You've probably already seen it before on more than one occasion, but this time, it is Mercedes-Benz that has released images and specs on its brand new entry in the executive compact sedan segment named the CLA.
It is the less impressive- but still sexy-looking production version of last year's Concept Style Coupé (CSC) sports sedan that transfers the four-door coupe styling of the CLS into a smaller package with a similar footprint as the C-Class.
The swoopy looking CLA will sit between the A-Class hatchback and the C-Class sedan, in terms of pricing, features and specifications, which means that it should start from around $30,000 in the States, with exact pricing to be announced closer to launch in September.
Mercedes describes the slippery-shaped CLA as a "styling rebel" adding that the car's drag coefficient of just 0.23 sets a "new world record in aerodynamics for series production automobiles".
The CLA is based on the A-Class hatchback's new MFA (modular front architecture) platform, so it won't come as a surprise to learn that it shares the same engine range, suspension and interior design with the compact model.
Despite costing less than the C-Class, at 182.3 inches (4,630mm) long, 80.0 inches wide (2,032mm / with mirrors) and 56.6 inches (1,438mm) tall, the CLA is actually 1.5 inches (38mm) longer. However, it rides on a shorter wheelbase of 106.3 inches (2,700mm) compared to the C-Class' 108.7 inches (2,761mm).
In the U.S., the new model will launch with a single 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine option in the CLA 250 with an output of 208 hp and 258 lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. A standard 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission drives the front wheels on the base model, and all-four wheels in the 4MATIC variant. A fuel-saving ECO stop/start system will come as standard on all versions.
In Europe and other markets, Mercedes will offer a wider variety of both diesel and petrol engines. The flagship model of the range will be the all-wheel drive CLA 45 AMG powered by a heavily tuned 2.0-liter four-banger rated at 350-horsepower and 332 lb-ft (450Nm) shared with the A 45 AMG hatchback.
Among other standard and optionally available features will be a large panorama roof, 'ATTENTION ASSIST' drowsiness detection and radar-based 'COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST' with adaptive Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, an AMG styling package and a choice of multimedia systems.
While Mercedes brought the new CLA to Detroit for a special presentation, the sedan won't be displayed to the public at the North American International Auto Show. Instead, it will celebrate its official world premiere at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin (January 15 to 18, 2013), where we will find out more about the European market version, while it will also make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
16 Comments:
not bad...
That is a brilliant price for a brilliant car - just fantastic. I'm going to go and get one.
When the interior of a Kia Optima looks more luxurious than a Mercedes, it's a FAIL.
Mercedes will find a way to charge over 40 grand for this thing once it's optioned out.
And those wheels look major small.
Oh well, the privileged high school girls will love it..
Love it, can't wait to see the CLA45.
Ugly - looks like it is melting... Hope it looks better in the flesh...???
Im assuming the C class has to be a knock out because otherwise this CLA will certainly hurt its sales, the majority of the c class on the road are base models with those cheap vinyl seats that people bought simply because it was the cheapest way into a Mercedes... the fact this car looks like a small CLS costs less than a c class there is no point for anyone to buy a c class at al....
The CLA is in the sub-compact car segment. So, the road manner must be similar to this segment...
Not every car must have safe design like Audi! Atta-boy to Mercedes, great car!
The CLA will eat up the sale of the current C-class, I wonder why Merc makea this car to compete with its own models. People won't care much about front wheel drive...
Not such a big fan of the rear...but then again, pictures don't always do a car justice; its always better to reserve judgement till you see it in the flesh. Other than that, the rest of the car is beautiful!
nice Hyundai!
Ok, why are there power figures and dimensions but no weights? Without them, we cannot properly judge anything. For all I know this is a Mercedes and this means that it might be about 1700kg for the AMG AWD version. I hope it's much less, though, cause we've already got plenty of fat powerful cars...
the normal trim with the red paint is sexy!!
not bad...
Yes! Not every car must have a safe design like Audi, I say Attaboy to Mercedes, great car.
I am that younger market I believe the CLA is trying to capture (25 yr old, college grad, 2 years in the work world), and I think it did. A beautifully styled car - though not as gracious as more expensive Mercedes' - with the security and safety of a Mercedes ... I mean, why would I ever spend 29000 on an Acura ILX when I can have a "Benz" for 1000 more? BTW - I have always loved BMW's more than Mercedes, but the styling is pretty good on this... except the back
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