People have been talking about a baby CLS->ke539 for quite some time now and after being caught testing in many times, the production version CLA-Class->ke3130 made its world debut at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

Previewed by the Concept Style Coupe, the new CLA looks almost identical to the concept, but at the same time offers design elements that transform it into a "modern interpretation" of the CLS.

The best feature of the new model is its aerodynamic-drag figure of just 0.23, that sets a new benchmark among not only Mercedes->ke187 models, but also all series-production vehicles. The model is also equipped with tons of technology that will transform each ride into a secure journey.

In the U.S. market Mercedes will only bring one version -- the CLA250 -- and sales will begin in the fall of 2013.

Updated 02/06/2013: We have just stumbled across a leaked file from Mercedes-Benz that everyone may be interested in. This new file is the U.S. Ordering Guide for the 2014 CLA-Class. You can find the guide after the jump.

Updated 07/01/2013: Mercedes placed an online configurator for the new CLA250 Coupe which will go on sale this fall. Go online and play with the exterior and interior colors, wheels and options! Additionally, we have updated this review with all of the new details that the configurator unveiled.

2014 - 2015 Mercedes CLA-Class

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 Mercedes CLA-Class
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 208 @ 5500
  • Torque: 258 @ 1250
  • Transmission: Seven-Speed DCT
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new Mercedes CLA features design elements we have already seen in the Concept Style Coupe. In fact, to be completely honest, the production version is almost identical to the concept. The most striking features are the bonnet with power domes and the diamond-pattern radiator grille, and the new headlamps with LED lights arranged in such a way as to create the characteristic "flare effect."

Many people have called the new CLA a "baby CLS," but according to Mercedes it is "a further development of the modern classic Mercedes-Benz CLS.” The model is highlighted by three prominent lines -- one up front flowing towards the rear end in a characteristic dropping line, a second one spanning the shoulder muscle above the rear axle, and a third one extending in a sweeping curve from the front wheel towards the rear. The model has also received a sloping roof line that offers it a coupe-style character.

At the rear, the taillights also feature a new design and are framed by the muscular lines of the shoulders which extend into the rear end.

Sport Package

For a little extra aggression, buyers can pay an extra $2,000 for the Sport Package, which adds in an aggressive front apron with larger mesh air intakes, sculpted side sills, a deep rear valance with textured black insets, a chrome diamond-block grille, 18-inch AMG twin-5-spoke lightweight wheels and painted calipers.

Exterior Dimensions:

Overall length

182.3 in

Overall height

56.6 in

Overall width

80.0 in (with mirrors)

Wheelbase

106.3 in

Coefficient of drag

0.28

Curb weight

3,264 lbs (est.)


Standard Exterior Features:

-Four-door coupe design

-Diamond-block grille

-17-inch 5-spoke wheels

-Daytime Running Lamps

-Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System

-Rain-sensing windshield wipers

Exterior Options

-Sport Body Package ($2,000)

-Panorama roof ($1,480)

-Bi-Xenon headlights and LED taillights ($850)

-18-inch twin-5-spoke wheels ($500)

Interior

The exterior is focused on a sporty appearance, but the interior Mercedes focused on luxury, as the new CLA combines high-quality materials with all the latest technologies.

There are five round vents on the instrument panel and the free-standing display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel and a flush-fitting silver frame.

The CLA is offered with integral seats on both front and rear, with the rear ones offered a 2+1 configuration. The seats can be ordered in a wide choice of materials and colors, with colored contrasting stitching available, according to the selected interior appointment options.

Premium Package

For buyers looking for some extra luxury, Mercedes has the Premium Package. This package adds $2,200 to the cost of the CLA and includes: in dual-zone automatic climate control; heated front seats; a 450-watt harman/kardon LOGIC7 Dolby Digital 5.1 sound system; Media Interface to connect your iPod to the CLA; an Auto-dimming driver-side and inside rear view mirrors, compass display in inside mirror and an integrated garage door opener.

Multimedia Package

For the tech savvy buyer, Mercedes offers the Multimedia Package comes in at $2,370 and it includes: a review camera; enhanced voice control; 80 GB hard-drive-based navigation with a 7-inch display; an in-dash six-disc DVD/CD player and an SD card reader; 10 GB of music and video storage; and SiriusXM Traffic and Weather.

Interior Package

The Interior Package adds $1,500 to the CLA's price, but it does require the addition of the Premium Package for a net increase of $3,700 in the base CLA price. This package will likely be the most popular of the group, as it adds in supple leather seating, infrared-remote window control and MB-Tex upper dash and door trim covering.

New for 2015

- Interior ambient lighting added as part of the Interior Package

- KEYLESS-GO added as part of Premium Package

- Larger 7” display with Multimedia Package

- New steering wheel design

Interior Dimensions:

Front Headroom

38.2 in. (37.0 in with Panorama roof)

Front Legroom

TBA

Font Shoulder room

56.0 in

Rear Headroom

35.4 in. (35.6 in with Panorama roof)

Rear Legroom

TBA

Shoulder room

53.2 in

Cargo capacity

TBA

Trunk Capacity

13.12 cu ft


Standard Interior Features:

-Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel

-Anthracite trim

-4.5-inch color instrument cluster display

-Mercedes-Benz mbrace2

-Electronic parking brake

-SmartKey

-Illuminated entry system

-Air conditioning with micron filtration

-14-way front seats with memory

-Sport front seats

-Split-folding rear seats

-4-way power lumbar support for driver

-Ambient interior lighting

-CD player with MP3 capability, HD Radio receiver, USB audio port and Bluetooth audio streaming

Interior Options:

-Premium Package ($2,200)

-Mulitmedia Package ($2,370)

-Interior Package ($1,500)

-Heated Front Seats ($580)

-Becker MAP PILOT pre-wiring ($200)

-Burl Walnut Wood Trim ($325)

-Black Ashwood Trim ($325)

Engine

American customers will only get a CLA250 version, a model powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers a total of 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It comes with the ECO stop/start function standard for added gas mileage and is mated to the seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.

This engine can be combined with a 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system in the CLA250 4MATIC version. This system includes power take-off to the rear axle, which is integrated into the seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, and the rear-axle gear set with an integrated electro-hydraulic, multi-disc clutch. This setup enables fully variable distribution of drive between the front and rear axles.

In the U.S. market, there is only one engine to choose from:

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline-four

Engine material

Aluminum

Valve arrangement

Four valves per cylinder

Valvetrain

Roller-type Rocker Arm

Displacement (cc)

1,991

Bore (in.)

3.27

Stroke (in.)

3.62

Compression ratio

9.8 : 1

Horsepower @ rpm

208 @ 5,500

Torque (lb-ft.) @ rpm

258 @ 1,250 - 4,000

Intake system

Turbo, Direct Injection

Max. engine speed (rpm)

6,500


Suspension and chassis

Mercedes has equipped the new CLA with a McPherson strut suspension at the front and independent multilink suspension at the rear. The multilink suspensions includes three control arms and one trailing arm at each of the rear wheels to allow longitudinal and transverse forces to be handled separately.

As standard, the CLA also offers electromechanical power steering that offers improved driver feedback and makes an important contribution to overall efficiency.

The model comes with standard 17-inch five-spoke, two-tone wheels clad in all-season, run-flat tires, while the optional Sport Package offers 18-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels.

Prices

In a Super Bowl commercial, Mercedes-Benz released the official base price for the new CLA-Class.

The only model available in the U.S.market to date is the CLA250, which comes in at $29,900 plus a $925 delivery fee.

Pricing

Model

MSRP

CLA250 Coupe

$29,900


Package Pricing:

Package

MSRP

Driver Assistance Package

$2,500

Multimedia Package

$2,370

Premium Package

$2,200

Sport Package

$2,000

Interior Package (Requires Premium Package)

$1,500


Ordering Guide

Mercedes has released the official dealership ordering brochure and it somehow made its way online. This outlines all of the features and options for the upcoming CLA-Class, so dealerships can pick and choose what they want to stock their showrooms with. Click here to see the U.S. Buying Guide.

Competition

2014 Audi A3

In the US market, the 2014 Mercedes CLA will have to take on models like A3 or Verano. The problem is that in this case it would be pretty difficult to choose our favorite. In most cases the Audi models would make it to the top of the list, but the Verano also proved itself as a pretty impressive competitor, not to mention that the new CLA has already stolen the hearts on many people.

The Audi A3 sedan will be offered with a 1.8-liter TFSI gasoline engine that delivers a total of 180 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and will go on sale by the end of 2013.

2014 Buick Verano

Verano is offered with an Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 177 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque - a little less powerful than the CLA, but customers can also opt for the Turbo version and enjoy an output of 250 horsepower.

Conclusion

In the end, the CLA is exactly what Mercedes needed in the U.S. market. It offers customers a coupe-styled sedan with decent performance for under $30k. Sure, it is barely under that mark, but it is still 8under it. Sure, there are some issues that we have with this new four-door coupe, including the standard MB-Tex (glorified vinyl).

Ultimately, however, the CLA-Class is a refreshing change for Benz and gives customers an option other than the aging C-Class.