There are few better places to experience a stylish grand tourer than the Western Cape, and Mercedes-Benz South Africa chose its playground wisely when it invited us to Cape Town for our first drive of the all-new third-generation CLA.
Our experience began with an overnight stay at the vibrant Radisson RED Hotel V&A Waterfront, where Mercedes-Benz had transformed part of the hotel into a stylish showcase. Taking centre stage was the new CLA, displayed on a striking red-carpet plinth alongside a carefully curated banner – a fitting introduction to a vehicle clearly designed to make an entrance wherever it goes.
The following morning, our drive unfolded over more than 100 kilometres, beginning outside the luxurious Silo Hotel near the iconic V&A Waterfront before heading towards picturesque Noordhoek Beach.
From there, we drove along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads, before arriving in Camps Bay for lunch at OMRI Restaurant. The ocean views provided the perfect backdrop to discuss Mercedes-Benz’s new compact luxury sedan. The route concluded via Signal Hill before a relaxed highway cruise back to Cape Town International Airport.
A Premium Sedan Reimagined
It quickly became apparent that this was more than simply another vehicle launch. For a refreshing change, Mercedes-Benz wasn’t introducing yet another SUV. Instead, it reminded us why an elegant premium sedan still occupies a special place in the luxury motoring landscape.
The all-new CLA is also significant because it becomes the very first model built on Mercedes-Benz’s all-new modular platform, signalling the beginning of an entirely new generation of vehicles for the brand.
After spending a day behind the wheel, one thing became clear: this is a reminder of what a genuine premium German luxury car should look like, feel like, and, perhaps most importantly, drive like.
Its proportions remain unmistakably grand touring, with a long wheelbase, sculpted bodywork, a sleek coupé-inspired silhouette, and beautifully integrated illuminated Mercedes-Benz star lighting signatures at the front and rear. A full-length panoramic glass roof, fitted as standard, floods the cabin with natural light and further enhances the sense of occasion.
A Digital Lounge on Wheels
Step inside, and the cabin immediately steals the show.
Mercedes-Benz has elevated luxury to another level, creating an interior that feels more like an exclusive technology lounge than a traditional cockpit. Dominating the dashboard is the impressive new MBUX Superscreen, seamlessly integrating digital displays across the fascia.
It is quite literally a gadget on wheels.
Powered by the latest MB.OS operating system, the CLA integrates both ChatGPT and Google Gemini to create one of the most sophisticated AI-powered personal assistants currently available in any production vehicle. Whether asking for travel recommendations, current affairs, restaurant suggestions, or simply engaging in conversation while navigating Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Pretoria traffic, the intelligent assistant offers a remarkably natural interaction that transforms time spent behind the wheel.
On the Road
On the road, the CLA once again demonstrates why German engineering continues to set the benchmark for driving dynamics. The steering is beautifully weighted and precise, the ride quality remains composed and refined, while the overall sense of solidity reinforces everything one expects from the three-pointed star. It delivers the kind of effortless sophistication that many competitors continue to chase.
South African buyers should, however, be mindful of local realities. The sporty suspension setup and low ride height mean that speed humps and the country’s increasingly unforgiving potholes may occasionally interrupt the otherwise polished driving experience.
Power comes from a newly developed 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, producing 120kW and 250Nm. Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel consumption figure of just 5.4 litres per 100km, although our coastal launch route returned a respectable 8.6 litres per 100km.
Priced from R939 000 for the Progressive derivative and climbing to just over R1 million for the AMG Line, the new CLA enters an increasingly competitive premium segment.
Does the Premium Sedan Still Matter?
Will it single-handedly restore Mercedes-Benz to its former sales dominance? Probably not. However, it gives the brand a compelling option to attract younger luxury buyers while competing directly with rivals such as the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, Audi A3 Sedan and increasingly sophisticated newcomers from China.
More importantly, it raises an intriguing question in today’s SUV-dominated world: does a premium sedan still deserve a place in your garage?
After experiencing the CLA on some of the Western Cape’s finest roads, my answer is undoubtedly yes – particularly if your lifestyle revolves around urban sophistication, weekend escapes, and an appreciation for elegant design, engaging driving dynamics and cutting-edge technology.
If versatility and rough-road capability remain your priority, an SUV still makes perfect sense. However, if you appreciate timeless style, exceptional craftsmanship, and a driving experience that makes every journey feel like an occasion, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA makes a compelling case that the premium sedan remains one of luxury motoring’s most desirable expressions.
