On the 14th of September, or two days ago, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia previewed the soon to be locally assembled all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 AMG Line over in Singapore. This comes a few weeks after the launch of the electric variant in Kuala Lumpur and it now gives us a choice - the full EV, electric CLA, or this one equipped with an internal combustion engine for the traditionalists. The upcoming CLA 200 petrol, should be launched in Malaysia within a few months and is estimated to be priced like the EV variant, around RM275,000 before insurance. The all-new CLA once launched will be available in five exterior paint finishes: cosmic black, polar white, high-tech silver, sheer blue, and aqua mint.
As stated, the internal combustion engine counterpart to the recently launched all-new electric CLA is here to offer greater drivetrain flexibility to meet diverse customer needs while still setting a benchmark as the most efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicle with an internal combustion engine in its segment. There will be one variant offered, the locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang CLA 200 AMG Line which will have a 1.5liter petrol turbocharged 4 cylinder engine featuring an electric motor which will add around 25hp to the drivetrain - which is front wheel drive in this specification offered.
The new CLA 200 has a new electrified eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with integrated electric motor which will enable some electric driving, coasting, and energy recuperation. It will make the all-new CLA 200 the most efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicle with an internal combustion engine in its segment.
In terms of its styling, Its distinctive AMG Line exterior and illuminated radiator grille looks similiar to the electric CLA, but it lacks the illuminated front grille, since it needs actual cooling for the engine up front. This also means that it is actually more traditional looking, which to me is a good thing as there are less 'stars' all over the car. Note that this is Mercedes-Benz's latest design cues, which in my opinion suit younger generation, or young at heart buyers that like a lot more colours, and bling in their life. But the overall shape of this latest CLA is still very in line with what we are used to.
Inside, it gets the full digital dashboard up front, with a bit of piano black surrounding the air-vents at the sides. Some may say it is too much information, but others may like it. Why it has this is what the largest markets in the world wants (like China, being the largest market in the world), and Mercedes-Benz would need to target that, and the aspirational younger crowd. This is why we get cars looking like this, and having infotainment systems that can do so many things - and have a full dashboard worth of screens to play with.
The infotainment system and displays are complemented by MB.OS, the fourth-generation MBUX, the MBUX Superscreen, and advanced MB.DRIVE assistance systems. From what we gathered while trying out the CLA 200, it seems faster to respond and the 'Hey Mercedes' features work well recognising voices easily. The tech savvy people will like it alot.
“The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 AMG Line reflects our commitment to offering customers in Malaysia the freedom to choose the powertrain that best suits their needs. As a locally assembled model, it combines the unmistakable character of the CLA with outstanding efficiency, intelligent technology, and elevated comfort, complementing the all-new electric CLA within our most advanced compact vehicle portfolio yet.” said Martin Schulz, CEO & President, Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia & Head of Region, Mercedes-Benz Cars Southeast
Asia
“The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 AMG Line offers customers an ideal balance of expressive design and effortless everyday driving. Its distinctive illuminated radiator grille creates an unmistakable presence, while the ability to drive on electric power at urban speeds, coast efficiently, and recuperate energy across all eight gears delivers a smooth and highly efficient driving experience.” said Kevin Barbian, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia
Driving the 2027 CLA 200 AMG Line - and the Electric CLA 200 as a comparison
This is the 3rd generation Mercedes-Benz CLA class of sports sedan. It is the first vehicle based on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture and you get it in both internal combustion and fully electric variants. This one that Malaysia will be getting is a locally assembled CLA 200 with the AMG Line option package on it. This would mean AMG line exterior bits, 19inch AMG alloy wheels, an AMG themed interior trim and other sporty bits.
The engine is a mild hybrid in some ways, but not just motor assist as it will also have some electric only driving, coasting and regeneration due to its smart electric double clutch transmission. The reason I have to state this is that on our short drive around the Mercedes-Benz centre located along Alexandra Road in Singapore, I could not feel any difference between this and the usual DCT gearboxes. In fact, this could be the smoothest Mercedes-Benz DCT to date as compared to the previous two A-class generations (which I have driven), of which the previous two CLAs share the same chassis, the gearshifts are smooth in this petrol powered sedan. It could be the best DCT setting in any compact Mercedes-Benz to date.
The 1.5 liter + electric motor powertrain makes 163hp and 25hp together is seamless in its execution around town. Acceleration from traffic lights and junctions are good and it feels like its truly a mid 7 seconds 0-100kmh car. The steering feels nicely geared for city driving and maneuvering, and when it is in sports mode, does weigh a little bit more (only a little). The chassis seems composed and settled in corners around usual city speeds. It also seems to ride better over ridges and uneven tarmac compared to the previous generation A 200 and A 250 AMG Line. This seems to tell me that this latest generation of CLA class rides better than the previous ones. And as it needs to also replace the A-Class sedans after this - as this will be the only entry level sedan from the Three Pointed Star moving forward. It feels like a proper next generation A-class replacement to me.
Now compared with the fully electric CLA 200 which we tried along the same route, it actually loses out in terms of overall refinement and raw acceleration (full EV torque is more instant even if you do have a 25hp electric motor helping the petrol engine). You will hear that petrol engine thrumming away when you accelerate out of junctions or from a stop. To me, I kind of still like the petrol powered one even with its refinement flaws. I like the feel of some mechanical refinement, or in this case mechanical un-refinement.
But that said, if you choose the electric CLA over the petrol one, you have also done no wrong as it is actually super refined as an urban commuter. It is quieter in all aspects IF I compre both in an urban environment. Maybe the only thing it cannot replicate is that mechanical thrum from the 4 cylinder 1.5liter engine. Aside from that, I would say the EV is better. But humans, are never reasonable or totally logical people. Or it could just be a 'Me' problem.
This to me is the best compact sporty sedan that I have driven in recent years. It has heritage, the badge (which to me still counts alot), refinement (that DCT is smooth), the upgraded MB.UX isnt laggy, the power delivery from the engine is good and the space inside is good for a compact sedan in 2026.
I am glad that Mercedes-Benz still gives us a choice for us traditionalists to get an internal combustion powered car as well as a fully electric one in the same body shape. At least the brand has learnt not to give us different styling for both types and have now basically style both cars similiar to each other. Choice is good to have.
Model
Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 AMG Line
Displacement (cc) 1,499
Rated Output (kW[hp]/rpm) 120 [163]/5,500
Rated Torque (Nm/rpm) 250/1,750 - 4,000
System Output (kW/hp) 135/184
System Torque (Nm) 330
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (sec) 8.0
Top speed (km/h) 232
Kerb weight/payload (kg) 1,700/435
Retail Price (for Peninsular
Malaysia) Estimated from RM 275,000
MORE DETAILS ON THE 2027 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA 200 AMG Line
The locally assembled Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 AMG Line is available for pre-booking at an estimated price from RM 275,000. The first 100 customers who pre-book the all-new CLA will each receive passes to the upcoming exclusive Mercedes-AMG F1 Party. Terms and conditions apply.
The latest CLA-Class
The most efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicle with an internal combustion engine in this segment
Visually, the all-new CLA closely resembles its electric counterpart. It comes with an AMG Line exterior, 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, MULTIBEAM LED headlights, surround lighting with animated projection of the Mercedes-Benz pattern, and a large panoramic roof.
One of the few distinguishing features of the all-new CLA is the grille. The vehicle has the classic radiator grille with central star and Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome. It is framed by a LED light guide, the edges of which are LED-illuminated when the lights are switched on.
The interior equipment is also nearly identical. Thanks to the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and the fourth-generation MBUX, the all-new CLA is just as intelligent, intuitive, and comfortable as the fully electric vehicle. And it combines smart technology with high efficiency. With a consumption of around five litres per 100 kilometres and below, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 AMG Line is the most efficient
A Mercedes-Benz vehicle with an internal combustion engine
Pure electric drive in the city, coast on country roads and recuperate in every gear.At urban speeds and when less than 22 kW is needed, typically gentle town driving, the all-new CLA can drive using electric power alone. So-called “electric sailing”, i.e. efficient coasting with a decoupled drivetrain, is possible up to a speed of around 100 km/h. A special feature of the motor is its ability to recuperate in all eight gears, recovering up to 25 kW of energy.
Since the torque output of the combustion engine and the electric motor add up, the maximum torque is available over a wide speed range. Furthermore, the combustion engine can be started entirely by the electric motor and the disconnect clutch, eliminating the need for a conventional pinion starter. For enhanced comfort, the start-stop function and switching between the two motors are almost imperceptible to the driver.
New electrified eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with integrated electric motor
The all-new CLA features a very compact engine and transmission design. The electric motor and its components are built right into the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8G-eDCT), making the whole system efficient and space-saving. A new 48-volt battery with lithium-ion technology and an energy content of up to 1.3 kWh powers the electric motor and is also designed to be small and lightweight.
The new MB.OS - Better than previous generations of the MB.UX
The inhouse-developed AI-powered MB.OS elevates mobility to an entirely new level. Every vehicle is equipped with supercomputers connected to the MercedesBenz Intelligent Cloud. This enables over-the-air updates 1 of the entire vehicle software, including driving assistance systems. This keeps the all-new CLA up-to-date and attractive for years to come, similar to a smartphone that regularly receives new apps and extended functions.
1 A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras are required to use the services. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed for a fee, provided they are at that point still offered for the corresponding vehicle.
Thanks to MB.OS, the all-new CLA offers customers a new world of personalised experiences and intuitive interaction between human and vehicle. The fourth generation of the MBUX infotainment system integrates artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google. The MBUX Virtual Assistant uses the so-called “multi-agent approach”, integrating AI tools from both companies. It selects the best source for each task – even during an ongoing conversation – drawing on the collective knowledge of the internet.
For the customer, conversing with the MBUX Virtual Assistant feels like chatting with a friend. It can provide answers and follow-ups without needing the context to be repeated.
Intelligent navigation with tailor-made route guidance from Google Maps
In the all-new CLA, the navigation experience is based on Google Maps. Developed in partnership by Google and MercedesBenz, the navigation solution is one of the first systems to integrate Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent for in-vehicle use with Google Maps. Integrated visual communication also reaches a new dimension with MBUX Navigation. It seamlessly combines, in real time, the driving- assistance view with a 3D representation of the surroundings and route guidance on the driver display.
Drivers benefit from improved situational awareness as they can see what the all-new CLA sees and how the assistance systems are supporting them. MB.DRIVE sets a new standard with advanced driving and parking assistance systems
The all-new CLA comes with extensive safety equipment 2 and the Distance Assist DISTRONIC. Additional comfort assistance systems are bundled under MB.DRIVE, complemented by MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 for enhanced support when manoeuvring and parking.
A new interior and digital experience
The all-new CLA features a sporty interior with AMG Line Sports Seat Package, ARTICO leather / MICROCUT microfibre upholstery, light carbon-grain aluminium trim elements, and a multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather. The cabin is complemented by digital elegance. The floating MBUX Superscreen extends across the entire interior width. Behind a large glass surface are the 10.25- inch driver display, the 14-inch central display, and the 14-inch front passenger display. The extensive infotainment offering for the front passenger includes over 40 apps, video streaming, and direct access to Disney+. 3 All displays are powered by state-of-the-art, high-performance chips and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine.
Cabin comfort is further enhanced by THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, allowing the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperatures individually.
2 Mercedes-Benz driver assistance and safety systems are aids and do not relieve you of your responsibility as the driver. Please take note of the information in the Owner's Manual and the system limits which are described therein.
3 A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras are required to use the services. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed for a fee, provided they are at that point still offered for the corresponding vehicle.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA with Agility+ by Mercedes-Benz
The Agility+ plan is designed with your ultimate driving needs in mind. Enjoy your new Mercedes-Benz while we ensure you are being taken care of with unrivalled benefits such as lower monthly repayments, flexible end of term options, MobilityPlus* programme, and most importantly, we guarantee the future value of your car.
Perfectly tailored for individuals who seek performance, value, unrivalled benefits, and peace of mind at the wheel. The Agility+ plan starts from an estimated RM 2,888 per month for the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 AMG Line. It includes a fifth year extended limited warranty Star Gold and four Compact Service
Packages. Terms and conditions apply. For more details, kindly visit www.mercedes-benz.com.my/agility or speak to a Finance and Insurance Executive at your nearest Mercedes-Benz Autohaus.
* A guaranteed temporary Mercedes-Benz replacement car when yours is sent for service and
maintenance or warrantable repairs, for 48 hours or more. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information, visit www.mercedes-benz.com.my/new-cla.
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