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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Double market launch: the new E-Class and CLA receive outstanding customer response

Last weekend, two new models from Mercedes-Benz celebrated their market launch in Germany. The dealer premiere of the CLA and E-Class attracted around 270,000 visitors to the showrooms.

"The showroom premiere of the new CLA and the new E-Class was a huge success. Our new vehicles have highly appealed to customers," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars. "At the heart of our brand, the E-Class is a key component of our growth strategy, Mercedes-Benz 2020. With the CLA, we are also targetting a whole new, young audience." In the U.S., the CLA arrives on the market this fall. The E-Class sedan and station wagon celebrate the launch in the U.S. and in China in July.

The saloon and estate versions of the new E-Class have been extensively revised as never before. The new CLA is the first compact four-door coupé from Mercedes-Benz and simultaneously sets itself as new aerodynamics world champion with a drag coefficient of 0.22. With more than 3,000 test drives, the interested customers have personally convinced themselves of the increased efficiency of the new engines and the forward-looking safety level of the assistance systems which equip the new models. In the coming days, about 3,300 additional trials were agreed.

The new E-Class and the CLA also met very positive response during the first tests of the media. In February, a total of around 840 journalists experienced the new E-Class at the driving event in Barcelona in person. Around 650 journalists tested the CLA in March in St. Tropez and Marseille.

The first customer was handed over the keys of its brand new CLA four-door coupe at the Mercedes-Benz Customer Center in Rastatt, a cirrus white coloured CLA 220 CDI. "We are pleased we have started delivery of the CLA, the third model of the new compact lineup, to our customers," said Waldemar Epple, Head of Mercedes-Benz Customer Center in Rastatt, at the vehicle handover. After the launch of the B-Class in November 2011 and the A-Class in September 2012, the CLA is the third model of the new Mercedes-Benz compact car generation. With the sporty coupe, Mercedes-Benz specifically targets the "Young Elite Lifestyle" in order to attract new customers to the brand with the star especially in the U.S. . The CLA is the first compact model from Mercedes-Benz to showcase Stateside. The progressive, dynamic appearance of the CLA was acknowledged by international design experts even before its launch and was granted the prestigious "red dot design award" for its outstanding design in March 2013.

The new CLA has been produced at the Kecskemét plant in Hungary since the end of January 2013, where an additional shift will be introduced on Saturdays beginning with the second quarter when required. In order to meet all customer requirements with the E-Class, plant management and works council have agreed for flexible working hours and additional production capacity for the current year in Sindelfingen. This production shifts are temporarily extended during the week with twelve additional Saturdays. The production of sedan and station wagon runs from March 1st. Mercedes-Benz expects significant sales volume pulses for the new E-Class in the second half of this year.

The eight generations of the E-Class have spread over 60 years and have been sold in more than 13 million units, which makes it the most successful Mercedes-Benz fleet volume model series in history. Over 700,000 sedans of the previous generation E-Class were sold since its launch in 2009, while the wagon was bought by more than 100,000 customers since summer of the same year. The E-Class impresses with outstanding comfort and highest safety standards. In July 2012, the E-Class once again took the first place in its category for top class customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power study.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Read More

New E-Class, CLA, E 63 AMG and CLS 63 AMG: Showtime for new Mercedes-Benz models

Spring is in the air at Mercedes-Benz and a whole array of new models is now on display at Mercedes-Benz showrooms. The Saloon and Estate of the new E-Class feature intelligently modified design, a new interior and new, efficient engines. Meanwhile, world-leading aerodynamics, thrilling avant-garde coupé design and cutting-edge technology are the hallmarks of the new CLA. And more powerful than ever are the new E 63 AMG and the Coupé and Shooting Brake of the CLS 63 AMG, which set new benchmarks in terms of performance.

The revised design of the E-Class features a new face and new proportions. The front end design is totally new, incorporating new headlamps housing all the functional elements under a single lens. The E-Class is also available for the first time with two different faces – with the classic, three-dimensional saloon grille and star on the bonnet or the sports car radiator grille with centrally positioned star. A new structural line and a newly positioned three-dimensional trim strip provide the Saloon and Estate with exciting proportions that lend the cars a new look.

Mercedes-Benz has updated the interior of the E-Class, harmoniously coordinating it with the expressive exterior. Fine materials, a two-piece trim extending across the entire width of the dashboard and markedly enhanced comfort are defining features of the interior.

Appointments offering boundless individuality

As previously, attractive design packages are available to enhance the appearance of the exterior and the interior. The new E-Class also offers extensive scope for individual design. All equipment and appointment options are available, whatever the selected equipment line.

New standard of safety with intelligent assistance systems

The modified design of the new E-Class reflects its cutting-edge technology. Both Saloon and Estate are equipped as standard with COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST, a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist which significantly reduces the danger of a rear-end collision. Also featuring as standard is ATTENTION ASSIST in an enhanced version which is now able to warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness across a broader speed range. Other new or substantially enhanced assistance systems are also optionally available for the first time.

Efficient and high-performance new engines

The E-Class marks a major step forwards in terms of efficiency and ecology, thanks to new, powerful BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines featuring direct-injection technology and a new six-cylinder engine combining high performance and high torque with fuel efficiency, plus yet more efficient diesel engines.

Overall, a broad choice of powerful four, six or eight-cylinder petrol and diesel engines is available for the E-Class. All are equipped with the ECO start/stop system and combine high output with exemplary fuel efficiency. The petrol engines range in output from 135 kW (184 hp) to 430 kW (585 hp) and the diesel engines from 100 kW (136 hp) to 185 kW (252 hp). Virtually all E-Class models with diesel engines comply with efficiency class A, while the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID even attains an A+ efficiency rating.

Despite a substantially broader scope of equipment the prices have only risen moderately, between one and less than three percent. Certain model variants are even available at a lower price than their predecessors. The entry-level price for the new E-Class stands at €40,430.25 incl. VAT for the E 200 CDI Saloon.

The new CLA: style rebel with breathtaking proportions

As a four-door coupé, the CLA boasts sporty proportions, frameless doors and a powerful, dynamic design idiom. The interior features integral seats in front and rear and continues the exterior's progressive, dynamic appearance.

In keeping with its sporty positioning, the CLA is available with high-torque petrol and diesel engines ranging in output from 90 kW (122 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp), sports suspension and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The technical highlights of this new design icon include a new world record in aerodynamics for series production cars (Cd value: 0.22) and numerous driving assistance systems, including advanced COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST.

All of the engines feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission or with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission, which reconciles comfort and sportiness in inimitable fashion.

The entry-level price for the new CLA starts at €28,977 incl. VAT for the CLA 180.

Most powerful E-Class: the new E 63 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG sets a new benchmark in terms of performance, dynamism and efficiency. Its output has increased from the previous 386 kW (525 hp) and 700 Nm of torque to 410 kW (557 hp) at 720 Nm. The E 63 AMG boasts the new AMG design philosophy, featuring the "twin blade" radiator grille in silver chrome and the so-called "A wing" in the front apron. Mercedes‑AMG offers its customers tailor-made model variants for even greater individuality. The entry-level price of the new E 63 AMG is €103,054 incl. VAT.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG: enhanced performance and efficiency

Performance update for the CLS 63 AMG: in both its Coupé and Shooting Brake variants, the CLS now offers 410 kW (557 hp) of power at 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 720 Nm. This represents an increase of 24 kW (32 hp) and 20 Nm over its predecessor. Running on 9.9 (10.1) l/100 km, its AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine also marks the absolute peak of efficiency, with no other vehicle in the segment offering such a combination of exceptional power and low fuel consumption.

The entry-level price for the new CLS 63 AMG Coupé starts at €116,203.50 incl. VAT, while the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake is available from €117,512.50.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Read More

Mercedes-Benz unveils unique photographic exhibition to mark the launch of the new CLA Coupé: #Untamed showcases unusual Instagram photos in Paris

Mercedes-Benz is marking the market launch of its new four-door coupé, the CLA, with an internationally unique exhibition of photographic art. The digital photo installation #Untamed opened yesterday in a Mercedes-Benz pop-up store in the centre of Paris. On display are hundreds of personal photos taken by Instagram users from around the world, all of which reflect the philosophy behind the CLA: unconventional, unusual and untamed. The photos show just how unique every human being is and how much one person's individual style and perspective on the world can differ from those of others. Participation is possible until 10 April. The exhibition runs until 13 April 2013 and admission is free. All visitors will also be offered the opportunity of a test drive with the new CLA, also at no cost, through the French capital.

"We are absolutely thrilled by the creativity shown by internet users in interpreting the idea behind the online campaign", commented Anders Sundt Jensen, Head of Brand Communications for Mercedes-Benz Cars. The international online campaign #Untamed was launched on the website www.untamed-installation.com by Mercedes-Benz in February. All users are invited to upload the three most creative and unusual pictures from their personal Instagram photo stream and have them evaluated using the #Untamed Score. This indicates how unique the style of the pictures is compared with the pictures of other users. The choice of motif is completely free. There is just one thing the photos should not be: average. An artistic display of all the pictures submitted by 10 April 2013 is being mounted in the Mercedes-Benz pop-up store in Paris and presented to an international, art-loving public.

Alongside the Untamed exhibition all those interested can find out about the new CLA in unique surroundings. The temporary store in the heart of Paris invites visitors to a special Mercedes-Benz brand experience on four floors.

The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. (closed Sunday) at the Mercedes-Benz pop-up store: 25 Boulevard des Capucines, Paris 75002.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Read More

Success at the 2013 red dot design awards: Mercedes-Benz wins accolades for top design

Two Mercedes-Benz passenger car models have been awarded the coveted red dot award: the A-Class and the new CLA-Class. The award ceremony for the world’s most renowned design competition will take place on 1st Juni 2013 in the Aalto-Theater in Essen, Germany. Following this the winners will be displayed in a four week-long special exhibition in the red dot design museum.

This year, 1885 manufacturers and designers from 64 countries registered submissions for consideration by the discerning judges of the red dot awards, which are regarded as a seal of quality for outstanding design. The high-calibre jury of international and independent experts assessed 4662 products. Only the best made it through this exclusive field of entrants. The competition recognises well-thought-out, innovative products, aesthetic quality and future-oriented design. According to the 37 jury members the A-Class and CLA-Class fulfil these requirements. For this reason they were awarded the red dot award for high design quality.

The special position of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class in its segment was also confirmed by the readers of the German car magazine AUTO BILD. They voted the star amongst the compact cars as the most beautiful car in Germany and honoured it with the AUTO BILD Design Award 2012.

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Read More

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Sleek as they come

In a quick-growing segment, the new CLA-Class is Mercedes-Benz's recipe for market success. Full of personality and displaying a concentrated dose of elegant dynamism, this new proposition in the premium compact class is prone to define new standards for design, safety and technology.

Already seen as a pioneer with no direct competitor, the CLA comes to fill the needs of new target groups: young clients who need a fashionable way to travel and look to set apart from the masses without compromising comfort, sports ride, safety, practicality and, nonetheless style. The CLS's brother is a one-of-a-kind limousine that has received an unmistakable, highly aerodynamic coupé treatment on the four-door architecture. Apart from that, the drive system of the new CLA combines the MFA front-driven chassis with state-of-the-art, efficient petrol and diesel engines and new automatic and manual transmissions for efortless superiority. Moreso, safety level aboard this new model from Stuttgart has never been more stringent. Telematics further enhance communication means through the intelligent internet integration which enables a real-time connection with the outer and web worlds. To sum up, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the king in a class of its own.

We invite you to take a look through the CLA-Class main topics and experience a complete gallery of 72 exclusive images. Enjoy!

1. Overview, Statements, Design & Model Range
2. Aerodynamics and All-Round Safety
3. Engines and Transmissions
4. Suspension and 4MATIC AWD System
5. Multimedia Systems and Production

Credits: Daimler AG

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

Read More