Developed under the internal codename C117, the CLA is the third model to be based on Mercedes’ new modular front-wheel-drive platform. It follows on from the second-generation B-class and third-generation A-class, with which it shares its mechanical package, electric architecture and interior appointments.
Unlike the more traditionally styled C-class, with its longitudinally mounted engines and rear-wheel drive, the CLA uses a transverse engine and front-drive layout. Selected models will also be offered with optional 4Matic four-wheel drive in the UK, including a yet-to-be-revealed CLA45 AMG range-topper that packs a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 349bhp.
Inspiration for the new Mercedes saloon can be traced to the larger CLS, with which the CLA shares its heavily sculptured exterior design. Mercedes design boss Gorden Wagener describes the new car as a “design rebel” and suggests that its exterior will influence the look of future models, including the mechanically identical GLA junior off-roader set to be launched later this year.
At 4630mm in length, 1777mm in width and 1437mm in height, the CLA is 40mm longer, a scant 7mm wider and 43mm lower than the existing C-class. However, the C-class is set to grow dramatically in its next incarnation as part of a significant realignment of the Mercedes line-up brought about by a decision to pursue sales more aggressively in the world’s two largest markets, China and North America.
Mercedes is talking up the aerodynamic properties of its sleek new entry-level saloon. It claims an overall drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.22 for an upcoming CLA180 BlueEfficiency Edition model that will go on sale in some markets from June, although its UK launch has yet to be confirmed. Its 0.22 Cd represents a record for a series-production car. Regular models have a Cd of 0.23.
The initial UK line-up for the CLA is likely to use only the A-class and B-class ranges’ more potent four-cylinder powerplants to reflect its more premium positioning.
A 120bhp four-cylinder 1.6-litre engine, developed in cooperation with Renault, will power the base C180 model. A turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol powerplant with 208bhp will appear in the initial range-topping CLA250. The sole diesel model at launch will be the CLA220 CDI, powered by a 168bhp 2.1-litre turbodiesel.
Other engines will follow, including a highly tuned turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder developed by AMG. Said to boast a specific output of over 174bhp per litre, it is set to provide the upcoming four-wheel-drive CLA45 AMG with a BMW-M135i-topping 349bhp.
All engines are mounted transversely and, on initial models, drive the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. A 4matic four-wheel drive option, which uses a Haldex-style multi-plate clutch to apportion power to each wheel, will be offered but not from the start of sales.
The CLA uses the same suspension system and chassis geometry as the A-class, although the rear axle carrier has been tuned to provide what is described as a “unique dynamic character”.
The aluminum-intensive arrangement uses MacPherson struts up front and multi-links at the rear. Two set-ups will be offered: Sport and Comfort. Sport lowers the ride height by 20mm up front and 15mm at the rear for added body control.
The steering uses electro-mechanical assistance and, in combination with the ESP stability control, is capable of providing counter steer to improve stability in strong side winds and road surfaces that offer differing levels of grip.
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Overdrive
Not sure about this
Those headlights look huge, almost like insect eyes. Also, I'm starting to get really confused about all these different saloon, coupe, four door coupe merc models.
Rods
Didn't like the earlier spy shots...
they seemed to make the car ungainly. But these official pics look fab to my eyes; i think this will look great in the metal.
However, the model's positioning is a little confusing for me. It seems too close to the C Class, which will undoubtedly take a massive hit in sales due to this new CLA. Still, I guess the bean-counters know what they're doing...
Zedboy
Backside ....
.... Looks a dead ringer for a C5 from behind - dull
jonboy4969
Looks nothing like a C5, you
Looks nothing like a C5, you need to pop to specsavers...LOL
Zedboy
Version control needed soon.....
So we can track of all these versions. They will be very colour and wheel sensitive too.....should see some right mingers fresh from launch. Makes me think salesmen should have the right of veto. A colleague of mine ordered a 'flat red' SE c-class with tan interior and special order 16" wheels. Unsaleable on the secondhand market for sure?
Lanehogger
Disappointing
"The CLA is little changed visually from the well-received Concept Style Coupé, which was shown as a precursor to the new car early last year" Everything has changed from the concept car - that car's stunning sleek and taut coupe styling has been lost and what we've ended up with is basically a normal A-Class saloon with styling that is fussy, incoherent and ill-proportioned. We were led to believe that the CLA name was a giveaway, a smaller CLS. It's nothing like a 4 door coupe.
lonegoose
Agree with the above
Just looks like an A-class with a boot. And I wish they'd stop putting incoherent creases all over the side of their cars. (I can do that myself!)
geed
the really have made a balls
the really have made a balls up of evolving the original and stunning CLS design language. The new CLS is pure chinze and this appears to follow suit
Lanehogger
geed wrote: the really have
The current design language from Mercedes, which began with the current M Class, really is resulting in some disappointing looking cars. I hate to think what the S-Class will look like. Worst of all is that we'll have to put up with this styling theme until the next generation of Mercs appear around 2018!
catnip
Lanehogger wrote: geed
Yet one of Mercedes' styling guys was quoted in an article on here as saying the new S Class was going to go for a simpler, more elegant look, without fanciful styling lines (!). This would presumably mean they're planning a complete change of direction. I hope they are: This car just looks plain ugly to me. The styling is all over the place, its far too complicated.
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