On paper, this may well be one of the smartest cars on the road. Period. That’s the pitch from Mercedes-Benz, at least, as it just released its CLA-class sedan into the wild. The pitch further said something or other about the car even thinking for you while on the move… and that may well be something we need more of. You know, SA driving standards and all…
What am I on about? Effectively, the new CLA in the 200 trim is all about integrating AI into everyday driving. It’s baked into the very wires that connect this car to computing clouds, data streams and whatever else goes on beneath the skin. Powered by Google’s Gemini, the MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System) has first-hand access to Google’s heavyweight mapping and navigation infrastructure that takes a lot of guesswork out of the commute.
MB.OS and Gemini: the CLA’s AI in action
During my time at the wheel, I asked it several questions relating to my trip, like the traffic situation I was finding myself in, with the AI politely replying that I could remain calm with “only a minute’s waiting time” as it stands. It proved to be spot on… I would then ask it for a coffee stop along the way to Chapman’s Peak, with the system giving me a list of recommendations favoured by other coffee-drinking Google users. Select a stop from the list of coffee shops en route, and it seamlessly integrates that as a stop along the way. It may not seem like much, but considering that all of this was done by voice prompting, while driving, it’s mighty impressive.
There’s also an argument to be made that the “Hey Mercedes” voice prompting is merely an evolution from earlier systems. Well, it’s certainly an evolution, but earlier versions had a set database with car-based features, while this AI-powered system extends well beyond that. Yes, you can, for instance, still set the heated seats and the climate and even switch off lane-keep assistance by simply asking, but the possibilities feel wide-ranging here.
During the first few minutes of my drive there was plenty of to-ing and fro-ing with the system learning my pronunciation. I’m pretty sure, nay convinced, that after about 30 mins it learned the nuances of my speech patterns, whereafter voice commands had considerably fewer back-and-forth corrections. But that’s also partly the point since the AI system is constantly learning and adapting to subtlety and patterns, with the car becoming increasingly intelligent with time. Add to that over-the-air updates during an ownership period, and the possibilities are immense.
The tech powering the CLA’s hyperscreen
This is all powered by a ‘super processor’ that runs beneath the hyperscreen setup. The entire dashboard space is consumed by screen real estate that may as well have been the central hub of operations in a supervillain’s lair with digital-everything from a 10.25-inch driver’s display, a 14-inch central infotainment system and a passenger-side screen with games and video playback capability courtesy of apps like YouTube. The graphic level of clarity is noticeable, with Mercedes-Benz saying that this is partly courtesy of the Unity Gaming Engine that works in the background to tie everything together.
What’s the interior of the Mercedes-Benz CLA like?
Aside from the massive amount of space used by the screens, there are turbine-inspired air vents on the passenger- and driver-side extremities, as well as a high-set, two-tier centre tunnel with a three-dimensional machined-metal look that gives the seating position a low-down, sporty feel. In terms of ergonomics, Merc seems to have listened to the world’s collective groaning and added a rotary volume dial on the steering wheel instead of the capacitive slider and touch buttons for features like Dynamic Select (drive mode selection) and the exterior cameras instead of burying them inside the screen. It also has configurable ambient lighting that beautifully ties everything together and can be called up by voice.
On a slightly different note, the driver seat, while comfortable, isn’t fully adjustable to accommodate taller individuals. Despite my best efforts to set the steering wheel as high as possible and the driver’s seat as low to the floor as possible, my hands insisted on catching my legs while rotating the wheel in tight turns. A comparatively small hiccup in an otherwise accomplished car, but one worth mentioning.
How does the Mercedes-Benz CLA drive?
Better than I expected. It feels considerably more nimble than its size would suggest, and it’s well-composed during spirited cornering. Press on the loud pedal, and it produces a dynamic-sounding engine noise until you realise that it’s pumped into the cabin. I’m slightly torn about that since I appreciate a good exhaust song as much as the next enthusiast. And this sounds good, really good. It produces bassy notes, it has depth, and it’s all very exhaust-like. But getting injected through a speaker system? Then again, a car’s sound is intended to be first and foremost enjoyed by the driver, unless of course they’re seeking validation from onlookers… or TikTokers… Just saying…
The engine too is lively with the 1.5-litre turbocharged unit paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that delivers 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque from the engine. The 22kW electric motor is stationed inside the 8-speed automatic gearbox that supplements the mechanical components in the process of sending the CLA from 0-100km/h in a claimed time of 8 seconds.
Is the CLA worth it?
If you value the prospect of intelligent mobility, then yes, it’s well worth the asking price. The AI-based system works well; it’s consistently improving and offers a connected experience beyond the usual phone mirroring of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Whether the passenger-side screen, while innovative, really adds long-term value, depends largely on your needs. I think, though, that it’s more a novelty than a necessity, especially since many functions are only accessible by the passenger when the car is stationary.
As for the question of why someone would still go for a compact sedan in 2026? Well, why not? The CLA is stylish, luxurious, forward-thinking and wears a Mercedes-Benz badge – and in South Africa, that still carries plenty of weight. Arguably, and even more importantly, Merc has built an intelligent car that’s rarely frustrating to operate. Core functions hardly ever need a deep dive into layers of screens, and if you can’t find it, you can simply ask.
“Hey Mercedes, it’s time for another coffee.”
Mercedes-Benz CLA pricing
CLA 200 Progressive: R939,519
CLA 200 AMG Line: R1,016,219
