2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA facelift revealed, due in Australia this year

The facelifted 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA has been revealed, ahead of an Australian launch in the third quarter of this year (July to September).

Following in the wheel tracks of updated A-Class and B-Class hatchbacks, the facelift to the CLA sedan – and its Europe-only Shooting Brake wagon derivative – introduces an updated exterior, interior and engine range.

An Australian launch is due between July and September 2023, in sedan form only. The model range is expected to mirror Mercedes-Benz's existing line-up, with CLA200, CLA250 4Matic, AMG CLA35 and AMG CLA45 S variants.

Exterior revisions include a tweaked front bumper and new star-patterned grille – resembling the larger C-Class – plus a restyled lower rear bumper, and new LED headlight and tail-light graphics.

Buyers can choose from three new alloy wheel designs for standard Mercedes-Benz models – measuring 17 to 19 inches in diameter – plus two new paint colours, Hyper Blue and Spectral Blue.

Further upgrades for Mercedes-AMG CLA35 and CLA45 S versions include the addition of the 45's 'Panamericana' grille to the 35, an AMG badge above the grille (in place of the second Benz star), new front bumpers, new 18- or 19-inch wheel designs, and revised tail-light graphics for the 45 models.

Inside, the dual 10.25-inch screens standard in Australia are now fitted to all European models – and the centre-console trackpad for the infotainment system has been ditched in favour of touch control of the screen only.

The screens gain updated software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (in addition to wired), restyled instrument display views, an upgraded 'Hey Mercedes' voice assistant, and an improved 'telematics' smartphone companion app.

Other technology changes include Dolby Atmos technology for the optional Burmester surround-sound system, an additional interior USB-C port, and illumination for all USB ports.

There's a new steering wheel taken from other Mercedes-Benz models – and trimmed in nappa leather or 'Artico' synthetic leather – plus a new trim inlay options, and new seat trim and colour options for various models, many of which more recycled materials than before.

A heated steering wheel is now available in AMG Line versions for the first time.

Meanwhile, the full AMG 35 and 45 S variants gain a new AMG Performance steering wheel with rotary drive mode dials, and new AMG screens for the infotainment system.

They also gain new upholstery options for the regular sports seats or upgraded AMG Performance buckets – a new brown hue for the Artico and microfibre combination, sage grey and black for the Artico faux leather, and red pepper and black for the full leather seat option.

Safety has been upgraded with refinements to the lane-keep assist system, and an upgraded automatic parking feature including a 3D view for the 360-degree camera.

Buyers in Europe can choose from an upgraded range of four-cylinder engines, which – in the case of the standard, non-AMG petrol motors – add 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to reduce emissions, and add a 10kW boost under hard acceleration.

The standard Australian range is likely to continue to offer a choice of CLA200 front-wheel-drive (120kW/250Nm) and CLA250 4Matic all-wheel-drive (165kW/350Nm) petrol variants. It's unclear if Europe's mild-hybrid technology will be offered locally.

The plug-in hybrid variants on sale in Europe have also been upgraded with larger battery packs, more powerful electric motors and quicker charging – however these are not available in Australia.

The AMG CLA35 also gains mild-hybrid power in Europe, a new front radiator, and switches from a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to the newer eight-speed unit from the AMG CLA45 S.

Engine power remains unchanged in both AMG versions – mild-hybrid technology for the 35 aside – with 225kW/400Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in the CLA35, or 310kW/500Nm from a different 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder in the CLA45 S.

The facelift also introduces a new special-edition model, the AMG Street Style Edition for the CLA45 S, in overseas markets.

The edition adds Mountain Grey matte paint, AMG exterior decals, orange accents, matte black 19-inch alloys, red brake calipers, AMG Aerodynamics, Night I and Night II packages, and an AMG fuel-filler cap.

It also includes suede upholstery with orange stitching, AMG Performance bucket seats with 'CLA 45 S' headrest embroidery, a leather and microfibre steering wheel, AMG door sill plate, red ambient lighting, and unique floor mats.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA range is due in Australia in the third quarter of 2023 (July to September). Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.