Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé range opens with CLA 200 from sub-$60k

A sharper new design, more interior space and meaningful technology upgrades highlight the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé.

Available now in Australia, the CLA 200 is priced from $59,500 plus on-road costs. The new entry-level model into the CLA range kicks off a model rollout that will expand to include both the CLA 250 4MATIC and Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC early in Q4 2019. The potent AMG CLA 45 S with 310kW and 500Nm is also on the way, expected to join the line-up in Q1 2020.

The new CLA Coupé is substantially larger in its footprint than the model it replaces, and correspondingly roomier inside. It is 48 millimetres longer and 53mm wider, and wheelbase increases by 30mm.

Inside, despite a 2mm decrease in overall height, front headroom increases by 17mm and rear headroom by 3mm.

The CLA 200 Coupé features a direct-injected and turbocharged 1.3-litre, four-cylinder engine sending 120kW and 250Nm to the front wheels via a 7G-DCT seven-speed automatic.

Key features include eye-catching AMG Line exterior styling as standard, sports seats in Artico/Dynamica upholstery, the MBUX multimedia interface with two customisable 10.25-inch digital widescreens, ambient lighting featuring 64 colours, DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto integration with wireless smartphone charging, steering wheel shift paddles, and 18-inch AMG alloy wheels.

Standard convenience features include keyless entry and start, Active Parking Assist including a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines and 180° wide-angle visibility, plus automatic LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

A comprehensive suite of standard safety equipment across the range includes nine airbags, Active Brake Assist with semi-autonomous braking function, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Blind Spot Assist with exit warning assistant, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, and the PRE-SAFE accident anticipation system.

The optional Vision Package, which includes MULTIBEAM LED headlights, Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS, a panoramic electric sunroof and Parking Package HIGH featuring 360° camera, adds $2490 (MRLP). The Communications Package adds a 12-speaker premium Burmester surround sound system and Heads-Up Display for $2490 (MRLP), while the Exclusive Package featuring black open-pore wood trim, climatised front seats, Lugano leather upholstery and the ENERGIZING Comfort Control system adds $2990.