2013 Detroit: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class unveiled, CLA45 AMG to follow

After arriving with the Mercedes-Benz team to the 2013 Detroit Auto Show (following our Guarding the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class adventure), the German luxury automaker surprised us with a private part and the debut of the 2014 CLA Class. The new four-door CLA takes design cues from the larger and successful CLS and brings it to the compact entry-level segment of the brand.

“The response to the Concept Style Coupe was overwhelming. The most frequent comment by far was ‘Please put this car into series production.’ That’s precisely what we are doing now,” said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management for Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The CLA is a car that does not confuse ‘mid-size’ with ‘mid-quality’. Its sporty design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand.”

Power for the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 comes from a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine making 208-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission or a 6-speed manual. Based on the A-Class, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class will be available in front-wheel-drive or with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (available Spring 2014). It also comes with the ECO stop/start function as standard.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 arrives in U.S. dealerships in September 2013. It will be followed up by the sportier CLA45 AMG making north of 350-hp.

All Photos Copyright egmCarTech © Jan Gleitsmann.

– By: Omar Rana