One of the cars we have been anxiously awaited, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA has just been officially unveiled, during the last week, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. We were given a chance to take a peek into the looks of this gorgeous car back when the Concept Style Coupé was announced. This elegant sedan boasts with a prominent grille, a sporty rear end with dual exhaust system and a sloping roofline.
The CLA measures 80 inches in width, 56.6 inches in height and 182.3 inches in length. Furthermore, the overall drag coefficient has been optimized to 0.23 thanks to its aerodynamically-optimized muffler, underbody cladding and swoopy styling. According to the specialists behind Mercedes-Benz, these features will most certainly serve as a future benchmark for other manufacturers as well.
If we get inside, the amount of A-Class features present is astonishing. The cabin comes finished in piano black trim, silver accents and equipped with a 5.8-inch display. In addition, the cabin is fitted with the mbrace2 connectivity system enabling the occupants to access an extensive range of online concierge services and all sorts of apps.
The brand is also delighted to fit the CLA with an optional panorama sunroof alongside a Multimedia package that includes GPS navigation and the COMMAND infotainment system. There is also a Premium package which further adds heated front seats, Harman/Kardon audio system and dual-zone climate control.
The motorization for the US will run on a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering 208 HP (155 kW) and 349 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, tied to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission which can be added an optional all-wheel drive system. One of the most certain facts before the CLA was presented was that the car will be riding on the MFA platform, with a multilink independent rear suspension and a McPherson strut front suspension.
The CLA also boasts with an electromechanical power steering system and, according to the specialists, a “flexible decoupling of the rear axle sub-frame for improved ride characteristics.”
The model will reportedly be released on the market during this September, while the prices haven’t been announced yet.
[Mercedes-Benz]
