2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA revealed – 416bhp CLA45 S guns for Audi RS3

Mercedes-Benz has given its CLA coupe and shooting brake a refresh both inside and out for 2023, with new standard equipment, design tweaks and new hybrid technology available across the range. Sound familiar? It should, the changes mirror those of the updates confirmed to the A35 and A45 in October. UK pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed, but expect them to start around £48,00 for the CLA35 and from £65,000 for the CLA45 models.

Hybrid assistance is now available on CLA models, with electrification available on the warm CLA35 for the first time. Powered by a 48-volt electrical system, the model features a belt-driven starter-generator for a temporary 14bhp power bump and an increase in efficiency through improved coasting ability and energy recuperation. Besides a new radiator for improved cooling, the 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder remains the same, sending 302bhp and 295lb ft of torque to all four wheels as before. Performance figures are identical to the outgoing car as a result, with 0-62mph achieved in 4.9sec, two tenths down on its A35 sibling, with top speed coming at 155mph.

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The range-topping CLA45 S goes without hybrid assistance, its M139 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder retaining its 415bhp and 369lb ft of torque, enough for a 4.1sec 0-62mph time and 167mph top speed regardless of body style.

The CLA’s overall design remains familiar, with only mild changes to the bumpers and light units front and rear, with the front grille and rear diffuser also receiving mild changes. Most significant is the new standard kit, with LED lights now fitted to all models, alongside the likes of Highbeam Assist and reversing cameras.

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Inside, each model has a 7 and 10.25-inch display as standard running the latest MBUX infotainment system with refreshed dash designs and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. At a cost, the smaller 7-inch display can be uprated to 10.25, with additional USB connectivity and illuminated ports now standard. 

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Both the CLA35 and CLA45 S will now be available with more options than before, with the standard sports and optional AMG Performance seats now available in Bahia brown, Sage grey/black and Red pepper/black combinations. The CLA45 S ‘AMG Street Style Edition’ is also new for 2023, bringing exclusive matte grey paintwork, AMG decals, fluorescent orange highlights and more standard kit to the model.

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In the standard range, the plug-in CLA 250e receives a larger 5kW battery pack and an increase in electric-only output to 107bhp, making for a total output of 215bhp and 332lb ft of torque when combined with its 1.3-litre four-cylinder. Further down the range there’s the 134bhp CLA 180, rising to the 221bhp CLA 250 4MATIC. Three black pump models are also available; the CLA 180 d, CLA 200 d and CLA 220 d.

UK pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed, but expect order books to open in the coming months.