I had some time after lunch today so I dropped by the local MB dealer to check out the 2020 CLA models. They only had two of them available both in the hideous taxi cab yellow. Here are just some random thoughts and first impressions.
Exterior Design -
I didn't like the 2nd gen as much as the original when I saw the pictures. The original CLA had this charm and look that just screamed "buy me" when it launched. The 2020 model is growing on me but it doesn't have the same pizzaz as the when the original launched. However I must admit the 2nd gen design does grow on you. It's a much better looking car in person and the front end does look a bit more aggressive than the old one with a lower stance and slimmer headlights. The side profile looks similar but is a bit more subdued since it loses some character lines of the original. The 2020 model truly looks like a mini CLS from the rear and side which I guess is not a bad thing considering the CLS is going to cost you around 80-95k+. Overall I think the exterior design is a wash. I might just be a bit biased though since i loved the original. I think over time the 2nd gen model will end up making the original look a bit dated.
Interior Design
The interior design is where the new model drastically changes. I'm sure everyone has seen the numerous online reviews praising the A class interior. The CLA has the exact same interior. Design wise it's a bit polarizing since I'm not a fan of a screen for the gauge cluster. But where the new model hands down is a class above the original CLA is the interior materials, build quality and the overall fit and finish. Even though the lower interior still has plenty of plastic, it's a nicer sturdier soft touch plastic. None of the cheaper hollow feeling of the original center console and lower dash. The overall finish, soft touch plastic, leather covered dash, button materials, etc, etc is definitely a huge step up over the original. The interior truly feels like a upscale merecedes in terms of materials and build quality. I didnt like the interior from the pictures but after sitting in one, yes the new car has a much nicer interior. Still need to get used to a LCD screen as a gauge cluster though. Speaking of dual screens the premium package is now a must!
PREMIUM PACKAGE IS A MUST- regarding the dual screen dash - the standard model with the 7" displays is no longer passable mainly because the gauge cluster is now a digital screen. Where the first gen had an actual analog tack and speedometer with a info screen in the middle the new model gives you a tiny 7" screen that feels cluttered, looks way too small and has the biggest empty black borders you will see in a car today. I dont understand how mercedes doesn't put the dual 10" screens as standard with the new design. Or at the minimum the gauge cluster portion should have the full res 10" display as standard with the infotainment/navi screen being an option like before. If anyone is considering the new CLA - definitely get the upgraded display.. Trust me on this one. You will definitely regret it if you have to look at a tiny gauge cluster every time you drive the car.
Technology - no need to get into this. I didn't play with the new system too much but the technology like all the reviews online is of course class leading and pretty damn nifty.
MY BIGGEST GRIPE - Some people may not care about this one but my biggest gripe on an overall pretty awesome car is the FAKE EXHAUST. Yes, if you dont know already the new CLA has dual exhaust cut outs in the bumper but both exhaust are completely FAKE. The exhaust pipe is not connected and is pointing down under the bumper. The dual exhausts you see has a plastic covering behind it. It looks STUPID and I cant understand why mercedes would do this. They are even starting to do this on their higher end models as well but at least some of those have a open cut out with the exhaust pipe still behind the bumper. The first gen CLA regardless of which model you got at least had real chrome exhaust tips.
VALUE - There is a lot more as standard now (LED lights, 18" wheels, pano roof, MBUX, etc) but the price of course increased quite a bit. With the premium package which is a must in my opinion your cheapest CLA is going to be right around 40-42k. Overall still a great value. The first gen after you add in the pano roof, LED lights, upgraded wheels and premium package you were also right around 38-40k so the price increase is as drastic as it seems on paper. So this is probably still going to be my next car next year.
Oh yeah one more thing.... the GAP IS STILL THERE!! Long live the infamous GAP!
Exterior Design -
I didn't like the 2nd gen as much as the original when I saw the pictures. The original CLA had this charm and look that just screamed "buy me" when it launched. The 2020 model is growing on me but it doesn't have the same pizzaz as the when the original launched. However I must admit the 2nd gen design does grow on you. It's a much better looking car in person and the front end does look a bit more aggressive than the old one with a lower stance and slimmer headlights. The side profile looks similar but is a bit more subdued since it loses some character lines of the original. The 2020 model truly looks like a mini CLS from the rear and side which I guess is not a bad thing considering the CLS is going to cost you around 80-95k+. Overall I think the exterior design is a wash. I might just be a bit biased though since i loved the original. I think over time the 2nd gen model will end up making the original look a bit dated.
Interior Design
The interior design is where the new model drastically changes. I'm sure everyone has seen the numerous online reviews praising the A class interior. The CLA has the exact same interior. Design wise it's a bit polarizing since I'm not a fan of a screen for the gauge cluster. But where the new model hands down is a class above the original CLA is the interior materials, build quality and the overall fit and finish. Even though the lower interior still has plenty of plastic, it's a nicer sturdier soft touch plastic. None of the cheaper hollow feeling of the original center console and lower dash. The overall finish, soft touch plastic, leather covered dash, button materials, etc, etc is definitely a huge step up over the original. The interior truly feels like a upscale merecedes in terms of materials and build quality. I didnt like the interior from the pictures but after sitting in one, yes the new car has a much nicer interior. Still need to get used to a LCD screen as a gauge cluster though. Speaking of dual screens the premium package is now a must!
PREMIUM PACKAGE IS A MUST- regarding the dual screen dash - the standard model with the 7" displays is no longer passable mainly because the gauge cluster is now a digital screen. Where the first gen had an actual analog tack and speedometer with a info screen in the middle the new model gives you a tiny 7" screen that feels cluttered, looks way too small and has the biggest empty black borders you will see in a car today. I dont understand how mercedes doesn't put the dual 10" screens as standard with the new design. Or at the minimum the gauge cluster portion should have the full res 10" display as standard with the infotainment/navi screen being an option like before. If anyone is considering the new CLA - definitely get the upgraded display.. Trust me on this one. You will definitely regret it if you have to look at a tiny gauge cluster every time you drive the car.
Technology - no need to get into this. I didn't play with the new system too much but the technology like all the reviews online is of course class leading and pretty damn nifty.
MY BIGGEST GRIPE - Some people may not care about this one but my biggest gripe on an overall pretty awesome car is the FAKE EXHAUST. Yes, if you dont know already the new CLA has dual exhaust cut outs in the bumper but both exhaust are completely FAKE. The exhaust pipe is not connected and is pointing down under the bumper. The dual exhausts you see has a plastic covering behind it. It looks STUPID and I cant understand why mercedes would do this. They are even starting to do this on their higher end models as well but at least some of those have a open cut out with the exhaust pipe still behind the bumper. The first gen CLA regardless of which model you got at least had real chrome exhaust tips.
VALUE - There is a lot more as standard now (LED lights, 18" wheels, pano roof, MBUX, etc) but the price of course increased quite a bit. With the premium package which is a must in my opinion your cheapest CLA is going to be right around 40-42k. Overall still a great value. The first gen after you add in the pano roof, LED lights, upgraded wheels and premium package you were also right around 38-40k so the price increase is as drastic as it seems on paper. So this is probably still going to be my next car next year.
Oh yeah one more thing.... the GAP IS STILL THERE!! Long live the infamous GAP!