Mercedes-Benz CLA 2019 revealed in Las Vegas

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its second-generation CLA ahead of its public debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week, with Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific confirming the mid-size sedan will arrive in local showrooms in the third quarter.

The CLA shares a great deal with the A-Class small hatch that was released last year, including its MFA2 platform, design language and mechanics.

Picture a happy blend of the A-Class and CLS mid-size sedan and you've likely imagined the new CLA.

The CLA shares a great deal with the A-Class small hatch that was released last year.

"It impresses with its perfect proportions reflecting the first design sketch: a long, stretched bonnet; a compact greenhouse, a wide track with exposed wheelarches, and our typical GT rear end with a strong distinctive 'Coke-bottle shoulder'," Daimler AG chief design officer Gorden Wagener said.

Like the A250 that launched in December, the flagship CLA250 features a 165kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Mercedes says that other engines and transmissions, as well as the brand's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, will be made available, again mirroring its A-Class sibling.

The German brand's local wing will likely offer a 120kW/250Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-pot, dubbed CLA200, if the A-Class line-up is anything to go by.

Another new cabin feature is Mercedes' Energizing system that tailors functions like climate control, seat heating and massaging, ambient lighting and fragrances to each user's preference.

Mercedes' own MBUX infotainment system is equipped, now featuring gesture control – or Interior Assist in Benz speak – allowing passengers to control various functions by waving their hands in the air.

The system can differentiate between the driver and the front passenger's gestures and will work in both sunlight and complete darkness.

An example of Interior Assist in practice includes switching on the reading lamp by briefly extending a hand towards the rearview mirror.

Like the A250 that launched in December, the flagship CLA250 features a 165kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Another new cabin feature is Mercedes' Energizing system that tailors functions like climate control, seat heating and massaging, ambient lighting and fragrances to each user's preference.

The CLA will also be offered with Energizing Coach, a service which makes fitness recommendations and is designed to make passengers more relaxed during "demanding or monotonous journeys".

The CLA will be manufactured at the Kecskemét plant in Hungary and will hit overseas markets in May.

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