Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz CLA Unveiled in Camouflage at Festival d’Hyères

The highly anticipated next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA made its debut, albeit in camouflage, at the 39th Festival d’Hyères in France. The sedan, inspired by the sleek Concept CLA, offers the first glimpse of what the production model will look like. This unveiling confirms that the new CLA will closely follow the design language of the concept while introducing practical refinements for real-world use.

The CLA maintains the general silhouette of the Concept CLA, with a flowing design that hints at sporty proportions. Though slightly less aggressive than the concept’s stance, the production-ready version still looks elegant and aerodynamic. A large three-pointed star logo dominates the covered grille, while lower front air vents remain visible for airflow. Peeking through the camouflage are the CLA’s production LED headlights, confirming that the front fascia will adopt a bold chin-forward design.

The sedan sits on reasonably sized wheels, emblazoned with “d’Hyères,” hinting at the event’s theme and adding a playful touch. The pop-out door handles, now a signature element on many Mercedes models, also make an appearance. One curious design feature is the presence of dual fuel doors on the rear quarters—potentially a sign of an electric or plug-in hybrid setup, or a clever decoy.

Mercedes has confirmed that the next-generation CLA will be built on its flexible Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, which supports both electric and hybrid powertrains. However, the dual flaps seen on the rear quarters raise questions about whether this prototype is a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric version. Notably, the absence of a visible exhaust system and the sealed grille could suggest that this particular model might be a full EV.

The rear design follows a rounded approach, with subtle curves that give the sedan a smooth, aerodynamic look. A trunk lid spoiler adds a sporty touch, breaking up the flow of the rear lines. One of the standout features is the full-width rear taillight, which is expected to be a visual highlight once the camouflage is removed. If the production car stays true to the concept’s design elements, it could emerge as one of the more stylish sedans in its segment.

Mercedes-Benz appears to be in the final stages of development for the new CLA, hinting that an official unveiling may not be far off. The company is expected to release both hybrid and electric variants, possibly with performance and range figures similar to those teased for the Concept CLA. If Mercedes can deliver on these promises, the CLA could offer an appealing blend of style, technology, and efficiency in a compact package.

The next-gen CLA’s appearance at the Festival d’Hyères has generated excitement among enthusiasts and potential buyers alike. As the camouflage slowly comes off, the small yet luxurious sedan looks poised to make a strong impact in both hybrid and EV markets.