Pictures of the Mercedes-Benz CLA have been floating around the internet for quite some time but nothing was official until Mercedes would confirm. The vehicle has been spotted on numerous occasions in its disguised variant being tested and as expected, Mercedes finally made it official. To many including myself, the Mercedes CLA kind of looks like a mini version of the CLS but then again, they do share the same DNA.
The CLA is a four-door sports sedan and will be using the MFA front-wheel drive platform which is also shared with the Mercedes A-Class while a 4Matic drive system will be available as an option. The vehicle will make its official debut during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin. The entry-level Benz is expected to have a starting price of €28,977 in Europe.
Promotional Video – New Mercedes CLA Class
The European CLA 180 will feature a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 120hp and 147.5 lb-ft of torque. The 0-100km/h dash can be completed in 9.3 seconds while its top speed is 210 km/h (130mph). Although not a quick vehicle, average fuel consumption is not bad at 42 mpg (US). The Mercedes CLA BlueEFFICIENCY version is also priced at €28,977 and even a tiny bit slower with a top speed of 190 km/h (118mph) and 0-100km/h in 9.9 seconds but it does make up for in fuel consumption averaging 47mpg.
The next trim, CLA 200, is priced slightly higher at €31,862 and features the same 1.6-liter turbo engine although producing a bit more power at 154hp and 184.4 lb-ft of torque. No wow factor here and with that price tag, at least you can say you drive a Mercedes-Benz even if a car like a Chevy Cruze could spank you in a race. The CLA 200 has a top speed of 143mph and can to the 0-100km/ (0-62mph) in 8.6 seconds.
The model which we’ve been waiting for, the CLA 250, will feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger which will produce 208hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. These numbers are a bit better but still not very impressive. Maybe I’m being too harsh? The CLA250 has a top speed of 150mph and can do the 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in 6.7 seconds. This particular model will also receive Mercedes’ 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission instead of the standard, six-speed manual. This vehicle in the European market is priced at €38,675 which is just over $51,500 USD.
The diesel variant, CLA 220 CDI, will be powered by a 2.2-liter which produces 167hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It’s fuel efficiency of 56mph comes with a hefty price tag of €37,991 which is just under $51,000 USD.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is not exactly a steal and also not a very good looking sedan. What it lacks in value is made up for in technology, build quality, and of course the branding. The Mercedes CLA 250 is expected to hit show room floors in USA in the fourth quarter of this year. That will give me enough time to decide whether I like the exterior styling or not. I have a feeling I’ll like it once I see it in person.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Gallery
