2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA facelift due in Australia third quarter

The facelifted 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA and CLA Shooting Brake have been revealed overnight with updates to exterior styling, lighting, cabin technology and engine refinements.

An Australian launch is expected in the third quarter of this year (between July-September) with local pricing and specification to be confirmed closer to the launch.

The changes largely mirror those brought to the related ‘W177’ A-Class revealed in October last year, ahead of its second quarter 2023 Australian release.

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We expect the CLA line-up to continue in Australia largely unchanged – that means we’re unlikely to see the return of the CLA Shooting Brake or introduction of plug-in hybrid models yet.

The A-Class and CLA sedan serve similar markets in Australia in competition with the Audi A3 sedan and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. Mercedes-Benz developed the CLA with the intention of making a splash in the US where the A-Class hatch isn’t sold.

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The CLA Shooting Brake is almost certainly off limits for Oz

Exterior design

Up front, Mercedes-Benz has redesigned the front bumper and grille – it now looks very similar to the updated A-Class hatch up front. Around the rear there’s a sporty new diffuser.

Adding to the aggression of the CLA are new LED headlights that are standard across the range. LED tail-lights also feature on every CLA model.

The results are a handsome update that doesn’t immediately jump out – light touch rather than full redesign. Additional new features include Hyper Blue, which is only available on CLA, and spectral blue paint colours.

Finally, there are a trio of new alloy wheel designs sized from 17- to 19-inches.

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Inside the CLA’s cabin

In Europe, the CLA is offered with a new 7.0-inch touchscreen, but since its local launch in 2019, we've always had the twin 10.25-inch widescreens.

The centre screens now run the latest version of the brand’s MBUX infotainment system with the centre console mounted touchpad banished to increase storage space. There’s a new AI-powered assistant, though it likely won’t come to Australia initially.

Adding to the tech package is the fitment of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring and optional Dolby Atmos surround sound system.

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The newly-designed Comfort seats are unlikely to come to Oz as our CLAs are – historically at least – AMG Line only. We’ll still get access to the new sports seats trimmed in a mix of man-made Artico leatherette and Microcut suedecloth upholstery.

The colour palette grows for 2023 to include sage grey, Bahia brown, titanium grey/black and red pepper/black upholstery combinations.

Mercedes-Benz has also refined the CLA’s lane-keep assist system program and updated park assist for both parallel and perpendicular spots, while adding a 360-degree camera.

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Mercedes-Benz CLA powertrains

Aussie details will be confirmed closer to the car's launch, but initially it seems that we’ll continue with a four-strong CLA range: CLA 200, CLA 250, CLA 35 and CLA 45 S.

The range will kick off with the new mild-hybrid CLA 200 with its 1.3–litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder developing the same 120kW of power – but with an extra 20Nm of torque, at 270Nm. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission remains standard.

Mercedes-Benz says the 10kW electric motor driven by the 48-volt mild-hybrid system adds power on boost, and improves turbocharger response.

The CLA 250 jumps up to a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder developing the same 165kW/350Nm and gains a 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

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AMG models treated to a little something extra

For 2023 the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 gets the same updates as the A35, meaning a redesigned front grille and bumper that adds aggression to the front end, as well as an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission in place of the old seven-speed unit.

The 225kW power figure and 400Nm torque number remain, though like the CLA 200 a 48-volt mild-hybrid system has been fitted. The CLA 45 S is unchanged under the bonnet.

There are also new alloy wheels across the CLA range. In Europe, the standard is 18-inch 10-spoke items, but it’s likely that here we’ll only be served up-spec 19-inch rims in a five twin-spoke design for A35 in various colours.

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Inside, both AMG CLAs get the new twin-spoke AMG steering wheel with capacitive touch buttons on the spokes.

The new A45 S Street Style follows on from the A45 S Street Style with matte grey paintwork, decals outside with bright orange highlights that are reflected in the cabin’s suedecloth seats with orange contrast trim elements.

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Pricing and availability

The new CLA is due to hit Australia in the third quarter of 2023 (between July and September), likely in the same four-strong range as before.

Pricing is unconfirmed, but we can expect the ask to go up from the current $67,189 before on-road costs for the base CLA 200.