Review: Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake (2019-on)

Overview

Expected to be released in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake is a compact wagon with a raked roofline. To be manufactured in Kecskemet, Hungary, the Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake range is expected to consist of CLA 180, CLA 200 and CLA 250 4MATIC models (see table below); diesel-fuelled models are not expected to be offered in Australia.

4MATIC all-wheel drive system

The ‘4MATIC’ all-wheel drive system for the Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA 250 4MATIC includes:

• A power take-off unit to the rear axle that is integrated into the dual clutch transmission; and,
• A multi-plate clutch that is integrated into the rear axle differential and electro-mechanically controlled (previously electro-hydraulically actuated).

Innormal conditions, the engine’s torque is directed to the front wheels for maximum fuel efficiency. If, however, there is a loss of traction or such a loss is anticipated, then the electric motor exerts an axial force on the clutch pack – via a crown wheel and a ball ramp – to close the clutch plates so that 50 per cent of the engine’s torque is directed to the rear wheels (i.e. a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution). The advantages of this control system are:

• Non- rpm-dependent operation across the entire actuation range;
• Pilot control of the clutch while stationary; and,
• Higher efficiency due to the ball ramp concept.

Furthermore, the rear axle differential compensates for the different paths/rotational speeds of the rear wheels.

Body and dimensions

The X118 CLA Class is underpinned by Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Modular Front Architecture’ (MFA2) which is shared with the W177 A-Class . Compared to the X117 CLA Shooting Brake , the Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake is 48 mm longer (at 4688 mm), 53 mm wider (1830 mm), 2 mm lower (1442 mm) and has a 30 mm longer wheelbase (2729 mm). The boot opening is also significantly wider at 871 mm (previously 635 mm), while luggage capacity if 505 litres (previously 495 litres).

With its two-section ‘Airpanel’ louvre system behind the radiator grille, the Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake has a drag co-efficient of 0.26 Cd. Other aerodynamic measures include:

• Sealed headlamp surrounds;
• New door mirrors;
• An aero lip in the bonnet’s joint to the front apron;
• Wheel arch spoilers, spoiler lips in the tail lights and on the rear bumper;
• Underbody panelling for the engine compartment, main floor, parts of the rear axle and rear diffuser;
• For models with petrol engines, a re-shaped rear exhaust silencer and heat shield; and,
• ‘Aerodynamically optimised’ wheels and tyres.

Suspension

The Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake has MacPherson strut front suspension with a forged aluminium transverse control arm and tie-rod for each wheel. Furthermore, the MacPherson struts has transverse force-optimised coil springs and twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers with auxiliary springs.

The X118 CLA Shooting Brake has four-link rear suspension – consisting of three transverse arms and one trailing arm for each wheel – mounted on a sub-frame that is isolated from the bodyshell by rubber bushings. Beyond this, the rear suspension has single-tube shock absorbers and separate coil springs with elastomer insulators.

As an option, the Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake will be available with electronically controlled damping (‘Adaptive Damping System’) whereby a valve in each of the four shock absorbers is electronically actuated to control oil flow and therefore damping characteristics. As such, damping is stiffened during acceleration, braking or steering manoeuvres to reduce pitch and body roll. In conjunction with ‘Dynamic Select’, the driver can also select from ‘comfortable’ or ‘sporty’ damper settings.

Steering

The Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake has rack-and-pinion steering with speed-sensitive electric power assistance; the steering wheel requires 2.6 turns from lock to lock. The electric servo unit can also assist driver steering movements that are intended to ‘stabilise’ the vehicle by generating additional steering torque – these include:

• Counter-steering in the event of oversteer;
• Steering corrections when braking on varying road surfaces;
• Reducing the steering effects of front-wheel drive; and,
• Compensation for crosswinds and road camber.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake includes dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front seat thorax-pelvis side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

The Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake is equipped with camera and radar systems that can perceive up to 500 metres ahead of the vehicle. Fitted as standard, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function can mitigate the consequences of collisions with vehicles or pedestrians in front of the vehicle. If a collision risk is detected, the system initially issues a visual warning. If there is a serious risk of collision, the driver receives an additional, audible warning and the required brake pressure to prevent a collision is calculated (if possible) so that it can be applied when the driver depresses the brake pedal. If the driver fails to respond, however, Active Brake Assist initiates autonomous emergency braking to mitigate or prevent the collision.

For Australia, the Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake is expected to be fitted with the following active safety technologies as standard:

• Active Lane Keeping Assist: operating at speeds from 60 km/h to 200 km/h, Active Lane Keeping Assist warns the driver if the vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane via pulsed vibrations through the steering wheel. If the vehicle crosses a continuous line, the system can direct the vehicle back into its lane by applying the brakes on one side of the vehicle. In the case of a broken line, such intervention occurs only when there is a collision risk with a vehicle in the adjacent lane (including oncoming traffic);
• Blind spot assist (passive): uses two radar sensors in the rear of the vehicle to warn the driver if there is a vehicle in the driver’s blind spot when they apply the indicators prior to changing lanes;
• Exit Warning Assist: can issue a visual warning in the door mirror when the vehicle is stationary and up to three minutes after the ignition has been turned off to warn of an approaching vehicle or bicycle (providing it was exceeding 2 m/s). If the driver uses the door handle during this time, an additional acoustic warning is issued;
• Crosswind Assist: can detect sudden, strong gusts of wind and prevent the vehicle from drifting out of its lane via corrective braking forces on one side of the vehicle;
• Pre-Safe Sound: emits a brief rushing sound when a collision is imminent to trigger the stapedius muscle in the ear and reduce the risk of hearing damage;
• Attention Assist: monitors driver behaviour for signs of fatigue and, if detected, issues visual and audible warnings;
• Traffic Sign Assist: uses navigation data and image recognition to display – in the instrument cluster – the maximum permitted speed, restrictions on overtaking and pedestrian warnings near ‘zebra’ crossings. Traffic Sign Assist also has an extended wrong-way warning, while the detection of stop signs is combined with the ECO start/stop function so that the engine keeps running. Active Speed Limit Assist is a sub-function of Traffic Sign Assist that uses the forward-facing camera to recognise sign gantries and road works signs to set the vehicle’s maximum speed; and,
• Pre-Safe Plus: uses the rear radar sensors to detect if a rear-end collision is imminent and, if so, flashes the rear hazard lights and prepares occupant protection measures such as the seatbelt tensioners. If the vehicle is stationary and the risk of a collision persists, the system can apply the vehicle’s brakes to reduce the risk of injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by an impact from the rear.

As an extra-cost option, the Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake is expected to be available with a ‘Driving Assistance Package’ which includes the following –

• Active Distance Assist Distronic with Active Steering Assist: operating at speeds up to 210 km/h, the system can maintain a pre-set distance to the vehicle ahead. A stop-and-go function also enables the vehicle to be braked until stationary, remain stationary for up to 30 seconds and then accelerate when the traffic ahead starts moving. Active Distance Assist Distronic also combines navigation data with camera/radar inputs to adjust speed when approaching bends, junctions or roundabouts. Active Steering Assist helps the driver in keeping the vehicle in the centre of its lane by applying steering wheel torque, using lane markings for orientation at speeds up to 210 km/h and, at speeds up to 130 km/h, also uses the position of vehicles ahead;
• Active Emergency Stop Assist: if it is detected that the driver is no longer actively driving the vehicle while it is moving, Active Emergency Stop Assist brings the vehicle to rest within its lane. If there is no steering wheel movement over a longer period when Active Steering Assist is active, the system issues visual and audible prompts for the driver to place their hands on the steering wheel. If the driver does not respond, vehicle speed is reduced until stationary. At speeds below 60 km/h, following traffic is warned by the hazard warning lamps;
• Evasive Steering Assist: operating at speeds from 20-70 km/h, Evasive Steering Assist can assist the driver to avoid a pedestrian that is detected by the radar sensors and stereo camera. If the driver initiates an evasive manoeuvre by turning the steering wheel, the system provides ‘precisely calculated steering torque to support the movement of the steering wheel’ to avoid the pedestrian and then straighten the vehicle afterwards;
• The Cross-Traffic Assist: can operate at speeds up to 72 km/h and uses the stereo camera and radar sensors to detect traffic that is crossing in front of or behind the vehicle. If detected, the driver receives visual and audible alerts;
• Active Lane Change Assist: operating at speeds from 80 km/h to 180 km/h, Active Lane Change Assist can perform lane changes – within 10 seconds – in response to the driver nudging the indicator stalk; and,
• Active Blind Spot Assist: at speeds from 12 km/h to 200 km/h, Active Blind Spot Assist provides visual and audible alerts if there is a risk of a side collision when the turn indicator is actuated. As part of the Driving Assistance Package, the brakes on one side of the vehicle can be applied when travelling at speeds above 30 km/h to avoid a side collision.

The X118 CLA Shooting Brake has an ‘active bonnet’ which, in the event of a pedestrian collision, deploys pyrotechnical actuators to raise the height of the bonnet by around 80 mm to create additional clearance between the bonnet and components in the engine bay to reduce the risk of pedestrian injury.

Features: Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake

Inside, the Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake features the ‘Mercedes-Benz User Experience’ (MBUX) multimedia system which can be operated by touchscreen, buttons on the steering wheel and a touchpad on the centre console and voice control with natural language comprehension (‘Linguatronic’). For Australian-delivered vehicles, the X118 CLA-Class is expected to have two 10.25-inch displays: one for the instrument cluster and one for the media touchscreen.

The infotainment system for the Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA Shooting Brake includes an HDD navigation system, an ‘Advanced Sound System’ which has nine speakers and a subwoofer for a total output of 225 watts, a digital radio tuner (DAB+), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a USB-C connection and wireless mobile phone charging.

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz X118 CLA 200 are expected to include climate control air conditioning (‘Thermatic’), cruise control, LED headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines, a rear fog lamp, split and folding rear seats with a through loading feature, steering wheel gearshift paddles, remote central locking with proximity key (i.e. keyless entry), power adjustable mirrors with heating and folding functions, power windows, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror, push-button start, an electric park brake, ambient interior lighting, illuminated vanity mirrors, a 12 volt power socket (in the luggage compartment), black roof lining, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 is expected to be equipped with ‘Active Parking Assist’ which can identify suitable parallel parking spaces – when traveling at speeds of up to 35 km/h – and steer the vehicle into the parking space while the driver controls vehicle speed.

Compared to the CLA 200, the CLA 250 4MATIC is expected to be further equipped with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto smartphone integration.