- Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, 2014
The design: The style rebel
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.
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.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is set to establish a new segment, with world-leading aerodynamics (Cd value of 0.22 for the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition), avant-garde coupé design and 4MATIC all-wheel drive (optional). 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. The newcomer features a radar-based braking system (COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST) as standard which is able to warn the driver of an obstacle from a speed of 7 km/h and to initiate precision braking when the driver steps on the brake pedal.
The 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.
Electroplated trim elements: 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.
The instrument panel incorporates five round vents. The outer rings of the round vents have a high-quality electroplated silver-chrome 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.
The model range: Sporty and exclusive
With the "Urban" and "AMG Line" equipment lines, three design packages and numerous other optional extras, the CLA can be personalised to suit every taste. 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.
With air conditioning, 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with 12 function buttons, steering column adjustable in height and longitudinal direction, green-tinted heat-insulating glass, Audio 20 CD radio with dual tuner, colour display and MP3- WMA- AAC-capable CD drive, six speakers as well as Aux-in socket and USB interface in the centre armrest for external audio and video devices, even the standard equipment of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is particularly generous. A colour display between the two large dials in the instrument cluster is likewise standard ex-factory for the CLA.
In addition, numerous driving assistance systems offer support for the driver. 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: over 30 km/h).
Two types of character: the equipment lines
The "Urban" equipment line can be combined with all the engine variants, except the CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition. Its dynamic impression comes courtesy of the sports seats with their upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/Corumba fabric. Seats, armrests, multifunction steering wheel and gearshift lever are in nappa leather. The 3-spoke leather steering wheel features perforations in the grip area. The seating comfort package, the multifunction switch on the centre console and the 12-V power outlet in the vehicle rear are all part of the standard equipment scope. Trim elements in silver wave-look (alternatively anthracite wave-look), with matching air outlet vents with nozzle ring and cross in silver chrome. Characteristic exterior features are the diamond radiator grille (with black pins, silver-coloured louvre and insert in silver chrome) as well as the twin-pipe exhaust system with rectangular-section tailpipe trim in polished stainless steel. A sports suspension with lowered vehicle body are standard features, however, a comfort suspension is also optionally available. The "Urban" design and equipment line rolls on 5-spoke 18-inch himalaya-grey light-alloy wheels.
Tailored-to-measure upgrades: the design packages
Three design packages, "Exclusive", "AMG Exclusive" and "Night package" offer further individualisation possibilities. The "Exclusive" package which can be chosen in addition to one of the two design and equipment lines, with its extremely select, high-level interpretation of this vehicle segment does all honour to its name, with sports seats upholstered in leather, dashboard and door centre panels in ARTICO man-made leather and trim elements in trapezium-grain aluminium. The beltlines are also in ARTICO man-made leather. A 3-spoke leather-clad steering wheel with 12 function buttons is standard equipment, as is the 4-way adjustable lumbar support for the front seats and the seat heating. The locking system includes an infra-red receiver in the driver's door as well as the convenience closing system that allows the side windows and the panoramic sliding sunroof to be comfortably opened and closed using the car key.
The "AMG Exclusive package", which is only available in conjunction with the "AMG Line", features the following details:
heated front sports seats with black RED CUT leather upholstery with red contrasting stitching as well as 4-way lumbar support
dashboard in ARTICO man-made leather with red contrasting topstitching and air vents with silver-chrome surrounds and crosses
aluminium trim elements with light-tone longitudinal-grain
cover over the stowage compartment in the centre console
closing system with infra-red receiver in driver's door and convenience closing feature
Shoulderline in ARTICO man-made leather with red contrasting topstitching and wrap-around look
3-spoke nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel with red contrasting topstitching, perforations in grip area and flattened lower section
The "Night package" is based on the "Urban" or "AMG Line" design and equipment lines, and offers this special exterior features:
black-painted exterior mirrors (in conjunction with cosmos black metallic paint finish in vehicle colour)
beltline trim strip and window surrounds in high-gloss black
black radiator louvres
heat-insulating dark-tinted glass as of B-pillar
18-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in black and with a high-sheen finish (in conjunction with AMG Line: AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels)
From 'A' for accessories to 'X' for xenon: additional optional extras
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is optionally available with bi-xenon lights instead of halogen lights. Bi-xenon lights are furthermore optionally combinable with the Intelligent Light System (ILS). ILS, which is familiar from other Mercedes model lines, comprises bi-xenon headlamps with variable light distribution and dynamic headlamp range for country roads, motorways and dense fog, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, active light function, LED daytime driving lights and headlamp cleaning system.
In conjunction with "AMG Line", the ILS customer receives a car featuring red headlamp internal rings that enhance the "angry look" and remind one of the red eyes of the Concept Style Coupé.
A further highlight is the electric panoramic sliding sunroof with electric roller sunblind featuring obstruction sensor.
The Light and Sight package comprises the following details:
- single-tone ambient lighting (indirect illumination of front and rear door handles/door openers and footwell lighting at front and rear)
- illuminated vanity mirrors for driver and front passenger
- illuminated interior mirror
- illuminated stowage compartment in the centre console
- reading lights and console light in the roof lining in the rear
- illuminated door sill panels
- courtesy and warning lights for driver and front passenger
- warning and background light on the boot lid
- windscreen wiper with rain sensor (in conjunction with sports seats)
- illuminated of opening between head restraints in vehicle front and rear
- automatic rain closing function for vehicles with panoramic sliding sunroof
A reversing camera is optionally available starting with the Audio 20 CD. This is activated automatically when reverse gear is engaged. It supports the driver during lengthways and crossways parking manoeuvres by means of static and dynamic guide lines indicating the vehicle's line of travel and clearances. Active Parking Assist offers even greater comfort here.
As standard equipment on board every Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, there is a THERMATIC manual-control air conditioning. The THERMOTRONIC two-zone automatic climate control system is available as an option. Further optional extras include, among other things, front seats with Memory function, automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors, an auxiliary heating system, a folding trailer coupling (from June 2013) and a stowage facility package. The latter consists of a spectacles compartment in the overhead control panel, stowage boxes beneath the front seats, a 12-V power outlet and luggage nets on the front seat backrests and at the sides of the front footwells.
Exclusive for the launch: Mercedes-Benz CLA Edition 1
With the CLA-Class, Mercedes-Benz continues its series of exceptional Edition 1 special models. Limited to the first year after market introduction, the Edition 1 combines special equipment features that underscore the sportiness and exclusivity of the four-door coupé. These features include paint finishes in mountain grey, night black, cirrus white or designo polar silver magno (due to be available from the 3rd quarter of 2013). AMG front and rear aprons and side sill panels in combination with the black-painted multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels create a powerful presence. The diamond radiator grille in silver features a black louvre and chrome inserts. Bi-xenon headlamps are standard, as is the sports suspension with lowered body.
Exclusively reserved for the special model: the NEON ART interior, with sports seats upholstery in black leather/DINAMICA microfibre, yellow topstitching providing a very special contrast. Dashboard and beltlines are in ARTICO man-made leather with yellow topstitching in wrap-around look. Trim elements in longitudinal-grain aluminium and a 3-spoke nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel with a flattened lower section and perforations in the grip sector all round off the vehicle's dynamic presence.
Aerodynamics: Sleek as they come
With record-breaking aerodynamics, the new CLA-Class combines emotion with efficiency. In respect of its aeroacoustics, i.e. noise level comfort, the four-door coupé is also at the top of its game.
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 aerodynamic resistance - also leads the field, at 0.51 m². The CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, which is due to hit the streets in June, even manages to better this value with its Cd value of 0.22, and when it comes to the drag area, the four-door coupé crosses a magical line with its 0.49 m2. This makes the CLA-Class more streamlined than any other car.
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, wheel trim designed for low aerodynamic drag or a specially-developed aero light-alloy wheel and serrated wheel spoilers on the front and rear wheel arches.
The patented wheel spoiler was developed with the help of airflow analysis. This seemingly innocuous component reduces undesirable air turbulence in the wheel arches in no less than three ways, by lowering linear turbulence, deflecting the airflow from the wheels and stabilising shear waves with its serrated edge. The wheel spoiler remains effective whatever the suspension level and wheel dimensions.
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.
In addition the new CLA offers the lowest level of wind noise in its segment. Numerous measures contribute to make this possible:
Frameless doors with a multi-stage sealing concept
The high insulating effect of the side windows
Form-optimised exterior mirrors
Exterior noise is also minimised by the reduced height of the A-pillar shoulder.
Contribution to active safety: anti-soiling measures
Anti-soiling measures are another aerodynamic discipline - and another area in which aerodynamics specialists at Mercedes-Benz have worked painstakingly on the CLA. Soiling can arise from rain, vehicles travelling ahead and spray thrown up by the vehicle's own wheels. Keeping windows and exterior mirror lenses as clean as possible, and therefore having the best possible visibility under all conditions, makes a contribution to active safety.
In the wind tunnel the aerodynamic specialists optimise components with the help of a fluorescent liquid which makes the soiling clearly visible. The aim is to direct water away so that the side windows and exterior mirror lenses remain clean. This is influenced by the geometry of the A-pillar with its integral components and the geometry of the exterior mirrors and trim strips in the frameless doors.
For example, the side windows: by means of minor geometrical changes of the mirror housings and optimisation in detail, with seals and a special water-capture runnel, soiling has been significantly reduced.
The driving assistance systems: More sophisticated collision warning system as standard
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: over 30 km/h).
The radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system provides the possibly distracted driver with visual and acoustic warnings of identified obstacles and prepares Brake Assist 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, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST 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: over 30 km/h).
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST 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.
Electronic helpers: all the other assistance systems at a glance
Active Parking Assist, which is available as an option for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, has been developed on the basis of the PARKTRONIC system familiar from other model series. Twelve ultrasonic sensors mounted in the front and rear bumpers measure potential longitudinal and transversal parking spaces at the left and right sides of the road. By default the system searches on the right; the turn indicator must be actuated for it to look on the left. Once a suitable space has been identified, the driver stops the vehicle, selects reverse gear and activates the automatic parking assistance system via the controls on the multifunction steering wheel. The system calculates a suitable manoeuvring pattern with a maximum of seven moves to complete the parking operation. The driver is assisted by the automatic actuation of the electromechanical steering during the parking process but still has to operate the accelerator, gearshift and brake. The speed is limited to 10 km/h during the parking process. Parking in spaces situated along slightly curved roads is also supported.
Automatic steering to exit the parking space is a new subfunction. If the vehicle has been parked using Active Parking Assist, the vehicle can be steered out of the longitudinal parking space in which the vehicle had previously been parked. For this the driver has to engage reverse and actuate the turn indicator before activating - via control panel on the multifunction steering wheel - the automatic exit from parking space assistance. Here, too, the driver has to operate the accelerator, brake and gearshift. As soon as the vehicle has assumed a sufficient angle to exit the parking space in one straight move, the wheels are set to the straight ahead position, the process ends and the driver assumes steering control again. The process is completed at the latest when the vehicle is at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the starting position.
