The Mercedes-Benz CLA was a success story when it launched in 2015 at a price of less than $30,000 The new CLA is finally here, after a half-decade of being largely unchanged. Although the core values of the original CLA are still intact, the new CLA is sharper, stronger, slightly larger and more expensive.
How does the CLA compare to the Sedan? These two cars appear to be one and the exact same on the surface. You’ll be able to see the differences between them if you dig deeper. You can see the differences between the A-Class Sedan and the new CLA.
These two cars are identical, except for the CLA’s orange and black AMG-esque launch trim. The CLA is the bigger of the two. It measures 184.6 inches in length and 72.0 inches width, while the A-Class Sedan measures 179.1 inches and 70.7 inches respectively. However, the CLA is not as tall vertically: 56.7 inches against 56.9 inches.
The CLA is not just bigger, but it also has some visual tweaks that Mercedes-loving enthusiasts may be able to point. For one, the headlights on the CLA aren’t as sharp or slim as those on A-Class sedans. They have a distinct look thanks to the slight protrusion just underneath the main bulb. The CLA’s Hood is also more aggressive. It has two “bulges”, which gives it more character than the A-Class Sedan’s flat hood.
The grille is almost identical to the A-Class Sedan, and features the large Mercedes-Benz logo at the center. Except for minor modifications to the form of the inserts, the side vents as well as the larger lower vent are almost identical.
The new CLA is located in the back, where it stands out more clearly from the A-Class Sedan. The CLA’s taillights are similar to the larger CLS’s, but have a more flowing shape than the A-Class Sedans bulkier and larger units that don’t fit as well into the trunkline. The rear diffusers are different. The A-Class Sedan uses a more streamlined diffuser, while the CLA sticks to flat, smooth lines. Both cars feature dual exhaust tips
Similar profiles can be found in the CLA and A-Class Sedan. The CLA’s dimensions are similar, but the CLA’s is shorter and has a sloped “coupe-like” styling that makes it more compact. The CLA has fewer lines than the A-Class Sedan, which has a visible beltline running from the front headlight up to the taillight. However, the CLA has almost no beltline.
Other than that, the A-Class Sedan’s and CLA’s wheels are almost identical in high-spoke, glossy black finish (at least in this trim). The overall shape of the doors is the same.
Although there are some differences between the A-Class Sedan Sedan and CLA from the outside, it is impossible to distinguish the two cabins. The interior of the A-Class Sedan is identical to the new CLA, from the flat-bottomed steering column to the trio centrally located air vents to the optional 10.3 inch MBUX infotainment systems.