Model Preview
With the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class set to enter its fourth model year on sale since a full redesign, we believe the compact luxury car will arrive without any major changes for 2023. Mercedes has introduced a new Mercedes-AMG CLA45 Edition 55 to commemorate AMG’s 55th anniversary. Only 55 units of the CLA45 Edition 55 will be available in the U.S.
As a carryover model, the 2023 CLA is expected to share the same overall design as the current sedan that’s on sale. The CLA sports a coupe-like design with a sloping roofline, an expansive rear window, and a blunt rear end. Despite being a subcompact, the CLA features bold lines that are found on some of Mercedes’ more expensive vehicles. The CLA’s front end has sharp headlights, a large oval grille, large air intakes, and a ridged hood.
With large screens that dominate the dashboard, the current CLA has a tech-forward design. To keep the dashboard as streamlined as possible, the CLA has a slim row of buttons for the HVAC on the lower part of the center console, while a touchpad with a few physical controls are located by the center console storage compartment. Circular air vents, premium materials, and a similar overall design to more expensive vehicles in the Mercedes lineup result in an interior that feels upscale. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA should have the same design as the current model that’s on sale.
We don’t expect to see any changes to the 2023 CLA’s list of tech features for the upcoming model year. Standard features should include a 7-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and five USB ports. Available features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a Burmester audio system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, navigation, and a wireless charging pad.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA will be available with three different engines. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 221 horsepower should be standard. A more powerful version of the engine is found in the AMG CLA35 that’s rated at 302 hp. The range-topping AMG CLA45 comes with an even more powerful version of the turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s hand-built. It generates 382 hp. The two lower versions of the four-cylinder come with a seven-speed automatic transmission, while the AMG CLA45 comes with an eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is available.
Standard safety features should carry over unchanged for the 2023 model year. The current CLA comes with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a driver attention monitor, and crosswind assist as standard. Available safety features include lane change assist, lane-keeping assist, parallel park assist, adaptive cruise control, rear cross alert, evasive steering assist, and a surround-view parking camera.
Pricing & Release Date
Pricing for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will start at $39,850 including destination and go up to $56,950. The subcompact sedan is expected to go on sale in the U.S. this fall.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA will compete against the BMW 2-Series, Audi A3, Acura Integra, and Cadillac CT4.
Pictured: 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class