New CLA saloon kicks off Merc line-up rethink

Compact car range will be slimmed to just four models in EV and mild-hybrid forms, starting with a four-door CLA that's due to be unveiled this year

- GREG KABLE

Mercedes-Benz is preparing to take on the Tesla Model 3 with an all-new third generation CLA that offers the choice of in-house-developed electric and mild-hybrid petrol drivetrains.

The new four-door coupé-style saloon is set to be previewed in concept car guise at the Munich motor show in September prior to a planned start to UK sales in early 2025.

As part of recent moves to simplify the naming of Mercedes-Benz’s models, the new CLA is expected to retain its traditional name in both pure-electric and combustion-engined forms, rather than adopt the EQ sub-branding given to electric models today.

It is among four new ‘Entry Luxury’ models pencilled in for launch by Mercedes-Benz over the next three years as part of a comprehensive restructuring of its compact car line-up under its ‘Electric First’ strategy.

In a major shift in emphasis towards higher-positioned models, Mercedes-Benz says it will reduce the number of compact models from the seven it offers today to just four by the end of 2026.

This move will result in the axing of the existing combustion-engined A-Class hatchback, the standard-wheelbase A-Class saloon, the Chinese-built long-wheelbase A-Class saloon and the B-Class MPV.

In the revamped compact car line-up, the new CLA saloon will be joined by successors to the CLA Shooting Brake, the GLA/EQA crossover and the GLB/EQB SUV. All four models are set to be produced in both electric and petrol guises at Mercedes-Benz factories in Rastatt, Germany, and Kecskemét, Hungary.