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Mercedes-Benz is known for subtle changes when they do redesigns. They’re conservative, soft-spoken, and rely on their storied history to carry new models out to the affluent masses. Those notions can be thrown out the window with the new 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, which was just introduced to America at CES in Las Vegas.
The exterior offers what most would expect from Mercedes. It’s beautiful, but not in the eye-catching way that its more expensive bigger brothers offer. Nevertheless, the stronger stance is apparent compared to the previous generation with bigger wheels, higher roof, and the standard sleek front and back that have become expected from every Mercedes-Benz. Compared to the previous version, the new 2020 CLA 250 looks more… Benzy.
On the inside, we get to see where Mercedes is really starting to shine. They’ve always been a trailblazer in comfort technology, but they’ve taking it up a few notches with real intelligence features that have been evolving with the award winning MBUX infotainment AI.
One of the cool pieces of brilliance is their “Energizing Coach” that can actually detect when the driver is stressed or getting sleepy. Then, it can make adjustments to the interior that can “energize” the driver such as vibrating seats.
Arguably the coolest change is how the interface has become not only more intuitive with its understanding of the passengers’ questions, but also more natural in the way people can talk to it. Instead of the standard drill-sergeant way we’ve been used to talking to our devices with minimal words and no descriptors, CLA 250 owners will be able to ask a for assistance like this:
“I’m looking for an Asian restaurant in Las Vegas, no sushi, with at least a 4-star rating on Yelp.”
The infotainment center is spectacular. As noted in the video, it’s extremely intuitive, even knowing whether the passenger or driver is reaching up to make an adjustment and switching perspectives accordingly. The whole thing is one big touchscreen with gesture controls to go along with an added HUD.
Again, we cannot stress that this is the low-end offering from Mercedes-Benz. Starting in the $34,000-range, it’s comparably priced to inferior vehicles. When it was introduced as the first “4-door coupe” in 2013, skeptics thought it would have a hard time breaking into a competitive market at its price point, but their 70% conquest rate astounded many of those skeptics.
Here’s the world premier video of its launch at CES. The beginning is an awkward attempt to be cute as their MBUX system performs three “weddings” in the wedding capital of America. Clunky, but somewhat cute. The later descriptions of how they’ve advanced their artificial intelligence within their vehicles to make them essentially wearable technology is interesting.
The new 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe is certain to have an impact on the compact luxury car market. It’s priced right. The technology is the best available. They look sharp. The only thing they need to insure success is for competitors to try too hard to keep up.
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