CLA-Class Launched in Japan | Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

CLA-Class Launched in Japan

With theCLS-Class, we created the trend of the four-door coupe.Mercedes-Benz's compact four-door coupe, theCLA-Class, has finally been unveiled in Japan.

Text & Event Photographs by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)

Compact Four-Door Coupe Arrives in Japan

Mercedes-Benz has revamped its front-wheel-drive platform and already launched theB-ClassandA-Class. The CLA-Class, as the third model following these, was unveiled early this year on the eve of theDetroit Motor Showat itsreveal, and today, this CLA-Class has been unveiled in Japan.

The body dimensions are 4,685mm in length, 1,780mm in width, and 1,430mm in height. Its shape is a four-door coupe, inherited from the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Compared to the A-Class, the width and height are almost the same. However, while the wheelbase is 2,700mm, the same as the A-Class, the overall length is about 40cm longer. In terms of overall size, it is almost the same as the currentC-Class, although the wheelbase is about 6cm shorter.

The flowing exterior, with three character lines on the side reminiscent of the CLS-Class,is not only visually appealing but also aerodynamically efficient, achieving a remarkable drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.23.

Edition 1 Also Arrives

In terms of model variations, Japan will see four models: the CLA 180, CLA 250, CLA 250 4MATIC, and CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC. The CLA 250 will also be available as a limited edition 'Edition 1', with only 300 units produced.

The CLA 180 is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine producing a maximum output of 90 kW (122 hp) at 5,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 200 Nm (20.4 kgm) from 1,250 to 4,000 rpm. Its 0-100 km/h acceleration is 9.3 seconds, with a top speed of 210 km/h. The price starts at 3.35 million yen. It is expected to be exempt from weight and acquisition taxes under the new eco-car tax reduction program.

The CLA 250 features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a maximum output of 155 kW (211 hp) at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) from 1,200 to 4,000 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 240 km/h. The price is 4.59 million yen. This model is expected to receive a 75% tax reduction, and the COMMAND system with navigation is standard. The 4MATIC model, equipped with a variable torque distribution full-time 4WD system, starts at 4.84 million yen. Deliveries for the 4MATIC model are scheduled for autumn 2013.

All models utilize the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the '7G-DCT'.

Among the styling options, the 'AMG Line' for the CLA 180 is particularly noteworthy.

With this option, the interior features a driver's seat with full power adjustment and memory, electric lumbar support for the front seats, AMG floor mats, DINAMICA door panels, and leather DINAMICA seats.

The exterior receives AMG styling for the front spoiler, side, and rear skirts. The radiator grille's diamond pattern is finished in silver, and the car is fitted with 18-inch titanium grey lightweight alloy five-twin-spoke wheels.

Furthermore, the front brake calipers bear the Mercedes-Benz lettering, and the front brake discs are upgraded to drilled discs. These features are standard on the CLA 250 and its 4MATIC variant.

The limited edition 'CLA 250 Edition 1' is based on the CLA 250. It features black door mirror caps, window trim, and multi-spoke wheels. Additionally, the front grille louvers are black with chrome accents. Two body colors are available: Cosmos Black (100 units) and Polar Silver (200 units).

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Edition 1

The interior of the Edition 1 is finished in black leather and DINAMICA microfiber material, with yellow stitching accents throughout. The seats are equipped with heating, and special floor mats are included. The price is 5.1 million yen.

Comprehensive Safety Features, True to Mercedes-Benz

Optional safety features include the familiar Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. The Attention Assist, which detects driver fatigue, and the radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) system are standard.

The CPA system warns the driver of potential collisions and assists with braking based on the vehicle's assessment of the situation. It also includes a function to warn of rear-end collisions at speeds up to 7 km/h during low-speed driving.

When the DISTRONIC PLUS active cruise control function, included in the Safety Package, is added, it becomes COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS (CPA Plus). This system applies automatic braking if the driver does not react to a hazard, thereby avoiding or mitigating accidents. It also provides automatic braking when approaching a stationary vehicle at speeds up to 30 km/h, and for potential rear-end collisions at speeds up to 20 km/h during low-speed driving.

Furthermore, the 'Active Parking Assist', utilizing 12 ultrasonic sensors, is an optional feature based on the 'PARKTRONIC' system already found in theE-Class, and supports both parallel and perpendicular parking. This feature, included in the Value Package, identifies parking spaces and performs automatic steering. The system also assists in exiting a parked position.

CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC Also Debuts

Finally, the high-performance model from AMG, theCLA 45 AMG 4MATIC, starts at 7.1 million yen.

Like theA 45 AMG, it features the most powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in a production car, delivering a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) and achieving 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds.

It employs the 4WD 'AMG 4MATIC' system and comes with numerous dedicated features, including the '3-stage ESP' with 'Sport Handling' mode, 'Curve Dynamic Assist' that lightly brakes the inner wheel during cornering to enhance agility, the 'AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT' with three drive modes, launch control, and automatic rev-matching, as well as dedicated springs, shock absorbers, stabilizers, and high fade-resistant brakes.

Deliveries for this model are also scheduled for autumn 2013. Optional packages include the 700,000 yen 'AMG Advanced Package' for a sportier interior and suspension, and the 700,000 yen 'AMG Carbon Package' which adds carbon fiber front lip spoiler, door mirrors, side skirts, and rear diffuser, along with interior trim.