Mercedes launched the second-generation CLA coupe at CES almost exactly four years ago, but it looks like we might have to wait a few more months to see the facelifted version without its camo wrap. Spy photographers spotted the refreshed coupe and its shooting brake brother undergoing a last round of tests ahead of a likely introduction in March, which would coincide with the four-year anniversary of the Shooting Brake’s debut at the 2019 Geneva Show.
Unfortunately, these prototypes haven’t
dropped much in the way of disguise since we last saw the CLA testing in late
2022, but we can make out a new design of DLR in the front headlights of the
red wagon and in the rear of both cars. The coupe, meanwhile, leaves its front
lamps uncovered, but that’s not a blunder on the R&D team’s part. It looks
like these lights are the current car’s basic halogen headlights offered in
some markets to keep fleet buyers happy.
We can expect some minor reshaping of the
front and rear bumpers, too, with those on the AMG Line cars sticking with
pretend tailpipes, perhaps for the last time if styling trends move away from
proudly signaling the presence of combustion power under the hood. The CLA is
definitely not going electric just yet, though. Mercedes is working on a small
EQ sedan, but that’s a different beast; these facelifted CLAs will only be
modestly different under the hood, gaining 48-volt mild-hybrid tech to boost
efficiency on all models save the 416 hp CLA 45 AMG halo model.
For most drivers, the more important
changes will take place inside the cabin, where the CLA is in line for upgrades
to its MBUX infotainment system and dashboard design. Following the lead of
last year’s facelifted A-Class, both CLAs will lose the trackpad in the center
tunnel to make room for a wireless charging pad and cupholders. But sadly for
U.S. buyers, only the CLA coupe will make it to dealer showrooms. The shooting
brake isn’t currently offered in the U.S. and there’s nothing we can see in
these pictures that are likely to change Merc’s mind.
