Mercedes-Benz India launches CLA-Class luxury sedan

CHENNAI: Mercedes-Benz India has launched its luxury sedan, the CLA-Class, which sets a new benchmark in the segment in terms of styling, size and aerodynamics.

With its surging lines and energetic, expressive surfaces, the CLA captures the attention and does not let go. Its looks do not just set the pulse racing, but they also give the CLA-Class the lowest drag coefficient of any production car in the world.

So it can slice through the air with minimum resistance and maximum efficiency. This unrivalled aerodynamic performance is complemented by dramatic styling cues across the vehicle.

Eberhard Kern, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "With many segment benchmarks, we are convinced that the CLA will firmly make its mark in India. Its powerful design underscores the sporty side of the Mercedes-Benz brand. With a stylish design language and impeccable performance, the CLA will surely capture the imagination of the discerning Indian consumer, who wants to look distinctive and make a definitive style statement."

"We have incorporated India specific changes to the car making it even more adept for the Indian conditions. With this, the CLA delivers the level of refinement and performance expected of a Mercedes-Benz. The CLA-Class which is a perfect blend of style, sporty drive and luxurious features, becomes an even more attractive choice for buyers with its unique value propositions. The specially 3 designed service and finance packages make buying and owning the CLA a pure delight."

The 4-cylinder petrol engine used in the CLA-Class boasts of agile performance, segment leading fuel efficiencies and low emissions.

The ECO start/stop function is a standard feature in all engine variants and helps saving fuel in city traffic.

The 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with direct injection provides a fuel efficiency of 17.9 km per litre. The engine produces 100kW between 3600-4400 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 Nm between 1600-3000 rpm.

The 2 litre petrol engine produces 135 kW at 5500 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 Nm between 1200-4000 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 235 kmph.

The powerful and high torque motors coupled with the dual clutch transmission combines the comfort of a 7-speed automatic transmission with the driving dynamics of a manual transmission with fast, smooth gear changing without any interruptions in tractive power and results in improved acceleration.

The shift characteristics can be pre-set from fuel-saving to sporty via the 'Economy', 'Sport' and 'Manual' transmission modes. The shift paddles on the steering wheel are unique in the segment.

The CLA-Class is equipped with a suspension specifically designed for India. This results in improved comfort on Indian roads thanks to greater ground clearance and a higher seating position.

Through its long wheelbase of 2699 mm, the new CLA-Class will provide its passengers with better ride comfort, great handling and stunning driving performance, differentiating it from its competitors. The long wheelbase will also offer passengers (especially in the rear) more legroom and therefore ensuring a more comfortable ride.