0 IAA 2013: BRABUS refines the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The CLA-Class has opened up a new market segment for Mercedes-Benz. BRABUS has naturally also developed an exclusive refinement program for this new model series. As is the style of the company, it includes a sporty-elegant designer outfit, powerful engine tuning, tailor-made BRABUS wheels with diameters of 18 and 19 inches, sporty-comfortable suspension solutions, and individual interior options.

The dynamic ex-factory appearance of the Mercedes CLA can receive further sporty emphasis with tailor-made BRABUS design components. The bodywork components are manufactured in OEM quality from high-grade PU plastics.

The BRABUS designers designed the front spoiler to attach to the lower section of the bumper. This not only boosts the CLA’s passing clout, but its design fine-tuned in the wind tunnel also reduces negative lift on the front axle at high speeds. In the rear the subtle BRABUS separation edge on the trunk lid and the roof spoiler successfully master the identical task.

The BRABUS alloy wheels in OEM quality are also a major factor in the BRABUS look for the CLA-Class. The 18- and 19-inch wheels were designed specifically for this car. The wheels lend the CLA an even more attractive appearance while giving it even more dynamic handling.

The largest wheel option for the Mercedes sport sedan are BRABUS 8.5Jx19 wheels in the five distinctive Monoblock E, F, Q, R and S designs. The matching high-performance tires are supplied by BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA in sizes 225/35 R 19 in front and 255/30 R 19 on the rear axle.

The BRABUS sport springs for the various versions of the CLA are calibrated to the low-profile tires. They lower the ride height of the four-door car by some 25 millimeters (1 in.). The lowered center of gravity provides an ideal combination of sporty handling and highly comfortable ride. The lowered ride height of course also benefits the car’s appearance.

BRABUS offers the world’s most extensive engine tuning program for Mercedes-Benz automobiles, backed by the BRABUS Tuning Warranty® of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers/62,000 miles, a warranty that is unrivalled in the industry. The BRABUS motor engineers themselves strive for a perfect combination of a high level of performance with outstanding refinement, exemplary eco-friendliness and durability beyond reproach. BRABUS recommends MOTUL high-performance lubricants.

At the 2013 IAA BRABUS presents the PowerXtra B25 performance kit for the turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine of the CLA 250. The BRABUS PowerXtra module is adapted to the engine electronics using plug-and-play technology.

The new parameters for engine electronics and boost-pressure control bump power output from stock 155 kW / 211 hp (208 bhp) to 180 kW / 245 hp (241 bhp). At the same time peak torque grows from 350 to 385 Nm (258 to 284 lb-ft).

This results in significantly enhanced dynamic handling and driving fun. The sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) is shortened to 6.7 seconds, top speed jumps to 250 km/h (155 mph). This makes the BRABUS-refined CLA 250 one of the most agile cars in its class.

Various BRABUS ECO PowerXtra performance kits are available for the diesel models of the CLA-Class. The plug-and-play BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D3 module is available for the CLA 220 CDI. It boosts power output of the common-rail turbodiesel from 125 kW / 170 hp (168 bhp) to 155 kW / 210 hp (208 bhp) and bumps peak torque to 410 Nm (302 lb-ft). A sprint time of 7.9 seconds for 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) and a top speed of 238 km/h (148 mph) fully live up to the sporty outfit of the four-door car.

The BRABUS product lineup also includes stainless-steel sport exhausts with dual chrome tailpipes on either side sporting the characteristic BRABUS design. CLA owners can choose from a conventional version and the version with controlled butterfly valve, which currently is only available for the CLA 250. It allows drivers to switch between a subtle and a markedly sporty exhaust note at the push of a button in the cockpit.

The interior of any CLA can also be customized. The product options range from two-tone stainless-steel scuff plates with BRABUS logo and high-quality floor and trunk mats to matt anodized BRABUS aluminum pedals or door-lock pins.

Demands for further customization are fulfilled in the BRABUS upholstery shop. Upon customer request the experienced craftsmen transform especially soft yet extremely durable BRABUS Mastik leather and fine Alcantara into an exclusive BRABUS fine leather interior in any desired color.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: IAA 2013: BRABUS refines the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

0 Six new models join the A, B and CLA-Class: New engines and more traction

The A, B and CLA-Class model ranges are being extended with the addition of highly economical entry-level versions, another fuel-efficient BlueEFFICIENCY Edition model as well as 4MATIC all-wheel drive variants boasting high levels of traction. Rounding off the top end of the model range is the CLA 45 AMG high-performance coupé. The new models will be available to order from July and will land in dealerships in September 2013.

New base diesel models include the A 160 CDI and B 160 CDI producing 66 kW (90 hp), which consume just 3.8 and 4.1 litres of diesel respectively (combined consumption). Also boasting a new engine is the B 220 4MATIC: its 1991 cc four cylinder turbo petrol engine produces 135 kW (184 hp). Other new product highlights include the fuel-efficient B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition producing 80 kW (109 hp), which consumes just 3.8 litres/100 km (NEDC combined), and sporty coupés in the guise of the CLA 250 4MATIC and CLA 45 AMG.

An overview of the new models:

A-Class: Economical entry-level model

With the A 160 CDI, Mercedes-Benz is adding a particularly economical entry-level model to the A-Class range which boasts an A+ efficiency class rating. Key data on the four-cylinder diesel model: displacement of 1461 cc, output of 66 kW (90 hp) and maximum torque of 220 Nm in the range from 1750 to 2750 rpm.

The A 160 CDI has a top speed of 180 km/h and has a combined consumption figure of just 3.8 l/100 km (98 g CO2/km).

B-Class: Lower fuel consumption, higher levels of traction

The new entry-level diesel model is the B 160 CDI producing 66 kW (90 hp). Fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, this model features an NEDC combined consumption of 4.1 litres of diesel per 100 km and achieves a CO2 level of 108 g/km. The B 160 CDI will be available from September.

In the case of the B 180 CDI, from June the vehicle's previous 1796 cc engine is being replaced by a four-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 1461 cc. Its output remains unchanged at 80 kW (109 hp), while its consumption has been reduced from 4.4 to 4.1 l/100 km.

In the case of the B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition (available from September), it has been possible to reduce consumption even further by seven percent to 3.8 litres of diesel per 100 km or 98 g CO2/km. The additional aerodynamic optimisation measures include for example the partial covering of the top part of the radiator grille, aerodynamically shaped spring link covers and lowering of the suspension. The manual transmission has also been revised and now has a longer ratio in the upper gears. The B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition is rated in efficiency class A+.

Another new arrival in dealerships in September is the B 220 4MATIC, the first B-Class with all-wheel drive. This Sports Tourer generates 135 kW (184 (hp) from its 1991 cc four-cylinder turbocharged engine, accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and consumes 6.5 l/100 km, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 151 g/km.

CLA-Class: Driving Performance and all-wheel drive

The CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC follows the philosophy of the successful CLS 63 AMG – the trend-setting four-door high-performance coupé. Just one glimpse of the high-tech package confirms that the four-door executive segment coupé also boasts the typical DNA and is the perfect embodiment of the AMG brand promise of Driving Performance: with a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) a maximum torque of 450 Nm, it is not only the world's most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine, but at the same time the turbocharged engine also impresses with maximum efficiency and compliance with the EU6 emissions standard. With a fuel consumption of 6.9 l/100 km (NEDC combined), the CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is able to meet the most demanding of requirements. The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive of the CLA 45 AMG also ensures an extremely dynamic performance: The CLA 45 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and sets new standards in the competitive segment.

A CLA 45 AMG Edition 1 variant will also be available at the time of market launch. Produced for a limited period, this model features the Night package, red highlights on the radiator grille and exterior mirrors, and AMG sports stripes in matt graphite grey above the side sill panels. The optional Intelligent Light System includes red accents on the headlamps. The AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels painted matt black with special AMG hub caps featuring a centre-locking look reveal red-painted brake callipers. The spoiler lip painted high-gloss black on the boot lid further reduces rear axle lift at high speeds.

The CLA 250 4MATIC producing 155 kW (211 hp) also features 4MATIC with fully variable torque distribution. It accelerates to 100 km/h from a standing start in 6.6 seconds and has a top speed of 240 km/h. It consumes 6.4 l/100 km and achieves a CO2 level of 151 g/km.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Six new models join the A, B and CLA-Class: New engines and more traction

0 The CLA-Class receives its Environmental Certificate: CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition with emissions of only 118 g CO2 per kilometre

With optimum fuel consumption, emissions as low as 109 g CO2/km, and the world's best Cd value for a series production vehicle of 0.22, the CLA-Class sets new benchmarks in efficiency in the medium-size category. Its high environmental compatibility has now also been confirmed by the inspectors at the TÜV Süd technical inspection authority, who have awarded the four-door Coupé from Mercedes-Benz the Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard TR 14062. This certification is based on a comprehensive life-cycle assessment of the CLA-Class, documenting every detail of relevance for the environment.

"Driving pleasure and efficiency need not be mutually exclusive. The same is equally true of breathtaking design and world-class aerodynamic drag values. In all four areas the CLA-Class sets the benchmark in the medium-size category", explains Professor Dr Herbert Kohler, Chief Environmental Officer at Daimler AG.

Mercedes-Benz analyses the environmental compatibility of its models throughout their entire life cycle – from production, through their long years of service, to recycling at the end of their lives. This analysis goes far beyond the legal requirements. The Environmental Certificate and supplementary information are made available to the public as part of the "Life Cycle" documentation series, which can be accessed at http://www.mercedes-benz.com.

Over the entire life cycle of the Mercedes CLA-Class – from production and utilisation over 160,000 kilometres through to recycling – the base variant certified by TÜV in the guise of the CLA 180 gives rise to CO2 emissions of around 30 tonnes, which is on a par with the exemplary A-Class.

With a Cd value of 0.23, the CLA 180 sets a new benchmark.

The drag area Cd x A – which is crucial in terms of wind resistance – also leads the field, at 0.51 m2. The good air flow characteristics, which are a major contributory factor to the vehicle's low fuel consumption in everyday conditions, result from numerous aerodynamic optimisation measures. These include a low A-pillar shoulder with adapted A-pillar geometry, aerodynamically optimised exterior mirror housings and rear shape, optimised diffuser, optimised underbody and rear axle panelling, radiator shutter, aero wheel trims and serrated wheel spoilers on the front and rear wheel arches. The CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, which is due to hit the streets in September, even manages to better this value with a Cd value of 0.22, and when it comes to the drag area the four-door coupé crosses a magical line with a figure of just 0.49 m².

Other measures applied to the CLA-Class to reduce consumption include:

- For all petrol and diesel powertrains: friction-optimised downsized engines with turbocharging, direct injection and thermal management; petrol engines with Camtronic (CLA 180 and CLA 200).

- Friction-optimised 6-speed manual transmission and 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, both featuring high-geared configurations.

- The start/stop system as standard for all engine variants.

- Use of tyres with optimised rolling resistance.

- Wheel bearings with substantially reduced friction.

- Weight optimisation through the use of lightweight materials.

- Regulated fuel and oil pump are able to adjust pump output according to required load.

- Intelligent generator management in conjunction with an efficient generator ensures that consumers are powered from the battery during acceleration, while during braking part of the resulting energy is recuperated and fed back into the battery.

- Highly efficient air conditioning compressor with optimised oil management, reduced displacement and magnetic clutch which avoids friction losses.

- Optimised belt drive with decoupler.

The CLA-Class already currently meets the recoverability rate of 95 percent by weight, which becomes effective from 2015. The European ELV Directive 2000/53/EC additionally requires vehicle manufacturers to continually increase the input of recycled materials in their production processes. In all, the new CLA-Class incorporates 42 components representing a total weight of 30.8 kilograms which can be produced with the partial use of high-quality recycled plastics.

There is also an increased emphasis on closed automobile materials cycles: the wheel arch linings, for example, are made from reprocessed starter batteries and bumper coverings.

Some 16 components in the CLA-Class, representing a total weight of 19 kilograms, are produced using natural materials. A biopolymer is being used in the engine cover on the new CLA-Class (M 270 petrol engine). Biopolymers are plastics which are produced in part from vegetable-based raw materials rather than solely from mineral oil. The polyamide employed in the production of the engine cover for the CLA-Class consists of around 70 percent vegetable raw materials. These are obtained from the seeds of the castor-oil plant. Production of the engine cover made of biopolyamide results in only around 40 percent of the quantity of carbon dioxide emissions which would be necessary in order to produce the same component in a conventional polyamide.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: The CLA-Class receives its Environmental Certificate: CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition with emissions of only 118 g CO2 per kilometre

0 AUTO BILD Design Award 2013: The CLA is Germany's most beautiful car

A style rebel has been voted Germany's most beautiful car by readers of the motoring magazine AUTO BILD. The CLA came through in assured style as the overall winner among all automotive new arrivals.

In addition, the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class was voted the winner of the beauty stakes in its own particular category. In honouring Mercedes-Benz with the AUTO BILD Design Award 2013, the jury of readers acknowledged the brand's innovative styling, which confidently sets bold and intelligent new design trends in all categories.

"Beauty triumphant" – was this year once again the motto of the AUTO BILD Design Award. More than 90,000 readers heeded the call from the motoring magazine to vote for the winners among the year's automotive new arrivals in five categories. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class took first place in the executive and luxury category, while among the coupés and cabriolets it was the Mercedes-Benz CLA which won. This new four-door coupé was also easily the highest-scoring winner across all categories, so earning it the accolade as Germany's most beautiful car. The result means that this is the fifth time in a row that the overall winner of this prestigious beauty contest has come from Mercedes-Benz.

The four-door Mercedes-Benz CLA secured the AUTO BILD Design Award 2013 for itself based on the avant-garde coupé styling that defines it as a style rebel and makes it stand out from the automotive crowd. Sporty proportions, allied to a powerful and dynamic design idiom characterised by a dramatic interplay between concave and convex surfaces, make the CLA unmistakable. Furthermore, the Mercedes-Benz designers have achieved the art of giving the CLA a stunning and sophisticated body that delivers immediate impact, and of combining this with the best aerodynamic performance in the world for a series-production model – beauty that is so much more than skin-deep.

The interior of the CLA matches the progressive and sporty appearance of its exterior.

With its significantly sharpened styling, redesigned front end and overall air of sporty elegance, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class also brings a breath of fresh air onto the scene, so earning it the AUTO BILD Design Award 2013 in the executive and luxury category.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: AUTO BILD Design Award 2013: The CLA is Germany's most beautiful car

0 Genuine Accessories for the new CLA: Sporty, original and practical

Advanced multimedia systems, dynamic individualisation options from Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment and practical transport solutions are the highlights of the Genuine Accessories range on offer from Mercedes-Benz for the new CLA. Over 170 top-quality products are among the items making up the range, which also includes stylish products from the CLA Selection series, such as yellow nail varnish in the genuine colour of the stitching used in the CLA Edition 1.

Just as modern as the shape of the CLA "style rebel" are the advanced multimedia systems in the Genuine Accessories range. The Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone®, together with the Digital DriveStyle app specially developed by Daimler, makes it possible to seamlessly integrate iPhones® 4 and 4S in the CLA. Highlights here include Siri voice control, the advanced navigation solution from Garmin® with internet-based real-time traffic information, Google® online POI search including Street View™ and 3D map view as well as the real-time location sharing system Glympse®. Additional functions come in the guise of Facebook®, Twitter® and AUPEO!™ Personal Radio, as well as internet radio for national and international stations.

The Becker® MAP PILOT turns the Audio 20 radio into a high-performance navigation system with 3D map display. The Becker® MAP PILOT uses the system's standard 14.7 cm colour display and can be operated conveniently via the vehicle controller and the Audio 20 keypad. The detachable navigation module can also be conveniently connected to a PC via USB for downloading the latest updates and additional services from the Becker® MAP PILOT website.

Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipmentis the label under which Mercedes-Benz offers a range of elegant yet sporty individualisation products. For the CLA, the range includes illuminated door sill panels. Made of stainless steel, these high-quality door sill panels feature "Sport" lettering which lights up when getting in and out of the vehicle. Another highlight is the custom-fit rear spoiler which accentuates the spoiler lip on the rear of the Coupé without appearing obtrusive. A high-grade primer enables the spoiler to be finished in a choice of paint colours. Installation is possible without having to bore holes, and registration in the vehicle documentation is not necessary.

A sporty look is also guaranteed with the AMG products available for the CLA. In addition to light-alloy wheels and an indoor cover, products include AMG bodystyling components in the guise of a front apron, side sill panels and a rear apron.

The Genuine Accessories range comprises a wide variety of light-alloy wheels, including several high-sheen variants which offer additional appeal thanks to the interesting contrast which is created between the apparently bare metal surface and the painted areas. The high-sheen product highlights include two 5-twin-spoke wheels in black and matt black as well as a 5-triple-spoke wheel with a surface finished in tremolite metallic (format: 7.5 J x 18 in each case).

With its flowing forms the CLA is not only visually captivating - with a Cd value of 0.23 the four-door Coupé is also the most aerodynamic series production car in the world. "(Air) resistance is futile" is a motto which also applies when it comes to the add-on roof equipment from Mercedes-Benz which has been tested in the wind tunnel. The Alustyle Quickfix basic carrier, for example, provides the basis for attaching roof boxes, ski and snowboard racks and bicycle carriers. The innovative quick-grip mounting is extremely easy to use, while the lockable plastic caps are an effective theft deterrent and at the same time ensure that the quick-release levers cannot become detached.

Transport tasks can also be made considerably easier with the aid of the tilt-down trailer coupling as well as such practical accessories as the boot tub, reversible mat, luggage net and concertina load sill guard.

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its series of exceptional Edition 1 models with the CLA too. A special feature of the interior of these models is the yellow topstitching on the sports seats, dashboard and beltline. To match this, Mercedes-Benz now offers a yellow nail polish in the genuine stitching colour of the CLA Edition 1.

Hallmark Mercedes-Benz: stringent standards of quality and safety

The product assortment from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH meets the same stringent standards of quality and safety that Mercedes-Benz expects from its cars. All articles are subject to a meticulous pre-selection process, an exhaustive approval procedure, regular inspections and strict manufacturing tolerances.The internal standards applied by Mercedes-Benz are far more exacting than the statutory requirements.

The Genuine Accessories for the new CLA and the new accessories catalogue are available with immediate effect from Mercedes-Benz dealers.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Genuine Accessories for the new CLA: Sporty, original and practical

0 REPORT: Mercedes-Benz planning longer CLA for the Chinese market

We have recently learnt that Mercedes-Benz has further expansion plans to boost sales volumes in China in the coming years. The main focus aims to develop the new compact lineup with several new variants suitable for this emerging market.

Apart from the introduction of the new A-Class, B-Class, E-Class Long and the future generation C-Class coming in 2014, Mercedes-Benz is also mulling the release of extended wheelbase variant of the CLA 4-door coupe starting 2015.

This China-only model should receive the internal codename V 117 and be assembled at Mercedes-Benz's joint facility in the capital city of Beijing/Pekin. The total length of the CLA-Class Long (L) should be close to 4.70 meters from 4.63 meters currently, which will already bring it dangerously close to the new W 205 C-Class, expected to have around 4.70 - 4.75 meters.

This strategy is risky, as it could ruin chances of any model being suitably sold to customers. Instead of feeling a gap, the existence of a CLA-Class L would rather confuse clients as to which model to choose - the new C-Class or the :LWB 4-door coupe. Nonetheless, design is not a decisive factor anymore, so pricing and equipment should carry the answer.

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: REPORT: Mercedes-Benz planning longer CLA for the Chinese market

0 Now also as model car: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class - Success model for collectors

With world-leading aerodynamics and avant-garde coupé design, the CLA establishes a new segment. As a new four-door coupé it follows the idea of the CLS, whose design concept has spawned more than its fair share of imitators since its debut in 2003. Now the CLA also is available as an authentic model car – in two scale sizes and six colours.

Model car specialist and Mercedes-Benz partner Norev assembles the CLA from over 100 individual parts as a 1:18 scale model. All doors and lids can be opened and the interior features high-quality printing. Utmost attention to detail also in the paintwork, in the original colours: the die-cast zinc model car is available for 69.90 euros[1] in the colours designo patagonia red metallic BRIGHT, designo polar silver magno and cirrus white. The CLA is packaged in a Mercedes-Benz gift box.

A size smaller is the 1:43 scale CLA which Schuco manually produces for Mercedes-Benz from over 50 individual parts. Further features of the die-cast zinc model include high-quality printing in the interior and paintwork in the original colours (cosmos black, mountain grey or universe blue). This CLA also is delivered in a Mercedes-Benz gift box and costs 29.90 euros.

The model cars are available from the Mercedes-Benz sales partners.

^[1] All prices recommended retail prices in Germany, incl. 19% VAT

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Now also as model car: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class - Success model for collectors