2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class updated, but cheap base model not for UAE

Mercedes-Benz’s sub-compact four-door sedan, the CLA-Class, has served as the entry point to the German giant’s desirable sedan range since 2013. A new 2018 model of this well-accepted compact front-wheel-drive-based 4-door wannabe-coupe comes with a host of changes.

Up front, the new LED lamps along with a few changes in the bumper hone the design for another year. As Mercedes claims, the new LED headlamps are easier on human eyes as the color temperature is closer to that of daylight than xenon headlamps. The CLA retains the sporty four-door coupe profile with the new alloy wheel design being the only change. The rear tail lights feature an automatic intensity control feature which reduces the glare for vehicles behind the CLA.

A new 8-inch multimedia screen is a free-standing unit that comes with a new glass covering. The multimedia system also supports Apple CarPlay for iPhone integration. Other changes to the interior include new seat covers, updated trim bits and chrome plated controls.

The engine options on the new CLA start with the 156 hp 1.6-litre inline-4 in the CLA 200 and the 211 hp 2.0-litre inline-4 in the CLA 250 4Matic to the 2.0-litre turbo petrol in the CLA 45 AMG that dishes out 380 hp and 475 Nm.

The base CLA is priced at the equivalent of Dhs 93,000 (US$ 25,450) for the CLA 200 variant, but it will only be available in Lebanon. For the rest of the models, including UAE and GCC, prices start at Dhs 157,000 (US$ 42,850) for the CLA 250 and Dhs 245,000 (US$ 66,500) for the CLA 45 AMG.