Mercedes-Benz CLA 2023: new tech, design tweaks and more power for PHEV variants

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Mercedes-Benz has revealed its facelifted CLA coupe and shooting brake for 2023 that will see several enhancements to standard technology and specification, as well as slight cosmetic differences over the previous iteration.

For overseas markets, the CLA coupe and shooting brake have also received updates to their plug-in hybrid powertrains, with slightly more electric power than before. 

The CLA features a tweaked front and rear design, along with high performance LED headlights, a leather steering wheel and a 10.25-inch infotainment display included as standard. 

While the specification could differ in Australia, both coupe and shooting brake body styles are offered overseas with 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels available in either silver or gloss black. 

Chasing Cars has reached out to Mercedes-Benz Australia to confirm when the facelifted CLA models could come to Australian shores. We will update this story if we receive word. 

The plug-in hybrid variant of the CLA has not been confirmed for Australia. Currently, the CLA is offered in Australia with four variants and in petrol guise only: CLA200, CLA250 4Matic, AMG CLA35 4Matic and AMG CLA45 S 4Matic+. 

More standard specifications to come to CLA

Mercedes-Benz says that the facelifted CLA coupe and shooting brake will now contain a double screen as standard that incorporates a 7.0-inch driving instrument cluster with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. Dual 10.25-inch touchscreens are available as an option. 

Other new standard features include a Nappa leather steering wheel, comfort seats made with black Artico man-made leather, high beam assist, a reversing camera and a USB connectivity package. 

The CLA’s technology has been upgraded, too, with a three-mode MBUX system, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto standard.

Available powertrains for the Mercedes-Benz CLA 

Globally, the updated CLA is available with both petrol and diesel engines, with the petrol models featuring a mild-hybrid system. The 48-volt system aids engine start up, and can provide 10kW more power. 

Work has been done to improve the capabilities of the CLA’s plug-in hybrid variants that feature a 120kW/270Nm 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with an 80kW electric motor. An 15.6kWh battery pack is installed to assist the hybrid powertrain. 

Mercedes-Benz says that it has improved electric motor power by just 5kW, however it can now be charged at up to 11kW AC, rather than the previous limit of 7.4kW. DC power is able to charge up to 22kW. 

Updates for AMG versions of the CLA 

The Mercedes-AMG CLA35 and 45 models will gain new headlights and tail lights for 2023, along with an AMG performance steering wheel as standard. The CLA35 variant will also gain an AMG-specific radiator grille and a 48-volt electrical system standard as part of the facelift. 

The special limited edition variant of the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 4Matic+ will be available this year called the ‘street style edition’. 

The style edition includes:

• Fluorescent orange exterior accents
• 19-inch alloy wheels in five-twin-spoke design
• Red painted brake callipers 
• AMG aerodynamics package 
• AMG night package 
• AMG fuel filler cap 

The AMG CLA 45 is powered by a 310kW/500Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is capable of propelling the coupe and shooting brake to 100km/h in a claimed 4.1 seconds.