2020 Mercedes-Benz Debuts the 2020 CLA Class At CES With Fresh Tech

Rather than pulling the sheets at a traditional car show like Detroit, Merc decided to drop its new CLA Class in Vegas at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show, debuting the new fun-loving compact alongside a host of fresh interior tech that’s sure to grab some eyeballs at the gadget-laden event.

The 2020 CLA Class Has Arrived, And It’s Stuffed With New Technology

So why drop a new sedan at an electronics show?

Well, not only is CES becoming more and more important for automakers with every passing season, but given the CLA’s overarching focus on technology for the 2020 model year, it seems like a very smart move to introduce the car alongside all of Merc’s latest gadgets for the geeks to ogle in Vegas.

Indeed, Mercedes points out that CLA owners are around 10 years younger than the “typical” Mercedes buyer.

With that in mind, the CLA’s interior was designed specifically with a younger buyer in mind, and comes with a freestanding display screen and tons of cutting-edge features. Chief among them is the new MBUX Interior Assist, which includes support for gesture control, augmented reality, and voice command. This latest edition of MBUX is also equipped to handle complex questions and requests from passengers, and can discern between multiple speakers at the same time if there’s an ongoing conversation in the cabin.

There’s even something called Energizing Coach, which provides fitness suggestions for passengers.

	2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA	2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA	Difference
Max. headroom, front	1023 mm	1006 mm	17 mm
Headroom, rear	908 mm	905 mm	3 mm
Legroom, front	1062 mm	1063 mm	-1 mm
Legroom, rear	861 mm	860 mm	1 mm
Elbow room, front	1457 mm	1422 mm	35 mm
Elbow room, rear	1454 mm	1410 mm	44 mm
Shoulder room, front	1400 mm	1391 mm	9 mm
Shoulder room, rear	1372 mm	1350 mm	22 mm
Load compartment width max.	1444 mm	1331 mm	113 mm
Load compartment depth max.	1054 mm	1030 mm	24 mm
Width of load compartment opening	891 mm	629 mm	262 mm
Boot capacity	460 L	470 L	-10 L
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However, more important are the Intelligent Drive driver assists, which features like Active Distance Assist Distronic through the optional Driving Assistance Package. Meanwhile, simpler features like Active Brake Assist come as standard.

In terms of styling, we think the new CLA looks pretty damn good. We’re digging the classic diamond radiator grille, as well as the long hood line and rear-biased body proportions. Up front, Multibeam LED headlights are offered as optional equipment. Wheel sizing ranges between 16 and 19 inches in diameter.

However, Merc says the updates aren’t just for aesthetic purposes. Helping it achieve that figure are new wheel arch spoilers, more aerodynamic wheel designs, a two-piece shutter for the radiator grille, and complete underbody paneling. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.3 to 6.1 liters per 100 km.

The CLA should be fun in the corners as well, as it offers a wider track front and back, plus a lower center of gravity, both of which promise a sportier drive overall. Further handling prowess can be had with the optional active adaptive dampeners.

	2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA	2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA	Difference
Length	4688 mm	4640 mm	48 mm
Width	1830 mm	1777 mm	53 mm
Width incl. exterior mirrors	1999 mm	2032 mm	-33 mm
Height	1439 mm	1441 mm	-2 mm
Wheelbase	2729 mm	2699 mm	30 mm
Front track	1612 mm	1549 mm	63 mm
Rear track	1602 mm	1547 mm	55 mm

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Additional engine options (including diesels overseas) plus an AWD drivetrain will be offered at a later date.

For its first year on the market, the CLA will be offered as the Edition 1, which comes with a host of unique bits both inside and out. So if you want one with all the trimmings, now’s the time to grab it.