The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Sleek as they come

The CLA is set to establish a new segment, with world-leading aerodynamics (Cd value of 0.22), avant-garde coupé design. As a new four-door coupé it follows the idea of the CLS, whose design concept has spawned more than its fair share of imitators since its debut in 2003. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) July 26, 2013 - • "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 standard in Hong Kong and Macau markets. 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 optional COMAND 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.

• "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 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.

• "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.

• "All set for the future: powerful and efficient drive "

Ahead of the scheduled introduction of the Euro 6 regulation, all petrol-engine variants 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 156 hp in the CLA 200 to 211 hp in the CLA 250. All engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission, which reconciles comfort and sportiness in inimitable fashion.

The new CLA is now available in Hong Kong.

• About Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited:
Established in 1986 and based in Hong Kong, Mercedes-Benz China Limited (MBCL) was the wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG and the franchise-holder for all imported passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle products under the Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and smart brand names in the Northeast Asia region (China, Hong Kong and Macau). In 2005, MBCL moved all P.R. China operations to Beijing for further business development. On January 1, 2006, Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited (MBHK) was established to take over the wholesale business for the Hong Kong and Macau markets.

• Internet address:

All press information is available on the Mercedes-Benz website for the Hong Kong market at http://www.mercedes-benz.com.hk. Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available on the Internet at: www.media.daimler.com.

• For media enquiries, please contact:

Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited
Samson Leung, tel: +852.2594 8733, samson.leung ( @ ) daimler dot com

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