standards in terms of design and aerodynamics,
but also forming a completely new segment.
The stylistic rebel.
In spring 2012, at the Auto China show, Mercedes-Benz presented the Concept Style Coupé to an enthusiastic public for the first time as its vision of the new four-door coupé. It had breathtakingly sporty proportions and a muscular, dynamic and progressive design: "The response to the Concept Style Coupé was outstanding. The comment most often heard was: "Please take this car into series production". That is exactly what we are doing," says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars. Just under one year later this automotive dream has become reality, and is entering series production in practically unchanged form. CLA is the name given to this latest member of the model family, and as a four-door coupé it is founding a totally new segment.
"The CLA is a car that does not confuse medium class with mediocrity. Its muscular design accentuates the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand," Dr. Dieter Zetsche adds.
Family ties.
As the latest member of the family the four-door coupé follows the idea of the CLS, whose concept has been imitated by many others since its debut. With numerous detailed features the designers have shown unmistakably that the CLA is a further design development of the modern Mercedes-Benz classic: the bonnet with powerdomes embedded into the front end, three striking side lines structuring the side view, an athletic rear end and, not least, a gradually descending roofline accentuate the coupé-like character of the CLA. The three side lines extend from the front wheels, over the rear axle and into the tail lights like muscles, giving the profile of the CLA completely new depth and dynamism.
Sporty character.
The progressive, sporty exterior design is reflected in the interior of the CLA. The design idiom that makes the exterior so special combines with carefully selected, high-grade materials to underline the high perceived value. All the trim surfaces are galvanised in silver-shadow, achieving a metallic visual effect with "cool touch". To accentuate the sporty character even further, the CLA has integral seats in both the front and rear. The rear seat unit gives prominence to the outer seats (2+1 seater). Colour-contrasted topstitching is available depending on the appointments chosen. On request the ambience lighting also includes optical fibres in the gap between the head restraints and the seat backrests.
Resistance is futile.
The avantgarde exterior design of the CLA is not only a visual highlight. With a Cd figure of 0.23 for the standard model, the Coupé achieves a new record – both within the Mercedes-Benz family and for all series production cars. This figure is even bettered by the CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, which has a Cd figure of 0.22.
This is achieved by numerous aerodynamic improvements such as the low A-pillar, the aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors and extensive underbody panelling. The overall result is very good airflow characteristics, which in turn contribute to a low fuel consumption.
Well-equipped for the future.
To suit its sporty appearance of the CLA, Mercedes-Benz has given the latest family member powerful engines developing up to 155 kW (211 hp), the Direct-Steer system as standard, an optional sports suspension and the latest generation of the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The technical highlights of this new design icon also include numerous driver assistance systems, including a further development of the radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, the well-proven Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist and Adaptive Highbeam Assist. The CLA is also very well-equipped for the future: all the petrol models and the top diesel model of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA already meet the Euro 6 emission limits only coming into force in 2014.
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