A Preview of the CLA Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA Class

Previewing the Mercedes-Benz CLA Class

Beijing International Automotive Exhibition 2012unveiled at theConcept Style CoupeThe arrival of the new Mercedes-Benz model lineup, the "CLA," can be seen as the production version of this concept.

Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)

A Showcase for Front-Wheel-Drive 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz announced the upcoming arrival of the "CLA" class, a four-door coupe that draws design inspiration from models such as theSLS AMG" and theCLS" class. Dimensions are 4,630mm in length, 1,777mm in width, and 1,437mm in height. The engine, described as torque-rich, is a 4-cylinder turbocharged unit, with outputs up to 155kW (211ps) available. It features sports suspension and a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This is the production version of the "Concept Style Coupe" unveiled at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition 2012.

An AMG model is also planned, to be named "CLA 45 AMG."New "A-Class"similar to the AMG model of theA 45 AMG"A 45 AMG," this model will also feature a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, as indicated by the "45" designation, signifying performance comparable to a 4.5-liter engine. While specific details are yet to be fully disclosed, it is claimed to achieve both maximum torque exceeding 400Nm and low fuel consumption. The transmission will be the "AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT" 7-speed sports transmission.

The car's character is expected to prioritize responsiveness and high cornering speeds.

The "4MATIC" all-wheel-drive system paired with this CLA is different from previous versions; it is designed for transverse engines in front-wheel-drive vehicles. It is said to improve traction, agility, and safety, while also offering fuel efficiency benefits.

This is because the new 4MATIC is designed to be combined with the "7G-DCT" dual-clutch transmission, which has been adopted since theB-Class", and torque is delivered to the rear wheels via a lightweight system centered around a compact unit integrated with the transmission, sharing even its lubricant.

The new 4MATIC system can distribute torque steplessly, but it operates as an all-wheel-drive vehicle only when necessary. Fundamentally, the car drives like a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Electronic stability control systems are activated only when 4MATIC determines that maintaining vehicle stability is impossible.

Further details are expected to be revealed at the Detroit Motor Show starting January 14th.