2013 Mercedes Benz CLA Class Review

The brand new Mercedes Benz CLA is an attractive four-door coupe, which among other things features the lowest drag coefficient between production cars.

Mercedes-Benz CLA will be chasing buyers between Class A and rather old Class C of which is with 4.63 meters interestingly slightly longer. It maintains a visible design patterns from his role model, the second-generation CLS.

The main competitors will include new Audi A3 Sedan and future four-door BMW 4.

In think dark red color best expresses the character of Mercedes CLA. Sporty and wild but still very elegant.

New CLA aerodynamically most efficient serial car?

Air mass gap with a lower resistance than Prius

Mercedes CLA has a drag coefficient of just 0.23.

Slicing through the air with ease: CLA has a drag coefficient of just 0.23.

One of the features by which CLA will be best known for is his exceptional drag coefficient, which is partly the result of just 1.44 meters in height and flat underbody of the car. Its Cx is only 0.23, the eco version BlueEFFICIENCY even as low as Cx = 0.22.

For comparison, the Opel Ampera has had so far the most “slippery” car coefficient of 0.235, the global hybrid pioneer Toyota Prius stands at Cx = 0.25.

Unfortunatelly for the CLA this result will be beaten very soon by the new Volkswagen XL1.

View the promotional video of the new CLA

All-star Super Bowl Commercial

Probably the most notable advertising campaign for the new CLA model took place during Super Bowl 2013.

Super Bowl ad included some famous performers like Kate Upton, Willem Dafoe and Usher. These names definitely made sure that the ad has attracted many potential buyers.

If you by any chance missed it, you can watch it in the video below.

Extended version of Mercedes CLA Super Bowl 2013 commercial starring Kate Upton

Small frontal area, air adjustable dampers

Engineers reduced Mercedes CLA resistance with strong interferance with the total area of the front of the vehicle which is with 2.21 square meters really modest. This have been upgraded with a series of small but effective bodywork accessories that still have a relatively large impact on the movement of air flow.

Among the CLA models only 180 BlueEFFICIENCY boasts a customizable tops openings for air intake, more sophisticated aerodynamic front bumper, narrow joints between the lights and body in order to avoid air pockets.

The car has a new accomplished rear diffuser. Special attention was given to the airflow under the car with special aero lids covering the lower part of suspension and axle. The lower part of the engine compartment is also newly covered.

The first Mercedes passenger limousine with a front wheel drive.

6 Petrol and 2 Diesel Engine Options

Did you know that CLA Class is the first Mercedes passenger limousine with a front wheel drive. The reason for this is the fact that the platform on which CLA is built comes from A-Class which is also front wheel drive car.

Entry Mercedes Benz CLA 180 will be powered by 1.6-liter engine with 90 kW (122 hp) with fuel consumption of 5.6 liters per 100 km (42 mpg), BlueEFFICIENCY models even only 5.0 liters (47 mpg).

CLA 200 is equipped with 115 kW (156 hp) and consumption of 5.7 liters (41 mpg), CLA 250 has a two-liter engine with 155 kilowatts (211 hp), which will have a serial 7G 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and acceleration of 6.7 seconds from 0-60 mph.

Top model is CLA 45 AMG with 2.0-liter turbo charged engine which can produce 360 HP and is therefore most powerful serial four-cylinder engine in the world. Acceleration is brutal and launches the car from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds while the top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).

CLA 250 and CLA 45 AMG will be available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

The only diesel at the premiere will be 220 CDI with 125 kW (170 hp). Its benchmark consumption will be 4.5 liters (52 mpg). Also available as 4MATIC.

*For US Market only CLA 250 and CLA 45 AMG are planned.

Interior and Equipment

Interior of Mercedes CLA: designed under the influence of the new A-Class

The interior of Mercedes Benz CLA is designed under the influence of the new A-Class. On the center console is the 5.8 inch screen Mercedes multimedia system. Leather, black material in high gloss and detail of aluminum all contribute to a premium atmosphere.

The luxurious equipment as an option include the AMG stylish package, large panoramic sun roof, COMMAND infotainment system with GPS navigation and a premium Harman / Kardon audio device.

New Mercedes Benz CLA class price

5,000 above class A

Entry price for the US market is set at 29,900 USD (CLA250 coupe).

The starting price of CLA 180 (entry model) in Germany is around 29,000 euros, CLA 250 will cost you almost 39,000 and the most expensive petrol engine version 45 AMG 4matic is valued at 56,000 EUR.

Diesel powered models starts at 33,700 EUR (CLA 200 CDI).

Entry price for the US market is set at 29,900 USD for the CLA250 coupe and for the CLA45 AMG version you will need at least 47,450 USD.

Mercedes Benz CLA Edition 1

Exclusive Special Model

CLA Edition 1 available only for the first 12 months after launch.

Mercedes CLA Edition 1 is a model with extra equipment, which emphasizes the sportiness and exclusivity.

This version will only be for sale for the first 12 months after launch and can be combined with all types of engines (CLA 180, CLA 200, CLA 250, CLA 220 CDI).

Nice black leather upholstery. Yellow stitches are added to emphasize exclusivity.

With this Edition you will get:
– NEON ART interior
– Black Leather upholstery with Yellow stitches
– Exclusive Colors (cosmos black, night black, mountain grey, cirrus white or designo polar silver magno)
– 18-inch MAG Alloy Wheels
– Lower Sport Suspension
– Bi-Xenon Headlamps
– Sport Steering Wheel

Starting price for Mercedes CLA 180 Edition 1 is set at 35,400 EUR.