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The highly anticipated next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA made its debut, albeit in camouflage, at the 39th Festival d’Hyères in France. The sedan, inspired by the sleek Concept CLA, offers the first glimpse of what the production model will look like. This reveal confirms that the new CLA will closely follow the concept’s design language while introducing practical refinements for real-world use.
The CLA retains the overall silhouette of the Concept CLA, with a flowing design that hints at sporty proportions. Although slightly less aggressive than the concept version, the production-ready version still looks elegant and aerodynamic. A large three-pointed star logo dominates the covered grille, while the lower front vents remain visible for airflow. Peeking through the camouflage is the CLA’s production LED headlights, confirming that the front end will adopt a bold chin-forward design.
The sedan stands on fairly large wheels, decorated with ‘d’Hyères’, which refers to the theme of the event and adds a playful touch. The fold-out door handles, now a characteristic element on many Mercedes models, also make an appearance. One curious design feature is the presence of twin fuel doors at the rear – possibly a sign of an electric or plug-in hybrid setup, or a clever decoy.
Mercedes has confirmed that the next-generation CLA will be built on its flexible Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, which supports both electric and hybrid powertrains. However, the double flaps at the rear raise questions about whether this prototype is a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric version. In particular, the absence of a visible exhaust system and the sealed grille could indicate that this particular model could be a full EV.
The rear design follows a rounded approach, with subtle curves that give the sedan a smooth, aerodynamic appearance. A trunk lid spoiler adds a sporty touch and breaks up the flowing lines of the rear. One of the standout features is the full-width taillight, which is expected to be a visual highlight once the camouflage is removed. If the production car stays true to the design elements of the concept, it could become one of the more stylish sedans in its segment.
Mercedes-Benz appears to be in the final stages of developing the new CLA, suggesting an official unveiling may not be far away. The company is expected to release both hybrid and electric variants, possibly with performance and range figures similar to the Concept CLA. If Mercedes can deliver on these promises, the CLA could offer an attractive mix of style, technology and efficiency in a compact package.
The appearance of the next generation CLA at the Festival d’Hyères has caused excitement among enthusiasts and potential buyers alike. As the camouflage slowly disappears, the small but luxurious sedan seems poised to make a strong impact on both the hybrid and EV markets.
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