Mercedes CLA-Class

After numerous concepts, teases and spy shots Mercedes have finally revealed their newest four door coupe based on the stylish A-Class Hatchback, the Mercedes CLS Four Door Coupe and the Concept Style Coupe. 

Mercedes CLA

The new CLA has sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design features. This is thanks to the interplay between concave and convex surfaces visible on every angle of its stylish coupe design. The most striking feature of must be its low aggressively styled front. This is thanks to large diamond radiator grille, dynamic light modules and LED’s behind the headlamps that have been arranged to give the car’s front flare effect during daytime driving.

Stylish front with the diamond radiator grill

Three prominent lines on the side help highlight its CLS DNA link. Another characteristic borrowed from its bigger stylish relative is the gently sloping roof contour and the pronounced curvature of the rear window. At the rear the taillights are framed by the muscular lines of the shoulders which extend into the rear end, the horizontal orientation of the lights emphasizing the rear's aesthetic look. A large black rear diffuser also pops out at the back. The soundtrack from the engine comes out from two exhaust pipes located at each end of the diffuser. 

Side profile

A large panoramic sliding sunroof is optionally available. This sunroof consists of a fixed polycarbonate cover at the front, a moving element made of mineral crystal and side trims to match the glass look. The glass surface extends from the front windscreen to the rear window. The design not only makes it stand out but also makes it the most aerodynamic Mercedes-Benz model in its class. The good air flow characteristics, which are a major contributory factor to the vehicle's low fuel consumption, result from numerous aerodynamic optimisation measures. A Sport Package that adds a unique body and 18-inch AMG-inspired alloy wheels is also available.

Mercedes A-Class

The new CLA will be offered with numerous economical petrol and diesel engines. For petrol CLA versions engines will have a displacement of either 1.6 litres or 2.0 litres. The entry level CLA 180 comes with an engine with 122hp while the CLA 200 comes with a 156hp. The top of the range CLA 250 comes with a powerful 211hp engine. For diesel models, the CLA 200 CDI comes with a 136hp engine with 350Nm of torque. The most powerful diesel model, the CLA 220 CDI comes with a 177hp engine with 350Nm of torque. All engines are fitted with an ECO start/stop function as standard.

Mercedes CLS Four Door Coupe

All engines can be married to a six-speed manual or with a 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission. Power is sent to the rear wheels on a standard powertrain setup. Mercedes also offer a new generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system. The new suspension setup works with the 7G-DCT automated dual clutch transmission and a rear-axle gear to enable distribution of the drive torque between front and rear axle. The chassis of the CLA features a McPherson front axle and an independent multilink rear suspension, featuring three control arms and one trailing arm per wheel. All CLA versions come with an electromechanical Direct Steer power steering system. The steering system offers impressive feedback to the driver and also helps boost overall fuel efficiency.

Posh cockpit with metallic surfaces

The exterior's progressive, sporty appearance is continued inside the vehicle. A selection of high-quality materials and the available combinations of materials give the interior a posh feel. All trim surfaces are galvanised, resulting in a metallic finish. The instrument panel incorporates five round vents. The outer rings of the round vents have a high-quality electroplated finish. The airflow direction is governed by a galvanised insert.

Large panoramic glass roof fitted as well

The free-standing display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel and a flush-fitting silver frame. It has enough room for five occupants. Coloured contrasting stitching is also available, according to the selected interior appointment options. A fibre-optic cable in the opening between head restraint and backrest is optionally available as part of the ambient lighting. Heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control are offered as optional extras. 

A compact saloon for the younger driver

Entertainment is catered by a new multimedia system that comes with modified graphics and additional apps. It can link easily to an iPhone to allow users to access the Siri voice control. With the iPhone connected, a driver can access up to date information on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter plus 3D maps thanks to Google’s Street View app. A Premium Multimedia Package includes an upgraded harman/kardon LOGIC7 audio system, 10-gigabyte music hard drive, rearview camera, and a larger 7 inch dashboard screen (the standard 5.8-inch screen) is also available. 

Mercedes Concept Style Coupe

Just like all Mercedes models the new CLA also comes with ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist as standard. The system can help prevent collisions from a speed of 7km/h and above. The two safety systems can also be combined with DISTRONIC PLUS to become COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS.

Sporty front seats

With this installed the system can detect an eminent collision and the automatically brake the car to reduce the severity of collisions with slow or stationary vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 30 km/h and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 20 km/h. Other optional systems include Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Active Parking Assist which enables automatic parking on parking spaces.

Rear design with the horizontal LED tail lamps

The entry level Mercedes CLA is priced at £25,000 (Kshs 4 million excluding taxes). DT Dobie Kenya should consider shipping in this stylish four door coupe. I believe it’s suited for the younger at heart driver looking for a sporty thrill. Great work Mercedes.