Mercedes-Benz just released its final teaser for the next-gen CLA-Class on its social media, confirming its arrival on March 13, 2025. The new Baby Benz has been in the works for quite some time, and is gearing up to be one of the automaker’s biggest debuts this year to replace the current C118.
Today’s CLA has been with us since 2019, making it about six years old this year. It’s due for a next-gen model, as the typical series production lifecycle for most Mercedes-Benz cars these days ranges between six and eight years. Along with a new design, we expect the new C119 CLA-Class to sport new technology, a broader range of powertrains, and further substantial updates. Here’s what we’re anticipating.
The CLA-Class Will Stick To Its Baby CLS/Baby Benz Formula
When the C117 CLA-Class debuted back in 2013, it broke ground as the Stuttgart-based automaker’s all-new entry-level model for the North American market. Previously, the C-Class, or the successor to the original “Baby Benz,” the W201 190-Class, was the brand’s entry point. But ever since Mercedes wanted to reach downmarket and make its cars more accessible — all so that customers could eventually graduate to a more expensive E-Class, S-Class, or other higher-end model — the company introduced the CLA as an appealing way for younger buyers to enter the brand.
The C-Class has also gotten more expensive and bigger, outgrowing its original mission as the company’s entry-level model. To offset its move upmarket, Mercedes introduced the CLA-Class. In Europe, buyers can opt for the standard A-Class sedan.
As we’ve seen from past teasers and spy shots of test mules, the new CLA will retain its four-door coupe shape, similar to the larger and more expensive CLS. But the new model will seemingly take on a design that’s more reminiscent of the AMG GT four-door sedan. There are also some subtle hints of Mercedes’ electric EQ design incorporated into the CLA.
The New CLA Will Be Available In ICE And EV Versions
As we learned from past reporting and other teased bits from Mercedes-Benz, the new CLA will be available with both internal-combustion and all-electric power, with a gas-electric hybrid version in between. This is part of Mercedes’ new product strategy and “multi-energy” approach, similar to what other automakers are doing.
The premise of the “multi-energy” approach is a result of automakers, like Mercedes-Benz, backpedaling from their full-electrification initiatives since sales haven’t truly taken off. Sales of EVs have been lukewarm due to inconsistent and unreliable charging infrastructure, concerns about range anxiety, and high initial costs of entry.
Because EVs aren’t really selling as well as many had hoped, automakers are refocusing on improving internal combustion technology while also leveraging the best of both worlds with hybrid powertrains. The CLA will be one of Mercedes’ first cars to adopt this multi-energy approach. The idea being, the same car will be available with multiple forms of propulsion, giving buyers the option to choose what’s best for them, rather than forcing them into one type of powertrain.
Rumor has it that the new CLA will get new standard four-cylinder engines from Geely, one of Mercedes’ collaborative partners in China. However, these rumors have yet to be confirmed.
The CLA Will Usher In M-B’s Latest Infotainment Tech
In another report, word has it that the CLA will also get MB’s next-generation ADAS tech, which is being developed in cooperation with Chinese-based startup Momenta. The new systems will provide a new level of intelligent and autonomous-like driving assist functions. It’ll also feature Mercedes’ latest artificial intelligence-based MB.OS for the car’s next-gen MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User eXperience) infotainment and cockpit interface.
One of these apparent new features is called City Pilot-Assisted Driving tech. It’ll utilize Nvidia’s latest Orin X microprocessors and will power everything from the car’s automatic emergency braking and collision mitigation systems, pedestrian and traffic detection, blind-spot and lane-change monitoring, and radar-guided cruise control.
Momenta and Mercedes-Benz agreed to work together back in 2021, after Momenta established itself in 2017.
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