Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé Debuts in Las Vegas

Launched at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the new four-door coupé is built on a re-engineered version of the previous car’s platform and uses technology from the latest A-Class.

Available with front- and four-wheel drive and the choice of two rear suspension systems, the new car was displayed at CES in CLA250 guise, featuring a 221bhp four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine, driven through a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Meanwhile a decoupled multi-link rear axle will be offered, with active adaptive damping available as an option.

At 4688mm long and 1830mm wide, the new CLA is wider than its predecessor, and its wheelbase has been extended too. Mercedes said this, along with the car’s lower centre of gravity, helps to ensure it has improved driving dynamics.

In its design, the new CLA has echoes of the A-Class and other recent new Mercedes, but with an elongated bonnet featuring a sharply raked nose, uniquely designed flat headlights and a prominent ‘powerdome’ on the bonnet.

The sloping coupé roofline is emphasised by frameless doors, while the rear of the car features narrow tail-lights designed to make the vehicle appear even wider. 

A new interior assist system enables gesture control of certain functions and it is said the car can detect whether the driver or passenger is using the touchscreen and react accordingly. Gesturing towards the rear-view mirror can also control the reading light. 

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé is due to arrive in the UK in June.