New Mercedes CLA in the test: longer, wider, digital

The first impression: pressure from above? The new CLA looks like he's gotten one on the roof and would have been neatly outdated.

That says the manufacturer: Mercedes celebrates the CLA as a model of success. An above-average number of the 750,000 CLA customers over the past five years have previously run a different brand. Especially in the US, the CLA hit. The new edition should consolidate this position, says sales director Britta Seeger. "The car is even more emotional and sporty than its predecessor, coupled with new operating systems, it sets new standards for the entire class."

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We noticed that, even at first glance, the CLA looks as if it has outgrown the compact segment. The car now extends over 4.69 meters in length, is as long as a C-class. This has consequences for the seat fitting. Although it is in the rear under the roof closely. But in front the compact sedan is superior to the C-Class. The space is not worse, the atmosphere looks younger. This is due to gimmicks like the illuminated fan nozzles. And the LED strips with their 64 colors, which can be combined with music and air conditioning to wellness programs. Above all, however, it is due to the MBUX operating system, which runs on the cockpit broadband display.

The CLA responds to hand movements where the screen does not need to be touched. That works for a long time in BMW and VW cars. A camera registers the gestures and then triggers functions. Those who find that too exhausting, use the voice control. It has so far been unrivaled, tapping databases on the Internet and answering questions of general knowledge. All this the C-Class can not do yet - it works against the CLA like a pensioner Benz.

When it comes to driving dynamics, the CLA at least beats its platform siblings like the A-Class. That's because of the wider track. Mercedes has donated about six inches front and rear. So the car is fuller and more stable on the road. Because the center of gravity in the CLA is low, it rides most compact Mercedes models most sporty.

Take a look inside the Mercedes CLA - with our 360 degree photo:

When comparing the acceleration with the C-Class, however, the CLA proves to be a dummy giant. The dual-clutch transmission of the CLA does not switch as comfortably as the conventional converter of the C-Class. And even if it lacks the power of the 2-liter engine in the top model CLA 250 with 224 hp and 350 Nm, the four-cylinder sounds strained than a six-cylinder, which is available in the C-Class. He is not offered in the CLA.

You have to know that: The new Mercedes CLA will be available from May. The basic model CLA 180 with a 1.3-liter petrol engine and 136 hp power costs from 31,476 euros. To classify: An A-Class sedan with this engine is available for 27,549 euros, a C-Class 129 hp costs 32,535 euros.

The 1.3-liter gasoline engine is also available in the CLA with 163 hp; In addition, a 2-liter engine is available in the CLA 220 with 190 hp and in the CLA 250 with 225 hp (the engine of the test car) to choose from. These two machines are available on request with all-wheel drive. Thus, the price climbs without further extras to 41,710 euros. With a few crosses in the long option list, you quickly crack the 50,000-euro mark.

For the diesel engines, there is only the 180d with 1.5 liter displacement and 116 HP power. Later follows a 2-liter diesel, which makes in the CLA 200d 150 and in the CLA 220d 190 hp. In addition, AMG is already preparing a CLA 35 with 306 hp and also has a 45 in stock, for which there is no performance.

There will also be an extra body: If the trunk is too small and its flap too narrow, for the Swabians bring the CLA again as a sports suit called Shooting Brake.

We will not forget that: The navigation system with its so-called augmented reality. Camera images and graphics are displayed on the screen. It creates a fictional reality - and that is quite helpful.

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