2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA Facelift Debuts with More Power and Updated Look

Mercedes-Benz’s sportier four-door range, the CLA, has been updated for the 2024 year model, bringing in slightly updated look, tuned-up powertrain, as well as improved cabin and tech. This mid-life refreshment will take effect on both the CLA Coupe and CLA Shooting Brake, as well as its performance-oriented AMG counterparts, the CLA AMG 35 and 45 S.

The CLA-class range’s entry point comes in two models, namely the front-wheel-drive (FWD) CLA 250 and the all-wheel-drive (AWD) CLA 250 4MATIC. Both models will retain the standard 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cyl mill, now producing up to 224 HP and 350 NM. Said power improvement is due to the addition of a 48-volt electrical system with a belt-driven starter-generator which grants it an additional 10 kW (13 HP), while providing smoother driving transition from engine stop to go.

For the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, both the CLA 250e and CLA250e 4MATIC are bestowed with an improved high-voltage battery pack that grants both models with greater all-electric travel range from 68 to 82 KM. Apart from increased capacity, the hybrid system is also being granted with a better AC charging rate of 11 kW, instead of the previous 7.4 kW.

Both PHEV models will retain the 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cyl engine, while its electric motor has been upgraded from 75 kW to 80 kW – thus resulting in a combined output of 218 HP and 450 NM.

In terms of design, the CLA-Class range receives an updated nose design, as well as a reworked front fascia. The standard diamond-pin grille is being replaced with a more stylish 3-pointed-star pattern grille, finished in chrome. Flanking the new front grille is a pair of LED high-performance headlights with new graphics inside the lamps.

Both the front ‘splitter’ and rear ‘diffuser’ have been reworked, giving both the Coupe and Shooting Brake models a much sportier and less ‘executive’ look. All refreshed CLA models will be fitted with a set of 17-inch alloy wheels with two designs to choose from – five-spoke alloy design finished in Vanadium Silver, or five-double-spoke design finished in High-Gloss Black.

Aside from body parts upgrade, the refreshed CLA will also get two new colourways, namely the Hyper Blue and Starling Blue.

Upon entering the 2024 CLA models, drivers and passengers will be greeted with a new 10.25-inch infotainment display, powered by the latest MBUX software. Aside from the standard steering wheel, a heated version is also offered as an add-on option, both finished in Nappa leather.  Customers will get to choose a slew of cabin trim options, including  a dark carbon-look material, open-pore brown linden wood, and brown microfiber. For audiophiles, there’s also an optional Burmester sound system upgrade, with Dolby Atmos functionality built-in.

Apart from the updated Driver Assistance Package, the new CLA also comes standard with Parking Package which includes a 360-degree camera view.

Moving on to its performance-oriented twin, the 2024 CLA’s AMG lineup still comprises of the 35 and 45 S models. Just like the standard CLA, the facelifted AMG CLA 35 also gains a 48-volt electrical system with belt-driven starter-generator. 

After gaining an additional 10 kW of power due to said electrical system, the CLA 35’s AMG-tuned 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cyl mill now produces 306 HP and 400 NM. Said powertrain now hooks up with an AMG Speedshift eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), rather than the current seven-speed gearbox.

The updated AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+, on the other hand, gains a power upgrade, as its AMG-built 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cyl engine is now delivering 421 HP and 500 NM. Mated with the same AMG Speedshift DCT 8G gearbox as the CLA 35, the 45 S is capable of going from nought to 100 KM/H in 4.1 seconds.

Speaking of design, both the AMG models also receive a new front fascia, with both its headlights and taillights now having revised graphics inside them. The refreshed 45 S model has been bestowed with the AMG Aerodynamics Package Plus that adds a fixed rear wing, for both style and better aerodynamics.

The CLA 35 is primed with three different wheel designs. The standard option consists of ten-spoke 18-inch wheels finished in High-Gloss Black and machined surface, while the 19-inch options have five pairs of spokes with either machined surfaces or a machined rim finish.

Meanwhile the CLA 45 S comes standard with a set of 19-inch AMG light alloy wheels with five-dual-spoke design, finished in matte black and gloss-turned rim flange. There’s also an option to upgrade the standard wheels for the 19-inch AMG forged wheels with cross-spoke design, also painted matte black with a high-sheen turned rim flange – available via the Street Style Edition package.

Both the AMG models’ cabins are coming with new upholstery options, where customers can opt for either the Sage Grey and Black MB-Tex combo, or the Red and Black leather combo. Adding some panache to the rather sporty cabin is the open-pore brown linden wood trim. 

Topping off the AMG models’ cabin amenities is the updated sporty steering wheel, now coming with two stacked spokes at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions that are laden with buttons and controls.

The whole revised CLA model will be on sale in the US later this year, with its pricing later to be unveiled. Adding some local context, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia currently offers only one CLA model for our local market, namely the AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ coupe model. Fully-imported (CBU) from Mercedes-Benz’s Kecskemet plant in Hungary, the CLA 45 is currently priced at RM495,888 sans insurance.