New Mercedes-Benz CLA spotted during winter testing

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has been spotted once more, this time in northern Europe, undergoing the customary-and consistently demanding-winter testing programme.

Previewed several months ago by the Concept CLA displayed by the German brand at the 2023 Munich Motor Show, the next CLA will set the direction for Mercedes-Benz’s future compact-model line-up. This range will be comprehensively reshaped and renamed Entry Luxury.

As previously reported, the German giant will significantly “cut” its compact-model offering, reducing the current range from seven models to four. The A-Class, for instance, is unlikely to avoid this “cut”.

The new CLA will therefore serve as the flagship for this fresh generation of Mercedes-Benz compact cars. It will also be the first model to introduce the new MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) platform.

The “secret” lies in the platform

Although the MMA platform has been developed chiefly for all-electric vehicles, it will also accommodate plug-in hybrid and combustion-only versions. This will, naturally, considerably broaden the range of versions available for the new Mercedes-Benz CLA.

The fully electric model is expected to command the greatest attention, and it is the version shown in this article. There is also a possibility that it could receive its own name. Rather than CLA, it may be called EQA or EQA Saloon, distinguishing it from the crossover that already uses the same name.

Despite its heavy camouflage, this is clearly the electric version, thanks to its almost completely sealed front end and the unmistakable absence of exhaust outlets.

Even so, its profile still reveals the shapes seen on the Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA, with a roofline that gives it a coupé-like appearance, as is also the case with the current generation.

Another feature the camouflage fails to conceal is the front lighting arrangement: the headlamps appear to be linked by an LED light bar, as on the current EQ family models. It remains to be seen whether this detail will also be used on non-electric variants.

The rear appears to follow the same approach, with the camouflage cut-outs seemingly placed to hide the horizontal LED strip joining the two rear lights.

What about the interior?

This set of spy photographs also provides a glimpse of the cabin, although very little can be made out.

Alongside all the safety measures typical of development prototypes, particularly all-electric ones, the notable feature is a multimedia layout that appears to combine two horizontal displays: one for the instruments and another for infotainment.

However, the fully covered section in front of the front passenger seat could indicate the presence of a third screen. This is the arrangement seen, for example, in the MBUX Hyperscreen system fitted to the Mercedes-Benz EQS and EQS SUV.

That possibility becomes even more convincing when looking at the CLA Concept interior, which features exactly three screens positioned side by side. Take a look:

When will the new Mercedes-Benz CLA arrive?

The final production version of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA is not expected to be unveiled until late 2024 or early 2025.

There is also a possibility that the German manufacturer will not reveal the CLA and the EQA (or EQA Saloon) at the same time.