The New Mercedes CLA is the latest addition to the luxury automaker’s extensive line-up and made a stunning entrance at the Mercedes-Benz Berlin Fashion Week.

Passionate Design and Engineering

Based on the Concept Style Coupe shown during 2012, the new CLA-Class serves as a junior model of sorts to the larger CLS-Class. The CLA earns the concept’s frameless windows and taut, aggressive styling, relying on an array of concave and convex surfaces to convey a striking image of both athleticism and pure luxury. To many, to many the launched CLA bears a nearly 1-to-1 resemblance to the Concept Style Coupe.

An Amazing Performer

The new Mercedes CLA-Class chassis is based on the A-Class platform and is designed from the ground up to deliver an unparalleled driving experience while maintaining its luxury ride characteristics. The chassis features a front suspension with MacPherson struts and an independent multi-link rear suspension with three control arms and a trailing arm at each wheel. The CLA also offers unique rear axle carrier behaviour that helps preserve ride comfort. The CLA offers a comfort and sports suspension setup, with the latter lowering the body by 20 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear.

Every CLA offers the electromechanical Direct Steer system, providing the four-door Saloon with impressive steering feedback and feel. Direct Steer also features various assist functions that are triggered by the ESP control unit whenever necessary.

Power-train Choices

The new Mercedes CLA-Class features a collection of petrol and diesel engines, all which meet the future requirements of the new Euro 6 emissions standard. Petrol engine choices include a 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre direct injected motor, generating 122 horsepower in the CLA 180 and 211 horsepower in the CLA 250, respectively. The sole diesel engine in the CLA 220 CDI offers an output of 170 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, leaving behind an impressive 109 g CO2 per kilometre.

Both the CLA 250 and CLA 220 CDI offer the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission, while the CLA 180 makes do with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. All three engines feature the ECO start/stop function, a measure that helps lower both fuel consumption and emissions output.

Pricing and Affordability

Sources suggest that sales of the new CLA-class will start as soon as June 2013. By that time, the CLA will most likely sport a price tag somewhere around £25,000, nearly £5,000 more than the new Mercedes A-Class. As the CLA’s release date draws near, more pricing details are bound to surface.

For more information on the new Mercedes CLA-Class please visit L & L Automotive – Mercedes-Benz Hertfordshire.