Cars

Stylish Mercedes CLA Hybrid soars to new heights

L’Officiel Arabia samples Mercedes-Benz’s eye-catching new CLA Hybrid via a memorable drive from Innsbruck to the picturesque ski resort Hochgurgl ski resort, perched at an altitude of 2150m.

Ever since its 2013 debut, Mercedes-Benz’s stylish CLA has hit the sweet spot for buyers seeking panache and practicality in equal measure.

Mercedes has continued to evolve the recipe over the past 12 years, and the German carmaker recently rolled out an all-new third-generation model of its compact, coupe-mimicking four-door.

The newcomer is due on sale in our market in early 2026, but L’Officiel Arabia was the first media outlet in the UAE to get an early taste of the vehicle, as we travelled to Austria for the third-gen model’s international launch drive.

Mercedes makes bold claims of the newcomer, promising “more refinement, more comfort, more intelligence, more efficiency, and more drivetrain flexibility compared to its predecessor”.

We can confirm that these claims are largely true, as the new CLA offers an impressive level of on-road composure, and the standard of presentation – both inside and out – are befitting a car that wears the three-pointed star.

It’s not hard to distinguish the latest CLA from its predecessor as the fresh design language and sleeker profile clearly differentiate it from the oldie. With its athletic proportions and illuminated radiator grille, the newbie has a pleasing stance on the road.

If you tick the box for the optional MULTIBEAM LED headlights, you get daytime running lights that form star motifs and the taillights are also star-shaped and connected by an illuminated design element.

There’s plenty of scope for customisation with AMG Line, Night Package and AMG Line Plus packages on offer to cater to different tastes. The AMG Line has been the biggest seller in our region, adding exterior features that include 18-inch alloy wheels, a sporty AMG-specific bumper and a chrome splitter and a distinctive rear apron.

When the door is opened, drivers are greeted with an animated light show on the ground featuring a star pattern. Inside the AMG Line models, there are sporty accents such as a sports leather steering wheel with a flattened rim, red contrast stitching in the door panels, sport seats in black ARTICO/MICROCUT and AMG sport pedals in brushed stainless steel with black rubber studs.

Propulsion for the new CLA is provided by a cutting-edge 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with mild hybrid assist. The engine is offered with three power levels as the entry-level CLA 180 puts out 136hp, rising to 163hp in the CLA 200 and 190hp in the range-topping CLA 220.

All models are equipped with a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, making for smooth and easy driving characteristics both around town and out on the open road.

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The CLA’s cabin is a pleasant place to be with the large panoramic roof making for an airy ambience inside. This one-piece fixed glass roof extends seamlessly from the windscreen frame to the rear, providing an almost unobstructed view of the sky – and mountains in the case of our drive to Hochgurgl today.

Interior highlights include an optional floating MBUX Superscreen that extends across the entire interior width. Behind a large glass surface are a 10.25-inch driver display, 14-inch infotainment touchscreen and 14-inch front passenger display.

The extensive infotainment offering for the front passenger includes over 40 apps, video streaming and direct access to Disney+. All displays are powered by state-of-the-art, high-performance chips and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine.

We also applaud the return of return of tactile roller and rocker switches on the new multifunction steering wheel, improving ergonomics and intuitive operation.