. CLA Shooting Brake getting a second generation. Wagener said that the current Shooting Brake model is very successful in Europe and China.

In Europe, there will be a mild hybrid version with a 48-volt belt alternator starter that supports the combustion engine and helps reduce emissions. Two high-performance AMG models will follow later this summer. The company has yet to provide details, but we can expect the AMG GLC 43 to come back with the same twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 rated at 362 horsepower. Meanwhile, the top-line AMG GLC 63 S will continue with the only V8 in the segment, namely a twin-turbo 4.0-litre unit generating 503 horsepower. Not a single tweak was made to this engine and that鈥檚 perfectly fine. In the fall, Mercedes-Benz will add the GLC 350e 4MATIC EQ plug-in hybrid model. Blessed with an electric motor that delivers 120 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, it will hit the road with a total of 315 horsepower and a whopping 516 pound-feet of torque. The 13.5-kWh lithium-ion battery should provide a range of nearly 40 kilometres in EV mode based on the more realistic North American testing protocol. All 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC models feature slightly refreshed front and rear fascias. The grille and air intakes are a little bit more sculpted and prominent鈥攎inor differences, sure, but they are nicely executed.

By the way, we only got the opportunity to test drive the GLC 300 and AMG GLC 63 S, but there are over 20 different versions and trim levels to choose from including 10 or so in Coupe configuration. New, thinner LED headlights and taillights add to the cosmetic rejuvenation of this compact SUV. Optionally, active multi-beam headlights use 84 mobile LEDs to better illuminate the road ahead as you turn the steering wheel. It鈥檚 like venturing into a dark trail with a flashlight. The GLC 300 obviously looks tamer than the AMG GLC 63 S, which sports a huge grille (either chrome or black) inspired by SL cars from the Panamericana rally. We bet many customers will opt for the Sport Package that enhances styling and adds some bite to the vehicle. Included are large front intakes, an AMG-style grille, a rear diffuser, 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, plus a set of 360-mm front and 320-mm rear discs clamped by four-piston and single-piston callipers, respectively. Inside, the list of updates is impressive and seemingly endless. There鈥檚 an available 12.3-inch digital display to replace the standard instruments and a 10.25-inch centre screen if you find the basic seven-inch screen too small.

The pair makes up the new MBUX interface that offers improved, AI-powered voice control. The centre console now features a flat and compact touchpad in lieu of the big rotary dial that used to accompany the old system. Fortunately, there is a series of physical buttons to help you navigate through the various menus. Our first contact with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC took place on the roads and highways surrounding Frankfurt. We had a blast driving the AMG GLC 63 S: rock-solid handling, powerful acceleration, addictive sound effects鈥攊t鈥檚 all there, even when the pavement is soaking wet. And you can enjoy all of that in a comfortable and superbly appointed cabin. Naturally less intense, the base GLC 300 still delivers a pretty satisfying driving experience鈥攌ind of like a softcore AMG without being too soft. We drove this same SUV on an off-road course at ADAC and it easily tackled some fairly steep climbs and banked corners. It鈥檚 a shame we won鈥檛 get the available air-spring suspension that increases ground clearance to 245 mm.

What day would you like to schedule a test drive? What time would you like to schedule a test drive? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. For the first time ever, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is available in the United States. Although the famous A-Class Hatchback won鈥檛 be sold in the U.S., the A-Class Sedan is available for Chicago drivers! The A-Class comes with tons of exciting features, including a new user interface and a turbo engine. Read on to learn more about this new Mercedes-Benz! The United States鈥?A-Class Sedan comes with a 2.0L inline-4 engine that outputs 188 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. When you drive the A-Class, you鈥檒l also enjoy features like available 4MATIC all-wheel drive and DYNAMIC SELECT, a program that offers you four driving models. These driving modes are ECO, Comfort, Sport, and Individual.