CLA (C117) [Official] Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé (C117)


The Mercedes-Benz C117 is the first generation of the CLA series of luxury subcompact executive cars marketed as a four-door coupé. Model codes: C117 (4-door coupé), and X117 (shooting brake). It is succeeded by the CLA (C118). Production: 2013-2019.
I think this is the first time we've see the CLA250 'Engineered by AMG' as given away by the red stripe on the front spoiler?This is the only 250 variant we will be getting in Australia. @Wolfgang any more information on it's international release and photos?

As expected, MB released more info on the Sport models. :)

2048_13C914_001.webp


New compact models from Mercedes-Benz can now be ordered: Autumn is set to be sporty

"Engineered by AMG" is the catchword shared by the three sporty compact models, the A 250 Sport 4MATIC, CLA 250 Sport and CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC, which can be ordered from 7 October. The same day is also the sales start date for the entry-level diesel, the CLA 180 CDI. At the same time the traffic information provided by COMAND Online will become even more precise thanks to Live Traffic Information, and the Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 5 can be ordered for the A-Class, B-Class and CLA. The new Mercedes-Benz compact models have already been very well received by customers, and since the start of the year they have shown a sales increase of more than 60 percent against the previous year.
Prices[1] for the new models:
  • Mercedes-Benz A 250 Sport 4MATIC: € 39,954.25
  • Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Sport: € 42,304.50
  • Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC: € 44,506.00
  • Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 CDI: € 31,178.00
The new Sport models have a number of technical features in common. They are powered by a 1991 cc four-cylinder engine which generates 155 kW (211 hp) and maximum torque of 350 Nm between 1200 rpm and 4000 rpm. The more sportily configured 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission is standard equipment, and customers have a choice between front-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution.

The vehicle's particularly dynamic driving qualities are characterised by features that include a front axle developed by Mercedes-AMG and an AMG sports suspension that has been tuned to match, plus AMG speed-sensitive sports steering. The sporty driving characteristics are also enhanced by the special engine and transmission configuration, as well as modified ESP® intervention. The exhaust note is also more emotional thanks to a modified exhaust system.

The design of the Sport models also lives up to their name. The equipment line "AMG Line" is standard, with "Sport" badges embellishing the front wings. The Sport models are fitted with exclusive, black-painted 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels with a high-sheen finish, are shod with size 235/40 R 18 tyres all-round and have red-painted brake callipers. In addition, red detailing on the AMG front and rear aprons further underlines the dynamic positioning of these models. The highlighting effect is carried through into the interior, with designo seat belts in red and floor mats with "Sport" lettering.

High traction reserves: 4MATIC all-wheel drive

The A 250 Sport 4MATIC and CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC feature the latest generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system, which has fully variable torque distribution. This all-wheel drive system excels with high traction reserves and outstanding agility, combined with superlative driving safety and energy efficiency.

The components of the 4MATIC system include the power take-off to the rear axle that is integrated into the 7G-DCT automatic dual clutch transmission and the rear-axle gear with integrated, electrohydraulically controlled multi-disc clutch. This setup allows fully variable distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear axles. Additional benefits of this design are a lower system weight than is available from the competition and high efficiency.

Lively entry-level model: new CLA 180 CDI Coupé with diesel engine

The new entry-level diesel version of the four-door coupé, which was recently voted the most beautiful car in the compact class by the readers of "auto, motor und sport" magazine, is the CLA 180 CDI. It generates 80 kW (109 hp) from a displacement of 1461 cc, and 260 Nm of torque are available from 1750 rpm. Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, the CLA 180 CDI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 11.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 km/h. The lively diesel model sets new standards when it comes to fuel consumption: only 3.9 litres of fuel (combined) flow through its injection nozzles per 100 km, corresponding to 102 g of CO2 per kilometre.

Live Traffic Information: traffic updates in real time

The COMAND Online multimedia system has been brought fully up-to-date. Thanks to real-time traffic information, the navigation system is considerably better informed about the situation on the roads. Fully up-to-date traffic data are now transmitted by the "Live Traffic Information" service, which evaluates anonymised data recording the movements of TomTom navigation system users and mobile phone users. This ensures that precise information about traffic holdups on both the planned and possible alternative routes is sent to the vehicle in real time.

From 7 October it will also be possible to order the Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone® 5. When used with the free Digital Drive Style app, this allows seamless integration of the iPhone® into the vehicle. Highlights include Siri voice control and Glympse real-time location sharing. Glympse enables the user to share his or her current location with selected persons. Additional functions include Facebook®, Twitter®, internet radio, AUPEO!™ personal radio and the advanced navigation system from Garmin® with internet-based real-time traffic information, an online POI search function including Street View™ and a 3D map display.

[1] Price ex factory in Germany incl. 19 % VAT

Source: Daimler
 
I wonder if this will be offered in the U.S. market? The chassis and gearbox could use some AMG refinement. The CLA needs to be made quieter also.

M
 
^ Here's the latest update for the USA, with the CLA45 AMG expected to arrive soon. :)


Mercedes-Benz is touting the CLA as "equipped, not stripped," with eight standard airbags, a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, shift-by-wire gear selector, power mechanical steering and a collision assist program. The CLA has coupelike styling similar to that of the larger CLS.

Mercedes-Benz is keeping the lineup simple with one body style. There are only three variants and only two engines, both turbocharged four-cylinders. The lineup:
  • The base CLA250, which went on sale Sept. 20.
  • The CLA45 AMG, arriving in November, has standard 4Matic all-wheel drive and a base price of $48,355, including shipping. The awd system has been redesigned for the CLA.
  • The CLA250 4Matic will be available next spring. Pricing hasn't been disclosed. The CLA250 has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 208 hp, 258 pounds-feet of torque and stop-start technology. It has an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.
Standard equipment includes the Mercedes-Benz mbrace2 infotainment system that uses cloud technology. A 5.8-inch display and Bluetooth connectivity are standard. Optional equipment includes a 7-inch display and the Mercedes-Benz Comand system with navigation, voice control and an SD card slot.

Mercedes-Benz is touting the CLA45 AMG as having the "world's most powerful four-cylinder engine in series production." The turbocharged powerplant has 355 hp and a peak torque of 332 pounds-feet. The AMG version goes from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. Fuel economy has not been announced.

http://www.autonews.com/article/201...rcedes-aims-for-30000-cla-sales#ixzz2h3QqgDvt
 
Mercedes-Benz Says No to Diesel CLA in the States

In Europe, the Mercedes-Benz CLA can be ordered with one of the brand’s trusty 2.1-liter diesel engines. That puts out 167 hp and returns 4.5 l/100km / 52.3 mpg US / 62.7 mpg UK, making the CLA 220 CDI the most efficient model in the range. It’s also kind of zippy, sprinting to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.2 seconds and going on to a top speed of 230 km/h (144 mph) – the latter is undoubtedly helped by the streamlined shape.
However, Car&Driver reports that there are no plans whatsoever to bring it to US dealerships. As usual, it’s the higher costs associated that are to blame, as well as the necessity of fitting an urea-injection system to – Mercedes apparently doesn’t see it as a feasible prospect, since it would only sell in limited numbers and not justify the extra investment.
The same report also draws attention towards the upcoming GLA crossover. It states that while the chance of it having a diesel option are marginally better due to the nature of the vehicle, the very same hurdles apply, so it’s not a sure thing either.

Source:
 
Once again the Aussies seem far more impressed with the baby Benzes compared to their European counterparts.

http://www.carsales.com.au/reviews/2013/small-passenger/mercedes-benz/cla/mercedes-benz-cla-200-first-drive-39291?

Priced from under $50K and with styling aimed to appeal to a more youthful audience than ever, the CLA 200 will break barriers for Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLA 200

First Drive
Yarra Valley, Victoria


What we like>> Blend of handling and civility
>> Different feel to A-Class
>> Engine/gearbox combo, most of the time...

Not so much>> But turbo and DCT can be laggy
>> Hefty hatch-sedan premium
>> You might have to wait for yours


This is the car that Mercedes-Benz believes will bring a whole new generation into the fold. The all-new CLA 200 is not only Mercedes-Benz’s most affordable ‘four-door coupe’, with a $49,900 starting price, but it also features styling and packaging that is aimed to appeal to a more youthful audience than ever.

And early indications are the car has hit the mark.

Launched this week Down Under and commanding a substantial price premium over the equivalent A-Class hatch models with which it shares its mechanicals and platform, the CLA is already a sell-out success.

Mercedes-Benz Australia executives say dealers are holding up to 800 pre-orders for CLA models and that 2014 projections see demand likely to outstrip supply by between 500-1000 units.

That number will include those desirous of two extra CLA models yet to debut: the super-frugal CLA 200 CDI turbo-diesel (due February 2014) and perhaps the pick of the CLA bunch, the 250 Sport – a 155kW front-drive hotshoe with a GTI-baiting heart due in April. The range-topping CLA 45 was also launched this week and waiting lists are already out to April.

For the time being therefore, the CLA 200 is not only the entry-level CLA, it’s likely the only CLA you’ll be able to walk in and buy off the floor. Our initial impressions indicate that’s no real hardship...

Powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre direct-injected petrol four matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox, the 200 is resolutely front-drive only – like its hatch counterpart. Power and torque figures are reasonable at 115kW and 250Nm, and the 0-100km/h dash time is a respectable 8.5 seconds. It’s frugal too, quoting an ADR Combined economy figure of just 5.7L/100km.

Underneath, the CLA sedan and A-Class hatch roll on the same ‘MFA’ architecture – a chassis component set that is also used for the B-Class and the ‘next-big-thing’ Benz, the GLA compact SUV. Eventually, a CLA Shooting Brake mini-estate will complete the family.

Yet, thanks to a blend of extra equipment and the change in body style, even a short drive is enough to tip you to the different feel and function of Benz’s smallest sedan.

Like the hatch, the CLA 200 is a well mannered and wieldy car that can be driven with real verve when the spirit moves you, yet doesn’t provide too many compromises to comfort around town. In the case of the CLA, however, there’s an extra level of refinement that seems to be gifted to the car thanks to its ‘three-box’ packaging.

There’s a quality to the sound pressures in the cabin that is very different to the hatch. Exhaust and road noise are down a notch or two (at least that’s the impression, we haven’t measured the difference!) and wind noise is almost uncannily absent. Given it’s claimed to be the world’s most aerodynamic production car, it’s no surprise the CLA slips through the air so discreetly.

Without driving the cars back-to-back it’s impossible to state categorically that on-road manners differ between the A-Class and CLA-Class, but the balance of the CLA also seems a little more ‘grown up’. It changes direction readily, never feels ‘understeery’ or front-heavy and is just a touch more settled in doing so. Factors at force here are a slight increase in mass and variations in weight distribution and suspension settlings. The CLA’s tail is longer but wheelbase and track numbers are unchanged.

We sampled two versions of the 200, a near-standard car and another fitted with the lower suspension which comes as part of the ‘Edition One’ special launch pack. In comfort, practical and performance terms there was little to separate the two. The 1.6-litre turbo fours in both were willing powerplants that prove downsizing can work if the right engineering principles are adhered to.

There’s a good amount of torque available for overtaking and even after some city work and a spirited country drive the trip computers had our consumption in the very low 8.0L/100km range. Indeed, the only hiccup at first flush is the engine/gearbox’s reluctance from a standing start. It takes a fair amount of throttle opening and just a little anticipation to counter step-off turbo lag and the dual-clutch transmission’s ‘thinking time’ away from a red light or intersection.

Even before additional option packages are chosen, the CLA 200 commands a hefty $9000 premium over its hatch counterpart. In part, Benz justifies this extra cost on the basis of adding Becker MapPilot navigation, a reversing camera, leather-look Artico seat surfacing and a blind spot assistance system as standard kit.

Otherwise the CLA equipment list is similar to the five-door’s. It rolls on 18-inch five/twin-spoke alloy wheels, features fixed bi-xenon headlights, a black diamond grille, power-folding mirrors, LED tail-lights, active park assist with Parktronic (90-degree and parallel self-parking), twin exhaust outlets and Thermotronic climate-control. For more details on the mechanicals and standard safety kit, check out our international launch review.

Perhaps therefore the only chink in the CLA armour is, ironically, the body design that sets it apart from its A-Class and B-Class counterparts. The swoopy ‘four-door coupe’ lines of the CLA definitely compromise rear-seat access and head room.

The latter is especially the case when a sunroof is optioned, but anyone taller than 178cm is going to notice the lack of rear head room, even if leg room is adequate and the rear seat itself is well shaped for two. Access also requires attention and a reasonable amount of flexibility thanks to the diving rear window header. At least the boot is capacious – probably more practical than the hatch’s luggage space if you’re travelling with four onboard.

As an aside, we loved the CLA’s frameless door treatment – a unique coupe-style touch (though some Subaru Liberty owners may argue that point!)

In the end, however, criticising the CLA for these packaging foibles is probably pointless. If you need better sedan-style accommodation in a still-compact German four-door, your local Benz burgher will happily steer you to the C-Class counter; and there’s an even more practical B-Class this way sir...

What the CLA does very successfully is deliver a serious injection of style into the compact and affordable end of the prestige spectrum. As suggested in my intro, CLA will likely be the first Mercedes-Benz for many buyers. It’s clearly the three-pointed star brand’s fervent wish that it won’t be their last.
 
I can't wait until the new C and GLA land at dealers this time next year. Mercedes is going to be on fire, they're already lit now......

M
 
I was perusing some other forums and stumbled upon a CLA250 with some aftermarket wheels. No comment on the wheels, but the CLA does look nice in black. :)

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a53659aa0bfb9ed4ce1686c0c14c64a2.webp
 
Not so much>> But turbo and DCT can be laggy

I was hoping MB will resolve this issue but personally I cannot stand this . The engine is powerful and the gearbox can change gears smoothly and quickly, however it is just that laggy initial response that ruins it for me.
 
Problem hasn't been reported by any other members in the A250 threads and it's not something i've noticed on any of my test drives (CLA200, A200, A250, A45) or my sister in laws A250. I suspect the 'intelligent' nature of the transmission may affect performance as the test vehicles get handed from one tester to another and they may need a 'reset'. After lending his vehilce to a family member for a while my fathers vehicle started hesitating on take off. They did a 'parameter reset' at the dealership and it was all good after that.
 
Standard spec CLA200 in Australia. The alloys on this one actually work really well. I thought it looks great in this colour and trim.

Photos rarely do this cars proportions justice.
 

Attachments

I'm not into after market, but it does look better with bigger wheels, at least to me.
 
So I just finally saw and test drove a CLA. Honestly from the outside it looks great. A lot better than photos. Would def not get the standard lights, but with the sport package it really looks nice. The interior was better than I expected actually. The door trimmings are soft touch as is the top of the dash. Everything else is hard plastic but tasteful, even the center area between the seats. One thing that fooled me at first was that the B pillar is covered in fabric almost all the way down which is a nice touch, BUT when I removed my seatbelt and it hit the B pillar it made a horrible hollow cheap sound. Other than that though it is a nice little car.

When not in sport mode, the start is a little slow and rough. Road noise is well dampered. In sport mode you def get a better kick off the line. Also on Eco mode the start/stop is nice but upon starting it's a little rough.

Trunk space was impressive and rear space was good except for the well documented head room, which I am 6 foot and just fit. Overall though the interior is well screwed together.
 
The CLA 250 SPORT wont be released before February 2014 according to MB Passion. :)

2048_13C914_002.webp


http://translate.google.com/transla...0/cla-250-sport-erst-februar-2014-verfuegbar/
 
Is that production in February or on sale in Germany in February Wolf?

We're being told Australian CLA250's will only go into production in February.
 
To be honest the CLA45 AMG looks great in that video!
I guess red is its color!
Another thing I noticed - the car looks way better on the street and in motion when you don't have much time to see its flaws. The taillights look great during the night. Still when you see it on display it's all ruined again.
 
Is that production in February or on sale in Germany in February Wolf?

We're being told Australian CLA250's will only go into production in February.


The article says one can place orders for the CLA 250 Sport now, but the on sale date in Germany is expected to be in February 2014 and there wont be any deliveries before that date. Suspect production has some trouble to keep up with demand.
 
The Sport model should be on the U.S order books really soon as a separate model.

M
 

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Group AG is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Established in 1926, Mercedes-Benz Group produces consumer luxury vehicles and light commercial vehicles badged as Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and Mercedes-Maybach. Its origin lies in Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes and Carl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the first internal combustion engine in a self-propelled automobile. The slogan for the brand is "the best or nothing".
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)

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