Mercedes-Benz working on CLA four-door-coupe, a baby CLS

The upcoming 2011 Mercedes-Benz A-Class will be offered in many variants including a coupe and convertible that will rival the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series. Mercedes-Benz is also planning a compact SUV that will compete with the upcoming BMW X1 and Audi Q3 . Sharing the platform with the B-Class all A-Class variants will come standard with front-wheel-drive with all-wheel-drive as an option.

According to AutoZeitung , the most important of all these variants will be the compact sport A-Class coupe – internally known as the CLA. Following the same strategy of the E-Class based CLS, the CLA will be a compact four-door-coupe with frameless doors and will measure three centimeters longer than the current B-Class to offer more legroom.

Engine choices will include 4-cylinder turbo engines ranging from 90 to 150 horsepower. A three-cylinder turbocharged version is also being considered.

Expect the CLA to make its debut some time around 2010 along with the next-generation CLS. Mercedes-Benz has already confirmed production of a compact SUV which will be built alongside other compact Mercedes models at its Kecskemet, Hungary plant.

Source: AutoZeitung