The 2024 Mercedes-Benz lineup brings a host of updates and changes across various models, showcasing the brand’s commitment to diversity and innovation. From the affordable CLA-Class to the luxurious S-Class, here’s a summary of the key highlights:

1. 1. CLA-Class Update:
      • Significant midcycle update for the entry-level CLA-Class.
      • Mild hybrid integration for improved efficiency.
      • Front- and rear-end design tweaks, new wheel options, and enhanced upholstery choices.
      • Tech upgrades, including dual 10.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment.
   2. C-Class Enhancements:
      • Introduction of the powerful AMG C63 S E Performance with 670 hp and over 750 lb-ft of torque.
      • Standard features for the standard C-Class include parking sensors with park assist, wireless charging pad, and SiriusXM radio.
      • Three new paint options available for both luxury sedan and performance-oriented versions.
   3. Introduction of CLE-Class:
      • Two-door versions of the C- and E-Class discontinued.
      • New CLE-Class coupe launched, with a convertible version to follow.
      • Positioned between the C- and E-Class coupes, featuring the latest styling and technology.
   4. Next-gen E-Class Redesign:
      • Full redesign for the 2024 E-Class with all-new exterior design.
      • Mild hybrid assistance added to four- and six-cylinder powertrains.
      • Rear-wheel steering for improved maneuverability at low speeds.
      • Innovative Superscreen layout with three digital displays across the dash.
   5. 2024 EQE-Class Changes:
      • Significant updates for the EQE-Class, including improvements to the braking system and real-world range.
      • 5G service module, standard Hyperscreen on EQE500 and EQE53.
      • Added tech upgrades and customization options for upholstery, trim, and paint.
   6. CLS-Class Discontinued:
      • The CLS-Class, known for starting the four-door coupe trend, has been discontinued.
      • Production halted in August 2023 due to challenges justifying its place in the lineup.
   7. AMG GT 4-Door Updates:
      • Tweaked front fascia for the GT 4-Door, aligning with the styling of the second-generation coupe.
      • Introduction of the GT63 S E Performance, a plug-in hybrid with 831 hp and 1,033 lb-ft of torque.
   8. S-Class Improvements:
      • Slight power bump for the S500 variant.
      • All S-Class models benefit from a 5G service module.
      • New options for paint colors and interior emblems, along with a potential introduction of semi-autonomous driving.
   9. 2024 EQS-Class Enhancements:
      • Improvements for the EQS-Class include a heat pump, 4Matic disconnect, and power and range bumps.
      • Standardization of Mercedes’ triple-display Hyperscreen, power-adjustable heated rear seats, and 5G connectivity.
      • Increased customization options with new paints and upholstery combinations.
   10. Redesigned AMG GT:
       • Second-generation AMG GT with notable changes, including increased size, weight, and available 2+2 seating.
       • Standard AWD and modern tech features, reflecting a grand touring focus.
   11. 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL-Class: What’s New
       • After a dynamic introduction in 2023, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL roadster returns with an impressive addition – the SL63 E Performance, a powerful plug-in hybrid variant.
       • Representing the most focused sports car in the lineup to receive AMG’s combination of a twin-turbo V-8 engine and a plug-in hybrid system, this performance-oriented powertrain is expected to deliver an exhilarating driving experience, especially with the top down.
       • In addition to the new performance pinnacle, the SL-Class now offers customization options through MB’s Manufaktur department.
       • The SL 63 Big Sur Edition stands out as a special modification. For enthusiasts who missed the limited production run, new color options such as Night Black Magno, Cirrus Silver Magno, and Rubellite Red Metallic have been introduced, expanding the already extensive color palette.
       • Interior choices now include Savanna Beige/Black and Rosé Grey/Black.

2024 Mercedes Cars Lineup Summary:

1. 1. CLA-Class: Significant update
   2. C-Class: Significant update
   3. CLE-Class: All-new model
   4. E-Class: Redesign
   5. EQE-Class: Minor update
   6. CLS-Class: Discontinued
   7. AMG GT 4-Door: Significant update
   8. S-Class: Minor update
   9. EQS-Class: Significant update
   10. AMG GT: Redesign
   11. AMG SL-Class: Minor update

This comprehensive lineup for 2024 showcases Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to offering a diverse range of vehicles with significant updates, redesigns, and new models across various segments.

Breathtakingly sporty proportions and a powerfully dynamic design idiom with sensuously shaped surfaces already made the CLA unmistakable in its four-door Coupé guise. It is now followed by a further design icon, the CLA Shooting Brake, with a unique look all of its own. The lower overall height and the elongated coupé-style roof contour line, the low greenhouse and the sweep of the high beltline are the key design features of its distinctive profile. As is the gentle downward slope of the roof line, which makes for significantly more headroom than in the four-door Coupé. The CLA Shooting Brake (length/width/height: 4630/1777/1435 mm) will initially be available with a choice of two diesel and three petrol engines as well as with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. It goes on sale in January 2015, with the first models going to customers towards the end of March 2015.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, jupiter red, studio

“The new CLA Shooting Brake is the latest member of our successful family of compact models. The range, which now includes five models, covers an extremely wide spectrum: with the spacious B-Class sports tourer, the youthfully dynamic A-Class, the avant-garde CLA-Class Coupé and the compact GLA-Class SUV, we cater for a host of different customer wishes in this segment,” says Ola Källenius, Member of the Divisional Board Mercedes-Benz Cars, responsible for Marketing & Sales. “Like its big brother, the CLS Shooting Brake, the CLA Shooting Brake is targeted at active customers who are looking outside of the mainstream for a car that impresses with a high utility value.”

The guiding principle behind the designers’ work was that of sensual purity as an expression of modern luxury. “The new CLA Shooting Brake offers a contemporary interpretation of sensual purity and represents the perfect synthesis between the emotionality of a coupé and the intelligence of a shooting brake”, explains Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. “The styling of our CLA Shooting Brake is extremely progressive as well as unmistakable. Once again, we have created a whole new class of vehicle.”

The thrilling design details of the limited-edition OrangeArt Edition special model ensure that it brings an exciting note to the market launch. Orange highlight rings around the bi-xenon headlamps ensure that they stand out in spectacular style. The rim flanges of the AMG light-alloy wheels are painted in orange on the OrangeArt Edition. Orange/black sports seats and orange contrasting topstitching help to define the interior.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, jupiter red, studio

As spacious as they come: beauty in its most practical guise

The elegantly long drawn-out Shooting Brake tail end, in conjunction with the variability that this offers, guarantees exceptional recreational value without compromising on the CLA’s aspiration to represent design at its best. At the same time, headroom in the rear is significantly greater than in the four-door CLA. At 94.7 cm, the effective headroom in the rear is 4 cm higher than it is in the companion model. Access to the second row of seats is also much easier.
This spaciousness is one of the strengths of the Shooting Brake. The load compartment offers a capacity that ranges from 495 to 1354 litres (when loaded up to the upper edge of the rear seat backrests or loaded to the roof with the rear bench seat folded down, respectively). If the rear seats are moved into the more steeply raked “cargo” position, the load capacity increases to 595 litres while still leaving space for five occupants.

The width of the luggage compartment, at up to 1328 mm, is leading in this segment. Clever little details, including the magnetic catch on the through-loading flap in the rear-seat backrest for long items, such as skis, are further typical examples of this carefully thought-out concept.

Options such as the electrically operated EASY-PACK tailgate or the Load Compartment package help to enhance convenience and variability when using the load compartment. Apart from the “cargo” positioning option for the rear-seat backrests, the Load Compartment package includes a collapsible box, a 12 V socket and an additional stowage net at the side of the load compartment. To add to the exclusive ambience, aluminium strips with anti-slip inlays are available as an option for the load compartment floor.

With a Cd value of 0.22 in its BlueEFFICIENCY Edition guise, the four-door CLA sets a new benchmark – both within the Mercedes model portfolio and among all series-production vehicles. The CLA Shooting Brake, too, holds its own alongside the world champion with outstanding aerodynamics while likewise leading its segment with a Cd value of 0.26. The drag area Cd x A, a decisive factor when it comes to wind resistance, is 0.57 m2 on the CLA Shooting Brake.

The engine range available with the CLA Shooting Brake is extensive right from the start of sales, comprising two diesel and three petrol units. All engines impress with their agile performance, low noise levels and low emissions. The CLA 200 CDI, with an output of 100 kW (136 hp), is particularly efficient: it has a top speed of 215 km/h and a combined consumption figure of just 3.9 l/100 km, with emissions of 101 g CO2/km.

All versions are equipped as standard with the ECO start/stop function and are Euro 6-compliant. All-wheel drive is likewise available straight from the market launch, initially in the CLA 250 4MATIC and CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC (features include: dynamic styling, sporty tuning of engine, accelerator and transmission as well as sporty engine sound). Diesel variants in the form of the CLA 200 CDI 4MATIC and CLA 220 CDI 4MATIC will follow in September 2015.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, jupiter red, studio

Design: sharp contours and sensuous surfaces

Two years ago, in the form of the CLS Shooting Brake, Mercedes-Benz created a sports car such as had never been seen before: one with five seats and a large tailgate. The founders of this vehicle concept are now following it up with a smaller version, the CLA Shooting Brake – a second Shooting Brake model exuding stylish sporty flair and modern luxury, with lines that are the essence of sensual purity.

Many of the detailed elements of the CLA Shooting Brake, such as its frameless side windows, appear to define it as a coupé, yet at the same time it offers the variability and practicality of an estate car. And with its long bonnet, sleek window profile with integral rear quarter window and the gentle downward slope of its roof as it flows to the rear, it demonstrates the same crouching posture as the CLS Shooting Brake. The long sweep of the roof right to the rear of the car means that it offers more headroom in the back than the four-door CLA coupé model, as well as being easier to get into.

The interplay between sharply defined lines and large surface expanses gives rise to some exciting and characteristic light effects, resulting in a unique look that sets the CLA Shooting Brake quite apart from other vehicles in related segments.

The sporty design of its front section gives the CLA its typical look. Among the striking features that contribute to this characteristic dynamic look are the powerdomes on the bonnet that are such a hallmark of Mercedes coupés, and the diamond radiator grille with central Mercedes star. The way the bonnet is embedded into the front end makes it appear longer and, in conjunction with the upright radiator grille and the prominent V-shape of the front end, gives the car its crouching posture. The arrangement of the light modules and LED behind the headlamp lenses gives rise to the characteristic “eyebrow” effect for the daytime running lamps and indicators.

The sleek greenhouse, the elongated roof contour line, the high beltline with low side windows and an additional quarter window, plus the D-pillar that tapers towards the rear, are the particular styling elements of the CLA Shooting Brake seen in profile. Two character lines define this profile: the new, modern interpretation of the “dropping line”, together with a further separate swell to the flank above the “dropping line”. This supports the D-pillar, which in its turn continues the line round to the tailgate. The precise lines and three-dimensional effect of the side design create a sinewy, animated play of light and shadow.

The broad emphasis of the rear end conveys a sense of power, in an interplay of tense, muscular volume and sharply defined edges. The sloping roof line, the pronounced curve of the rear window and tailgate and the distinctive look of the rear end as a whole give the CLA Shooting Brake an unmistakable flair of its own.

The narrowing of the car at the D-pillars, in conjunction with the broad shoulder muscle over the rear wheel arch, adds up to a strikingly athletic look, particularly when seen from the rear.

The elegant arrowhead design of the rear light clusters carries the harmonious flow of the shoulders round from the side to the rear end, the horizontal orientation serving to emphasise the powerful width of the vehicle. The single-piece rear light units are set neatly into the body and reflect the relationship of the CLA Shooting Brake to both the four-door Coupé model CLA and to the larger CLS Shooting Brake. The light functions are presented in an arrowhead arrangement. All aerials are integrated into the sporty roof spoiler.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake, jupiter red, studio

Interior: high-quality materials and integral seats

The exterior’s progressive, sporty appearance is continued inside the vehicle. The interior additionally derives a very special quality feel from the design idiom of sensual purity as well as the selection and available combinations of the materials chosen. Special equipment packages include colour-contrasted stitching.
The twin-tube instrument cluster comprises two large round dials, each with a small round dial set inside it. When at rest the needles are in the 6 o’clock position. The silver-coloured needles are inlaid in red, while the dial faces feature a silver-grey textured surface. Another highlight is the new generation of 3-spoke steering wheels in different variants, including a multifunction sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section and red or black topstitching.

The instrument panel incorporates five round vents. The outer rings of the round vents on all models have a high-quality silver chrome galvanised finish. The airflow direction is governed by a very neat galvanised insert that reveals a meticulous attention to detail. The CLA Shooting Brake features the latest generation of telematics systems. The free-standing display screen features a large screen diagonal of 17.8 cm (7 inches), together with a high-gloss piano-black front panel, a flush-fitting frame in Silvershadow and a fully glazed screen. Upon request in conjunction with COMAND Online, or as an option for the Audio 20 system, the display is available with an even larger screen diagonal of 20.3 cm (8 inches).

The functions shown on the display combine an intuitive approach with attractive images and graphics, thus ensuring a positive user experience that adds to the exceptional design appeal of the interior as a whole.

The CLA Shooting Brake in the AMG Line and Urban equipment lines is fitted with integral seats in the front and rear, underscoring its sporty character. The emphasis of the rear bench seat is on the outer seats (2+1-seater). Colour-coordinated contrasting topstitching is available based on the chosen equipment. The ambient lighting system encompasses a total of 13 light sources in the interior, among them a light in the opening between the head restraint and the backrest. The ambient lighting system is available as an option with different colours: any of twelve colour schemes can be selected to suit taste and mood, helping to conjure up an individual atmosphere in the interior.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake

Equipment and appointments: OrangeArt Edition, AMG Line and Urban

The thrilling design details of the limited-edition OrangeArt Edition special model ensure that it brings an exciting note to the market launch. Orange trim in conjunction with selected equipment features, such as the AMG Line and Night package, emphasise the sporty flair of this model. A distinctive sporty look is also ensured by 45.7 cm (18-inch) AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, painted in black with an orange rim flange, together with orange highlights on the front and rear aprons. The bi-xenon headlamps feature orange highlight rings.

The interior, too, is imbued with a sense of exclusive dynamism, thanks to the Exclusive package, sports seats with leather/DINAMICA microfibre upholstery in black/orange and orange contrasting topstitching, along with black seat belts with accentuating orange stripes. The 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel in leather, the instrument panel in ARTICO man-made leather and the aluminium trim with honeycomb-pattern grain, as well as fine detailing such as the recurring orange contrasting topstitching in the interior, convey a sense of delight in the unusual.

The CLA Shooting Brake is also available with either of the two equipment lines Urban and AMG Line, in each case with numerous line-specific details for both the exterior and interior. The AMG Line augments the sportiness and exclusivity of the CLA Shooting Brake. This equipment line includes a more dynamic exterior with AMG bodystyling, 45.7 cm (18-inch) AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and a two-pipe exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe trim. The interior also exudes a sporty flair, with sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre, a multifunction sports steering wheel with flattened bottom section and a leather-upholstered shift lever. The lowered sports suspension enhances handling as well as driving enjoyment.

The Urban equipment line uses selected exterior and interior equipment and appointment features in a similar way to emphasise the vehicle’s dynamic appeal, whilst also allowing further individualisation. Dynamic highlights of the exterior include a diamond radiator grille with high-gloss black pins, the 45.7 cm (18-inch) 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and the two-pipe exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe trim. Contributing to the sporty character in the interior are the sports seats with contrasting topstitching, a multifunction leather steering wheel with perforated grip area and a wave-look trim element.
The optional panoramic sliding sunroof with its large glazed area provides for an especially bright and friendly ambience in the interior. It comprises an electrically operated glass sliding roof for individual ventilation of the interior, together with a mesh wind deflector. This reduces both draughts and wind noise when the roof is open.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake

Safety: autonomous braking if a risk of collision is detected

Accident researchers at Mercedes-Benz have recently calculated that COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS could cut the number of serious rear-end collisions by up to 30 percent compared with vehicles that do not have a corresponding protective system. For their prognosis, the safety experts used figures from Germany’s Federal Statistical Office to assess how effective standard-fit COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST has been in the B-Class to date and simulated digital accident data.

The CLA Shooting Brake features COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS as standard. This assistance system extends the functionality of COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST by the addition of autonomous braking to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. If the driver fails to act when a risk of collision is detected, despite the warning lamp in the instrument cluster and the intermittent audible alert, the system will automatically trigger braking. The vehicle speed is thus already significantly reduced. Depending on the relative speed, this intervention may be enough to avoid a rear-end collision with vehicles that are driving more slowly, stopping or stationary, or significantly mitigate its severity.

Also fitted as standard is the drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST. Operating within an extended speed range (60 – 200 km/h), it uses a five-stage bar display to visualise the driver’s current attention level.

“Mercedes connect me”: Accident Recovery, Maintenance Management and Breakdown Management

“Mercedes connect me” connects the CLA Shooting Brake with the world around it. The communications module, which is available as standard in certain European countries, makes it possible to use the Mercedes connect me range of Standard Services.

Available services include, for example, Accident Recovery, Maintenance Management and Breakdown Management. In an accident, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system automatically connects the occupants with the Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Centre and sends the position and condition of the vehicle to the rescue operations centre. A rescue vehicle can then be dispatched immediately. The system works automatically, but can also be triggered manually.
The optionally available Remote Online facility allows the customer to connect to their vehicle from anywhere and at any time via “connect.mercedes.me” and, for example, to use their smartphone to find out how full the tank is.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake

Success story: the compact car family from Mercedes-Benz

The new CLA Shooting Brake is the fifth member to join the Mercedes-Benz compact car family. And what a successful family it is: with a total of 375,000 A-, B-, CLA- and GLA-Class vehicles, more compact models than ever before were sold in the first ten months of 2014. More than a fifth of the compact cars built by Mercedes-Benz stay in Germany, with Great Britain and Italy the next-largest markets.
The introduction of the new compact car models has seen the Mercedes-Benz brand become palpably younger in appeal – around the world, the average age of its customers has fallen.

Around the world, some 900,000 vehicles of the new generation of compact models are now in customer hands, including 100,000 CLA models. The conquest sales rate for the CLA worldwide stands at around 50 percent. The CLA Shooting Brake is built at the company’s plant in Kecskémet, Hungary.

Mark Fetherston, Mercedes-Benz Exterior Team Leader on the CLA-Class, discusses the main design highlights of the popular new model.  The all-new CLA is a hallmark of bold design, but it’s in the smallest of details where Mercedes’ commitment to craftsmanship really shows.

Watch the video below and check out the photo gallery for a complete look at the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA.

In a Facebook post and a press release regarding the new engines available on the A- B- and CLA-Class, Mercedes subtly introduced the CLA45 AMG Edition 1.

The CLA 45 AMG “Edition 1″comes in either cosmos black metallic, mountain grey metallic, polar silver metallic or designo polar silver magno and will set you back 63,099.75 Euros.

The Mercedes CLA45 AMG Edition 1 receives a gloss black rear spoiler, graphite grey side stripes, red accented grille and mirror and matte black 19-inch alloy wheels also with red accents and matching red break callipers.

Interior updates have been minimal, ARTICO/DINAMICA sport seats, a leather/DINAMICA-wrapped steering wheel, RTICO-wrapped dashboard all with red contrast stitching, similar to the interior of the A45 AMG Edition 1.  This is in major contrast to the NEON ART yellow interior of the CLA180 Edition 1 model. Not to be forgotten are the AMG floor mats and the special Edition 1 badging.

Mercedes CLA45 AMG Edition 1 Engine

Similar to the standard A45 AMG model, The Edition one has been fitted with a 360bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with 332 lb ft of torque that is connected to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. This system allows the high performance four-door coupe to spring 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed that is electronically limited to 155mph.

Both A45 AMG models will be available to order in July and will be in dealerships in September 2013.

Just beginning to arrive in dealerships, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is Mercedes’ newest entry level model. The four-door coupe CLA is already a design leader with its aerodynamic exterior and sporty interior but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be tweaked to fit your own personal taste. We just brought you a CLA tuning program by Brabus, but if that doesn’t fit your taste, Piecha Design has also launched a modest styling package dubbed the Mercedes CLA 250 GT-R.

Piecha Design modified the CLA 250 with with a sport cosmetic kit and installed a front chin spoiler, diffuser, matte silver air splitters for the bumper, and a four-pipe exhaust system with 90mm pipes. The CLA 250 stock wheels have been removed, replaced by custom ten-spoke alloys with new tires.

The Mercedes CLA250 GT-R is only a cosmetic styling package, under the hood remains the stock 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter gas engine delivering 208 bhp (155 kW) and 350 Nm of torque, paired with a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission. Top speed on the stock CLA250 is 149 mph but getting there will now sound much better on the CLA250 GT-R thanks to the new exhaust system.

Brabus unveiled their first tuning program for the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA. Tastefully designed with subtle tweaks, the most notable updates are the quad-tailpipe exhaust system and the large Monoblock alloy wheels.  This is the first CLA tuning program by Brabus but likely not the last as they’ve had a recent history of putting out a lighter tuning program before releasing the fully overhauled version.

Interior photos of the Brabus CLA were not released but we have not doubt that Brabus is offering a bespoke interior designed and created by their own upholstery shop.

According to sources, the Mercedes CLA 250 can optionally be equipped with a PowerXtra kit that pushes the engine to produce an extra 34 HP (25 kW) for a total of 245 HP (180 kW) and 385 Nm (284 lb-ft) of torque – an increase of 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).

Gordon Wagener, Mercedes-Benz Design Chief confirmed to Whatcar that the Mercedes A-Class family will grow beyond the new CLA four door coupe and the newly unveiled GLA SUV.  According to Wagener, Mercedes is planning an estate version of the CLA saloon, creating a smaller version of the CLS Shooting Brake. ‘The CLA is a four-door coupe as well, so why not do it?” he said.

Rumors of a sportier A-Class model, such as a small coupe or soft-top were debunked by Wagener as well, “We don’t need a sports car, the market is declining.”

Renderings are from master automotive manipulator Theophilus Chin.

April in Paris may be known to many for their cherry blossoms, I know my wife has convinced me to go on more than one occasion just to see to flowering tree. But this year, in addition to the cherry blossoms the food and the architecture that only Paris can offer, Mercedes is adding an additional reason to visit.  Celebrating the market launch of their new four-door coupé, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA, Mercedes has opened a pop-up store with a unique photographic art exhibition and test drives through the city.

The digital photo installation #Untamed opened April 3 in a Mercedes-Benz pop-up store in the heart of Paris. Hundreds of personal photos taken by Instagram users from around the world are on display, all of which reflect Mercedes-Benz’ philosophy behind the CLA: unconventional, unusual and untamed. The Instagram photos show the uniqueness of human beings, how one photographers’s individual style and perspective on the world can differ so greatly from those of others. Participation is possible until April 10 with the free exhibition running until April 13, 2013. Visitors to the exhibition will be offered an opportunity to test drive the new CLA through Paris at no cost as well.

“We are absolutely thrilled by the creativity shown by internet users in interpreting the idea behind the online campaign”, commented Anders Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars. The international online campaign #Untamed was launched on the website www.untamed-installation.com by Mercedes-Benz in February. All users have been invited to upload their three most creative and unusual pictures from their personal Instagram photo stream and have them evaluated using the #Untamed Score. This indicates how unique the style of the pictures is compared with the pictures of other users. The choice of motif is again completely free. The one important thing is that the photos should not be: average. An artistic display of all the pictures submitted by April 10, 2013 is being mounted in the Mercedes-Benz pop-up store in Paris and presented to an international, art-loving public.

In addition to the Untamed exhibition all those interested can find out about the new CLA in unique surroundings. The temporary Mercedes store in the heart of Paris invites visitors to a special Mercedes-Benz brand experience on four floors.

The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. (closed Sunday) at the Mercedes-Benz pop-up store located at 25 Boulevard des Capucines, Paris 75002.

The all new 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a trend-setting four-door high-performance coupé that follows in the footsteps of the highly successful Mercedes-Benz CLS.  With a drag coefficient of just 0.23, the front-wheel drive CLA is the most aerodynamic mass-produced vehicle in the world.  Click through the photo gallery below to see just why the CLA is winning praise around the world.

Making its public debut at next week’s New York Auto show, the first official images of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG have been leaked onto the web and we have them all for you below.

We saw a brief glimpse of the new Mercedes model last month after it was featured in the new PS4 game Driveclub. The new CLA45 AMG will likely receive a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 360 HP (265 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque that is mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox with a confirmed 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) sprint time of 4.6 seconds.  Pricing has yet to be announced but will start at $50,000.

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is well on its way to establishing a new segment, leading the way with it’s aerodynamic body (Cd value of 0.22 for the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition), avant-garde coupé design and 4MATIC all-wheel drive (optional). As a four-door coupé it follows the design ideas of the CLS, a design concept which has initiated a fair share of imitators since its debut in 2003. The new CLA features a radar-based braking system (COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST) that comes standard and is able to warn drivers of an obstacle from a speed of only 4 mph and can initiate precision braking when the driver steps on the brake pedal.

“The resonance created by the Concept Style Coupé was overwhelming. By far the most frequent comment heard was: ‘please put this car into series production’ And that’s exactly what we’re doing now”, said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The CLA is a car that does not confuse mid‑range with mediocrity. Its powerful design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand.”

In keeping with its sporty positioning, the CLA is available with high-torque turbo engines rated at up to 155 kW (211 hp), sports suspension and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The technical highlights of this new design icon include a new world record in aerodynamics for series production automobiles (Cd value: 0.22) and numerous driving assistance systems, including the further-developed COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST.

This radar-based assistance system provides the possibly distracted driver with visual and acoustic warnings of identified obstacles and prepares the adaptive Brake Assist system for precision braking. Braking is initiated as soon as the driver steps emphatically on the brake pedal. When an impending danger of collision is identified, the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system calculates the precise braking force ideally needed to avoid an accident and makes the best possible use of any distance remaining. As a new feature, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST affords protection from typical rear-end collisions in dangerous traffic situations in the CLA from a speed of only 7 km/h (previously: above 30 km/h).

Five lines and packages which vary greatly in character are available to individualise the striking compact mid-range coupé (length/width/height: 4630/1777/1437 millimetres). In keeping with the digital lifestyle of the CLA’s social media-savvy target group, smartphones can additionally be fully integrated into the vehicle’s display and operating system.

The CLA Edition 1 will only be available for twelve months. Among the exclusive equipment features of this model, which can be powered by any of the engine versions, the NEON ART interior with leather upholstery and black DINAMICA microfibre with yellow contrasting topstitching is worthy of mention.

The style rebel: exterior design

Its breathtakingly sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design idiom, with its interplay between concave and convex surfaces give this four-door coupé its unmistakable look.

The vehicle’s striking features include the bonnet embedded in the front end with powerdomes and the diamond radiator grille. The light modules and LEDs behind the headlamp cover glass have been arranged in such a way as to create the characteristic “flare effect” for the daytime driving lights and indicators. This light signet defines the car’s energetic appearance and shapes a new Mercedes face.

Numerous details indicate that on a design level 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 over the wings flows towards the rear end 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 towards the rear. Together, these lines lend depth and dynamism to the side profile.

The width-emphasizing rear end radiates power and athleticism, featuring an interplay between convex and concave surfaces and edges. The gently sloping roof contour and the pronounced, hallmark curvature of the rear window provide the CLA with a coupé-style character from the rear, too. The athletic impression from the rear results from the drawn-in C-pillars in conjunction with the shoulder muscle over the rear wheel arch linings. The tail lights 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 powerful and aesthetic breadth. The light functions feature an arrow-style arrangement.

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.

“Cool touch” effect: the interior

The exterior’s progressive, sporty appearance is continued inside the vehicle. The interior additionally derives a very special quality feel from the design idiom, the selection of high-quality materials and the available combinations of materials. 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 that reveals a meticulous attention to detail. The free-standing display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel and, in combination with COMAND Online a flush-fitting silver frame.

The CLA is fitted with integral seats in the front and rear, underscoring its sporty character. The rear bench seat emphasises the outer seats (2+1‑seater). Coloured contrasting stitching is 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.

Sleek as they come: new record Cd value

With a Cd value of 0.23, the CLA sets a new benchmark – both within the Mercedes-Benz model range and among all production vehicles. The drag area, Cd x A – which is crucial to consumption at speeds above 60 km/h – also leads the field, at 0.51 m². The CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, which is due to hit the streets in June and can be ordered now, even manages to better these top values with its Cd figure of 0.22, and when it comes to the drag area, Cd x A, the four-door coupé crosses a magical line: it is just 0.49 m2.

The good air flow characteristics, which are a major contributory factor to the vehicle’s low fuel consumption in everyday conditions, result from numerous aerodynamic optimisation measures. These include a low A-pillar shoulder with adapted A-pillar geometry, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors, streamlined rear section, wheels designed for low aerodynamic drag and serrated wheel spoilers on the front and rear wheel arches.

Extensive underbody panelling, additional panelling in the middle area of the rear axle and an aerodynamically optimised rear silencer followed by a diffuser improve the flow of air under the underbody.

When it comes to aeroacoustics too, i.e. noise level comfort, the four-door coupé is also at the top of its game.

Smart safety: advanced assistance systems

Numerous driving assistance systems offer support in the CLA and reduce the driver’s workload. Standard-fit features for the coupé include ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist, which now helps to protect the CLA from collisions from a speed of only 7 km/h (previously: above 30 km/h).

This feature combines with DISTRONIC PLUS to become COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, incorporating an additional function: when a danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, thereby reducing 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.

Established assistance systems, such as the Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist or Adaptive Highbeam Assist, are also available for the CLA. Active Parking Assist (optional) enables automatic parking in lengthways and crossways parking spaces.

Designed for dynamism: the chassis and suspension

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. This means that longitudinal and lateral dynamics are virtually independent of one another. A CLA-specific feature is the flexible decoupling of the rear axle carrier, which benefits ride comfort. Wheel carriers and spring links are made of aluminium, in order to reduce unsprung masses. Two chassis and suspension set-ups are available: the comfort suspension and the optional sports suspension for sporty yet comfortable handling. The latter entails lowering of the body by 15 mm (front) and 10 mm (rear).

Irrespective of the selected chassis, all CLA variants come with the Direct Steer system. This electromechanical power steering offers improved feedback to the driver in comparison to conventional systems and makes an important contribution towards overall efficiency, as the steering assist function only requires energy when the steering wheel is actually turned. Additionally it enables various steering assistance functions which are activated by the ESP® control unit. These include countersteering in case of oversteering, corrective steering when braking on road surfaces offering different levels of grip (split-friction braking), mitigation of the extent to which the front-wheel drive influences the steering and compensation for crosswind and road gradients.

High tractive power reserves and outstanding agility: 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The CLA from Mercedes-Benz is optionally available with a new generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system featuring fully variable torque distribution. Similar to the other 4MATIC versions, this completely new development boasts high tractive power reserves and outstanding agility combined with superlative driving safety and energy efficiency.

The components of the new 4MATIC include the power take-off to the rear axle which is integrated in the 7G-DCT automated dual clutch transmission and the rear-axle gear with integrated, electrohydraulically controlled multi-disk clutch. This set-up enables fully variable distribution of the drive torque between front and rear axle. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight compared with what is available from the competition as well as high efficiency.

All set for the future: powerful and efficient drive

Ahead of the scheduled introduction of the Euro 6 regulation, all petrol-engine variants and the top diesel variant of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA already meet the future requirements of this European exhaust emissions standard.

The petrol engines with a displacement of 1.6 and 2.0 litres cover an output spectrum ranging from 90 kW (122 hp) in the CLA 180 through 115 kW (156 hp) in the CLA 200 to 155 kW (211 hp) in the CLA 250. The two diesel engines combine dynamic low-end torque with the utmost efficiency: the CLA 200 CDI generates 100 kW (136 hp), with a maximum torque of 300 Nm (available from September 2013). The CLA 220 CDI has a displacement of 2.2 litres and delivers 125 kW (170 hp) and 350 Nm of torque, while emitting only 109 g of CO2 per kilometre.

All engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission, which reconciles comfort and sportiness in inimitable fashion.

An overview of the models and prices:

• 1 combined, 2 sales price in Germany, incl. 19 percent VAT, 3 BE = BlueEFFICIENCY,
• 4 electronically limited, 5 available from September, n/a = no data available yet

“Always on”: the multimedia systems

The latest multimedia generation deployed in the CLA boasts new functions, additional apps and a modified graphic colour scheme.

Daimler’s Digital Drive Style app concept, which together with the Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® enables seamless integration of the iPhone® into the vehicle, has been extended. The highlights include Siri voice control and Glympse real-time location sharing. Glympse enables the user to share his or her current location with selected persons. Other functions are Facebook®, Twitter®, internet radio, AUPEO!™ Personal Radio and the advanced navigation solution from Garmin® with web-based real-time traffic information, online special destination search including Street View™ and 3D map display.

The COMAND Online multimedia system has also been extended. The latest generation offers improved, photo-realistic map display, an additional Bluetooth® profile (to enable the internet to be accessed via iPhone®, for example), the display of images additionally in bmp and png formats and the real-time transfer of traffic data.

We want to know what you thought of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Super Bowl Commercial.  Was it a hit or a miss?  In the event that you are one of the few people left in the country that have not seen the latest Mercedes CLA Ad, you can check it out below along with the Kate Upton car washing commercial.  If you’re not interested in seeing the CLA commercials, click here to take a look at the CLA 180 Edition 1 that we are all in love with.

As for what the experts had to say about the Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl campaign, read on.

Ask Steve Cannon, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA what he wanted from the multi-prong marketing campaign the company put together for Super Bowl XLVII and he will say, “The goal was to create a compelling story which would introduce a new product – our 2014 CLA coupe — at a first-ever price point in a way that would not only get people talking but also begin to get them interested and engaged.”

According to Cannon – and various industry barometers — the campaign that Mercedes-Benz launched on January 20th did just that.

Right off the top, Mercedes-Benz benefited from the fact that the game was played at the “Mercedes-Benz Superdome” (the company invested in naming rights in 2011). ImageTrack powered by Kantar Media — IEG’s sponsorship/advertising broadcast monitoring service — projected that this would result in Mercedes-Benz receiving 6 minutes and 19 seconds of exposure during the game, valued at approximately $4.6 million. If the fourth-quarter for the CLA was then included, the total media exposure value was projected to exceed $12 million.

The campaign itself consisted of five elements. An advertising teaser campaign with four :15 spots and one :30 went into rotation during the AFC championships on January 20 queuing up the ad with the “Something…is coming,” tag. Two days later, the company released an online video (the parody of the stereotypical bikini clad model washing a car had Kate Upton playing to the camera while a bevy of good-looking young guys soaped up her car) which went viral and garnered close to three million views by the next day without the benefit of any paid media (it’s now at 7 million). This was followed by a long-form version of the Super Bowl ad “Soul” and then a “Behind the Scenes” online video. Combined, these four creative executions netted nearly 10 million views before the final element, the 60-second version of the ad was released (to date, that tally is well over 13 million).

“But,” notes Bernie Glaser, VP of marketing for MBUSA “To really amortize your investment, you’ve got to go deeper than measuring entertainment popularity. The real magic lies in converting awareness into consumer interest. Engaging people enough to go out of their way to find out more about your product — that’s the real payout.”

The ad itself, set in New Orleans where MBUSA has strong philanthropic ties in addition to its presence there, drives home an actual selling point – the CLA’s price. Created by Merkley+Partners (NYC), the storyline involves a devilish Willem Dafoe offering a young man a Mercedes CLA and all that comes with it — a red carpet moment with Kate Upton, a dance-off with Usher, a drive on the Formula 1 racetrack etc.—in exchange for his soul. But just when the young guy is about to make the deal, he spies a billboard touting the CLA’s MSRP of $29,900 and vanquishes Dafoe saying “I think I’ve got this.”

And, as the various industry ad metrics started to roll in, data shows that MBUSA’s spot itself “got this” and a whole lot more with audiences.

According to Ace Metrics, an independent analytics company which measures advertising effectiveness, “Soul” scored the highest of any automotive advertisement and tied for the 4th highest score overall for all ads on the Super Bowl.

As far as concrete evidence of effectiveness and engagement, Edmunds.com, one of the leading car information sites where potential buyers go to do their research, reported that the CLA had the highest jump in vehicle consideration both during the Game and in the 24-hour period that followed. Nearly one out of every five consumer searches during the fourth quarter was for the new sporty four-door coupe. In fact, queries for the entire Mercedes-Benz brand on the Edmunds website were up 122% from the average of the four previous Sundays, giving the brand the number one spot for consideration among all luxury makes during the Game.

“The CLA was the number one shopped vehicle on Edmunds.com over the weekend,” said Vice Chairman Jeremy Anwyl from Edmunds.com. “It is the best performing ad campaign I have seen since I started tracking Super Bowl ad performance. The CLA obviously connected with a vast audience, demonstrating Mercedes Benz is enjoying early success as it reaches to a new generation of luxury vehicle buyers.”

Looking ahead, the ad has its second broadcast appearance during the Academy Awards in late February. Its biggest star, the CLA, makes a brief appearance at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week starting today and will appear at the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship and other high-profile events that MBUSA sponsors. Digital and social media activations will be released over the next few months (the company’s Facebook page Facebook.com/Mercedes-Benz USA is currently offering select fans an opportunity to see the CLA in an expense-paid trip to New York in conjunction with the New York Auto Show) as the September launch of the sporty 208-hp four-door coupe draws near.

The “CLA Edition 1” will only be available for twelve months. The model, which can be combined with any engine, has exclusive equipment which includes amongst other things the NEON ART interior with upholstery in leather and black microfibre DINAMICA with yellow contrasting topstitching. The Edition 1 can be ordered immediately at a starting price of 35,402.50 euros (CLA 180 Edition 1).

With the CLA-Class, Mercedes-Benz continues its series of extraordinary Edition 1 special models. Limited to one year after its launch, the Edition 1 combines special equipment which highlights the sportiness and exclusivity of the four-door coupé. This includes paintwork in either mountain grey, cosmos black, night black, cirrus white or designo polar silver magno (expected to be available from the third quarter of 2013). AMG front and rear aprons as well as side sill panels in combination with the black painted multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels provide for a powerful appearance. The diamond radiator grille boasts a black fin and chrome inserts. Bi-xenon headlamps are standard as too is the lowered sports suspension.

The NEON ART interior is exclusive to this special model. The sports seats are upholstered in leather and black microfibre DINAMICA whilst yellow stitching creates a very special contrast. The instrument panel and the beltlines are in ARTICO man-made leather with yellow stitching in a wrap-around look. Trim elements in aluminium with a light longitudinal grain and a 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather with a flattened bottom section and perforations in the grip area complete the dynamic appearance.

An overview of prices and models:

* Combined cycle, ** Sales price in Germany incl. 19 percent VAT

The new four-door coupe is being called a style rebel.  It takes the majority of its design cues from the CLS four-door coupe, whose design concept has inspired imitators from nearly all other competing car brands since its world debut in Detroit ten years ago in 2003.

But enough about the design, see for yourself in the photo gallery below.  Looking for technical specs and the equipment list, continue scrolling for an easy to read quick reference guide.

Or, for yet another view of the CLA-Class, click here to check out Kate Upton‘s CLA Commercial.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Technical Data

Note: Technical specifications are subject to change. *with optional AMG Performance Package

Standard Equipment List for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Comfort/Convenience

• mbrace2 – In-Vehicle Technology Suite
• 5.8” Display Screen
• Central Controller
• Color Instrument Cluster Display
• Rain-Sensing Intermittent Windshield Wipers
• Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling
• Cruise Control
• Power Driver Seat with 3-Position Memory
• Twin Cup Holders
• Exterior Chrome Trim
• Air Conditioning
• Rear Center Armrest
• Floormats
• MB-Tex Upholstery
• Anthracite Trim

Performance/Handling

• 208 Horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
• 258 lb-ft @ 1,250 – 4,000 rpm
• 2.0L inline 4–cylinder Turbocharged engine*
• 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission*
• ECO Start/Stop*
• Electro-mechanical power steering*
• 17” 5-spoke two-tone wheels
• Dual Exhaust With Chrome Tips
• Adaptive Brake with HOLD Function
• Hill Start Assist
• Sport Suspension
• Leather Steering Wheel with Shift Paddles
• All-Season Run Flat Tires

Safety/Security

• COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST*
• ATTENTION ASSIST*
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Anti-Theft Alarm System
• Electronic Parking Brake
• Driver Air Bags
• Window Air Bags
• Driver Knee Air Bag
• Side Impact Air Bags
• Remote Key with Panic Button

Optional Packages

Premium Package

• iPod / MP3 Media Interface
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• harman/kardon LOGIC7 Surround Sound System with Dolby Digital 5.1
• Heated Front Seats
• Auto Dimming Mirrors
• Integrated Garage Door Opener
• Dual-Zone Climate Control
• Compass

Sport Package*

• 18” AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels
• Sport Bodystyling

Multimedia Package

• COMAND System w/ 7” Display Screen
• Hard-Drive Navigation
• Voice Control
• SD Memory Card Slot
• In-dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer
• 10GB Music Register
• Rearview Camera
• SiriusXM Traffic & Weather

Driver Assistance Package

• DISTRONIC*
• Blind Spot Assist*
• Lane Keeping Assist*

Stand Alone Options

• 4MATIC all-wheel drive*
• PARKTRONIC w/ Advance Parking Assist*
• Panorama Sunroof*
• Blind Spot Assist
• Heated Front Seats
• Burl Walnut Wood Trim
• Black Ash Wood Trim
• Bi-Xenon Headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights
• Becker MAP PILOT
• 18-Inch 5-Twin Spoke Wheels
• Summer Tires

Paint

Cosmos Black, Jupiter Red, Cirrus White, Night Black, Polar Silver, Mountain Grey, Universe Blue, Northern Lights Violet, Patagonia Red, Polar Silver Matte

Upholstery

Black MB-Tex, Beige MB-Tex, Ash MB-Tex, Black Leather, Brown Leather, Ash Leather

* highlight for 2014MY

Ready to attack, like a predator about to pounce. Watch this film and see the new Mercedes-Benz CLA demonstrate its power in a duel between machine and beast.

Not interested in videos, click here to check out the complete CLA photo gallery and Quick Reference guide with technical specs and equipment list.

The CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC both feature 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.

The CLA’s sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design language featuring the interaction of concave and convex surfaces give this four-door coupe its distinctive look. The CLA carries the avant-garde design of the Concept Style Coupe into series production almost 1:1.

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 and shapes a new, youthful Mercedes face.

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.

Coming off the Detroit International Auto Show, there is no question that the new Mercedes-Benz CLA is one of the most talked about car in the Mercedes lineup. With its frameless doors, the four-door coupe seamlessly carried over the design of the Concept Style Coupe into series production

And while the CLA may look on the small end, it actually comes in at 4,6 m (182 inches) and is bigger than the C-Class. With this said, is it really inconceivable that Mercedes-Benz would offer a shooting brake version of the all new CLA-Class?  While it is unlikely we will see a CLA Shooting Brake anytime soon, the renderings from Theophilus Chin offer us a detailed look at what we could expect if Mercedes were to offer one.  The rendering shows the CLA-Class with the big shooting brake back with bulked up body panels similar to an AMG exterior.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class press release.  Hattip: Jeremy by way of AutoEvolution.

Ryan McGinley presents the new CLA in his latest film, “Mind of its own”. The short video centers around a mischievous automobile that takes center stage as Ryan McGinley and creative director Jefferson Hack follows top model Karlie Kloss clad in Chloé as she races along winding roads, at one of California’s biggest ranches.  Check out the second video for an interview with Director Ryan McGinley as he discusses what it’s like to work with the Mercedes-Benz.

The CLA four-door coupé combines the world’s best aerodynamics with an avant-garde coupé design, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST radar-supported brake system together with a new multimedia system and an unmistakable design language.

Following a brief appearance on the eve of the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the CLA is celebrating its official world premiere at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin (January 15 to 18, 2013). The new CLA will arrive at U.S. dealerships in September 2013.

CLA-Class Official Video Debut

For a complete overview of the all new CLA-Class, click here.

Detroit World Premiere

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has been officially unveiled and added to the Mercedes-Benz vehicle lineup. The all-new 2014 CLA250 arrives in U.S. dealerships Fall 2013. The four-door coupe takes the majority of its design cues from the Mercedes CLS that was also considered a style rebel when it debuted in Detroit in 2003. The brand new CLA features world-leading aerodynamics, an avant-garde coupe design and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, that will be available in Spring 2014. With its frameless doors, the four-door coupe seamlessly carried over the design of the Concept Style Coupe into series production. The new model features COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST as a standard feature, that is an assistance program that engages at speeds above 4 mph, kicking in the radar-based braking system that is able to warn the driver of obstacles and is able anticipate braking force when the driver steps on the brake pedal.

“The response to the Concept Style Coupe was overwhelming. The most frequent comment by far was ‘Please put this car into series production.’ That’s precisely what we are doing now,” notes Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management for Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The CLA is a car that does not confuse ‘mid-size’ with ‘mid-quality’. Its sporty design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand.”

The sporty CLA comes with a powerful turbocharged engine generating 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, as well as sport suspension and available 4MATIC all- wheel drive. The technical highlights of this new design icon include a new world record in aerodynamics for series production automobiles (Cd value: 0.23) and a wide range of driver assistance systems, including advanced COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST.

This radar-based assistance system provides the driver with visual and acoustic warnings of identified obstacles and primes Brake Assist for adaptive braking. Brake Assist is initiated as soon as the driver steps hard on the brake pedal. When the system identifies a risk of collision, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST calculates the precise braking force ideally needed to avoid an accident and makes the best possible use of any distance remaining. Adaptive Braking Assist activates at speeds of just 4 mph and gives trailing vehicles as much time as possible to also react accordingly and avoid another accident.

There are four special equipment packages and a series of standalone options for individualizing the striking compact four-door coupe (length/width/height: 182.3/80.0/56.6 inches). In keeping with the digital lifestyle of the CLA’s social media-savvy target group, smartphones can also be fully integrated into the vehicle’s display and operating system via mbrace2, which is standard equipment.

Following a brief appearance on the eve of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the CLA will celebrate its official world premiere at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin (January 15 to 18, 2013). The new CLA will arrive at U.S. dealerships in September 2013.

The style rebel – exterior design

Its sporty proportions and powerfully dynamic design language featuring the interaction of concave and convex surfaces give this four-door coupe its distinctive look. The CLA carries the avant-garde design of the Concept Style Coupe into series production almost 1:1.

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 and shapes a new, youthful Mercedes face.

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, expressing power and athleticism with the interaction of convex and concave surfaces and edges. 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 visual effect is of a glass surface that extends all the way from the front to the rear windshield.

Premium look-and-feel – the interior

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.

(Wind) resistance is futile – a new record Cd figure

With a Cd figure of 0.23, the CLA sets a new benchmark among not only Mercedes models, but also all series-production vehicles. The frontal surface area, Cd x A – which is crucial to aerodynamic resistance – also leads the field at 5.49 sq. ft.

The good air flow characteristics, which have a major impact on fuel consumption under everyday driving conditions, are the result of extensive aerodynamic optimization. These include a low A-pillar shoulder with adapted A-pillar geometry, aerodynamically optimized exterior mirrors, low-drag wheel trims and serrated wheel spoilers on the front and rear wheel arches.

Extensive underbody cladding, additional cladding at the center of the rear axle, an aerodynamically optimized muffler and a diffuser improve the flow of air beneath the underbody.

Smart safety – advanced assistance systems

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, 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.

Precision handling – the chassis and suspension

The CLA’s running gear features McPherson strut suspension at the front and independent multilink suspension at the rear. Three control arms and one trailing arm at each of the rear wheels enable longitudinal and transverse forces to be handled separately. Specific to the CLA is the flexible decoupling of the rear axle sub-frame for improved ride characteristics. The wheel mounts and spring guides are made from aluminum in order to reduce unsprung masses. Standard equipment includes the Mercedes-Benz Sport Suspension for sporty yet comfortable handling.

The CLA also comes as standard with electromechanical power steering. Compared with conventional systems, this power steering system offers improved driver feedback and makes an important contribution to overall efficiency, as the power steering function draws energy only under active steering. It also facilitates various steering assistance functions activated by the ESP® control unit. These include counter-steering in the event of oversteer, corrective steering when braking on road surfaces with differing levels of grip (split-friction braking), minimization of torque steer and compensation for crosswinds and road gradients.

Both the front wheel drive and 4MATIC variants of the CLA250 are delivered on 17-inch, 5-spoke, two-tone wheels clad in all-season, run-flat tires. The Sport Package offers 18-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels and adds Sport body styling plus perforated front discs.

High levels of traction and outstanding agility – 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The 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.

The components of the new 4MATIC include the power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, and the rear-axle gear set with an integrated electro-hydraulic, multi-disc clutch. This set-up enables fully variable distribution of drive between the front and rear axles. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight than that of competitor systems, as well as a high degree of efficiency.

All set for the future – a powerful and efficient drive

The CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC both feature 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.

“Always on” – multimedia systems

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 and CLA250 4MATIC both include the 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 6-disc CD/DVD changer, a 10GB music register, a rearview camera and SiriusXM Traffic & Weather.

Premium comfort – additional equipment options

As well as the Multimedia package and Driver Assistance package, the CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC are also available with the Premium package for an even higher level of comfort and convenience. Its features include an iPod/MP3 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.

We earlier revealed to you the first official photos of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Class that is scheduled to make its public debut at the North American International Auto Show early next month.

Even though the press shots may have given you an up-close encounter with the CLA sedan, there’s more design detail revealed today by these images of the 1:18 Diecast model of the CLA sedan.

As you can learn from the Diecast model image uploads, the interiors are heavily based on the A Class. The use of the same components shaves cost and development time.

The CLA is based on the all new A-Class, and is about 4.60 meters (181.1 inches) long and will be offered at initially with three gasoline engines and a diesel: CLA 180 with 122 HP (90 kW), CLA 200 with 156 HP (115 kW), CLA 250 with 211 HP (155 kW) and the more frugal CLA 220 CDI with 170 HP (125 kW). In September 2013, Mercedes-Benz will unveil the range-topping CLA45 AMG which is rumored to offer 335 HP (246 kW).

The revealing of the CLA sedan is just days away now, stick around to learn more on the CLA Class.

Tipped by :Shrawan Raja – Via: Indian Autos Blog