autoevolution
 

Mercedes CLA Compact Sedan to Debut at 2013 Detroit Auto Show

Mercedes is pinning its hopes of market leadership on cars that branch out into new segments. About five years ago, it was luxury MPVs everybody was after, and now it’s luxury compact sedans. Audi, Mercedes and BMW are all preparing one such model and they will all be sold in the US, though the Bavarian’s is a long way away.
Mercedes CLA 1 photo
Photo: Bernhard Kohlmeier
But it seems the Mercedes CLA is almost ready, since a report from the UK’s Autocar magazine says it will be revealed at the 2013 NAIAS, which is in Detroit round the middle of January.

Since its name is reminiscent of the CLS, the CLA will likely also be marketed as a four-door coupe, with an emphasis on style. Normally, we’d say that’s a complete lie, since is only supposed to be a FWD sedan that’s cheaper than the C-Class, but just look at that sculpted body!

Following the A-Class this is based on, the petrol engine lineup will consist of the CLA 180 with a 115 hp 1.6, the CLA 200 with 156 hp and the CLA 250 with 211 hp from a 2-liter. There will also be a CLA 45 AMG version with all-wheel drive and 350 horsepower. Those none of these engines will likely be sold in America, diesel options for the CLA will also be available, ranging in output from 109 hp to 170 hp.

Autocar also says a CLA Shooting Brake will debut just a few months after the sedan, but there’s no proof of this yet.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories