2014 Mercedes CLA Class appeals to a new generation

When Mercedes took the design language from the Concept Style Coupe, they intended to reach a new target group of buyers with the CLA Class including those who never would have considered buying a Mercedes-Benz. The new CLA gets design cues that Mercedes wants to transform the brand, and it will be the lead model in what the brand looks like going into the future. The CLA Class establishes a new segment for Mercedes and brings styling that features world-leading aerodynamics, and different design packages and equipment lines for personalization.

Mercedes knows they will have to reach a new generation of buyers as they move into the future and the new CLA is the answer. The new CLA Class is the vehicle that will launch Mercedes in that direction. Dr Joachim Schmidt, Member of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing said, "We aim to reach new target groups with the CLA , including those who never intended driving a Mercedes."

Concept Style Coupe design gets put into production
The exterior and interior design is different than anything Mercedes has produced in the past. The CLA’s progressive sporty appearance is seen on the outside and also inside the cabin. Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management at Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars said in a recent interview, "We are transferring the expressive design of the Concept Style Coupe seamlessly into series production. With its unmistakable design idiom, I am convinced that the CLA will significantly form the Mercedes-Benz brand image."
Outside, the new CLA shapes a new Mercedes face and features the hood embedded in the front end with powerdomes and a diamond radiator grille. The light modules and LEDs behind the headlight covers have been arranged to create the characteristic "flare effect" for the daytime driving lights and indicators. The modern CLS design carries over to the CLA with three prominent lines that give structure to the vehicle when viewed from the side. The gently sloping roof contour and the pronounced, hallmark curvature of the rear window provides the CLA with a coupe-style character like the CLS.

Two equipment lines
The car's energetic and sporty appearance is continued inside the vehicle. The interior features two equipment lines, the “Urban” line and “AMG Line.” The emphasis is on silver in the Urban line and features trim elements in silver wave-look, with matching air outlet vents with nozzle ring and cross in silver chrome.
The emphasis for the AMG Line is on the color red. The red emphasis will show up in the contrasting topstitching on the sports seats, the multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather with flattened lower section, and the armrests. Matching these appointments, will be stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs.

Electroplated trim elements inside
The cabin of the CLA pays attention to details with the instrument panel vents receiving a high-quality electroplated silver-chrome finish. The free-standing display screen features a black piano-lacquer-look front panel and, in combination with Comand Online a flush-fitting silver frame. The sporty character is seen with integral seats in the front and rear, and the rear bench seat emphasizes the outer seats (2+1‑seater). Colored contrasting stitching is available, according to the selected interior appointment options. A fibre-optic cable in the opening between head restraint and backrest is optionally available as part of the ambient lighting.
Production of the CLA started in January 2013 at the new production facilities in Kecskemet, Hungary. The new 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class is the first car to be built exclusively at the new plant. Mercedes builds the new CLA at a new production facility for a new generation of buyers. Look for the new CLA to be the beginning of a new design language for the German automaker.

Courtesy of Torque News