The Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class has already alluded to the general silhouette of the next-generation CLA but as is with concepts, nothing is set in stone. Well now it is, as the production version of the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA strutted down the catwalk, albeit draped fashionably in camouflage.
As the spotlights lit up the catwalk of the 39th Festival d’Hyères fashion festival, the CLA-Class took centre stage to give us a better view of its showroom form. Unsurprisingly, the production version loses some of the concept’s flowing lines and lowered stance.
Poking out beneath the LED headlights is the chin-forward design that’s straight from the concept, though the huge three-pointed star emblem between the lights were covered by the camouflage wrap.
Despite the covers, the CLA couldn’t hide its pop-out door handles, a common design feature on most of its stable mates. Interestingly, both rear fenders appeared to house a fuel flap. This could be the fuel filler or charging ports or even both, in the case of a PHEV.
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The Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform carrying the new CLA is capable of supporting both electric as well as hybrid powertrains, and Mercedes-Benz themselves confirmed there will be both variants of the new CLA.
Nonetheless, housing the charging port and fuel filler on either side under identical flaps can be confusing so the port could be relocated or the designers might just be pulling a quick one on us with the faux flap.
At the rear, things have been rounded off more and there’s no visible exhaust, therefore it could be pointed downward and tucked behind the bumper. The taillights appear to be full-width pieces for a distinctive light signature.
The fashionable tease indicates that a full reveal is around the corner and even under wraps, the new CLA is shaping up to be a handsome compact sedan.
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