By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com
Mercedes-Benz is expanding its lineup with the all new 2014 CLA. The new four door coupe that takes its design cues from the CLS. This brand new vehicle seamlessly carries the design of the Concept Style Coupe into series production.
The CLA250 features Mercedes-Benz’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It comes with the ECO stop/start function as standard for added gas mileage and is mated to the 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission for an outstanding combination of sporty performance and comfort.
Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is also available with a new generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system featuring fully variable torque distribution. Like the other 4MATIC variants, this completely new development boasts high levels of traction and outstanding agility combined with excellent safety and energy efficiency.
Its sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design language featuring the interaction of concave and convex surfaces give this four-door coupe its distinctive look.
Striking features include the hood with its power domes and the diamond look grille. The arrangement of the headlights and LEDs behind the headlamp lens evokes the characteristic flame effect for the optional daytime running lights and indicators. This light signature is a key aspect of the car’s energetic look.
A number of details indicate that the design of the CLA represents a further development of the modern classic Mercedes-Benz CLS. Three prominent lines give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side, the front structural edge above the fenders flows toward the rear in a characteristic dropping line. Another, more sinewy line spans the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, while the third feature line extends in a sweeping curve from the front wheel toward the rear. Together, these lines lend depth and dynamism to the side profile.
The design of the rear end emphasizes the width of the CLA. The gently sloping roof contour and pronounced curve of the rear window retain the CLA’s coupe-style character. The athletic look of the rear end comes from the drawn-in C-pillars paired with the shoulder muscle above the rear wheel arches. The tail lights are framed by the muscular shoulder lines extending into the back while the horizontal light layout emphasizes the car’s powerful and visually striking breadth.
A large panorama sunroof is available as a standalone option. It consists of a fixed polycarbonate cover at the front, a glass moving panel and side trim elements to match the glass look.
The exterior’s progressive, sporty appearance also carries through to the vehicle interior. Anthracite surface finish is available as the standard trim. Additional trim options include burl walnut wood, black ash wood and aluminum.
The instrument panel incorporates five air vents. The outer rings of the vents are done in a high-quality galvanized finish, while a galvanized insert controls the direction of airflow. The free-standing display is set in black piano-lacquer trim and edged with a flush fitting silver frame.
An extensive array of standard and optional driver assistance systems in the CLA is available to the driver. Standard features include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, which offers collision protection in the CLA from speeds of just 4 mph.
The optional Driver Assistance package also offers DISTRONIC Plus, as well as familiar safety systems including Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. PARKTRONIC with Advance Parking Assist enables autonomous parking in parallel and perpendicular parking spaces and is available as a standalone option.
In addition the latest generation of multimedia systems in the CLA provides a wide array of functions, apps and graphics. Like all models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the CLA comes with the brand’s acclaimed connectivity service mbrace2, providing users with an extensive range of online and concierge services and apps all linking seamlessly to smartphones for use inside and outside the car. By using cloud technology, mbrace2 is always up to date and offers users wide-ranging and flexible access to content.
The CLA250 include a 5.8-inch display and Bluetooth as standard equipment. The central controller provides an all-access pass to an abundance of advanced technology. This can be upgraded to the 7-inch display with the Multimedia package featuring the COMAND system with hard-drive navigation, voice control, an SD card slot, an in-dash CD/DVD player, a 10GB music register, a rearview camera and SiriusXM Traffic & Weather.
As well as the Multimedia package and Driver Assistance package, the CLA250 is also available with the Premium package for an even higher level of comfort and convenience. Its features include a media interface, SiriusXM satellite radio, the harman/kardon LOGIC 7 surround sound system, heated front seats, auto dimming mirrors, integrated garage door opener, dual-zone climate control and a compass.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $29,900.00, the one I drove included the Universe Blue Paint, Burl Walnut Wood Trim, 18 Inch Wheels, Blind Spot Monitor, Panorama Sunroof and the Premium Package, and it came in at $36,700.00 including destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 26 MPG city, 38 MPG highway and 30 MPG combined.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
