Mercedes all-new CLA debut at China Fashion Week

Duan Jianjun, executive vice-president of sales & marketing at Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co, gives a speech on March 31, 2013 at the Mercedes CLA launching ceremony in Beijing. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The new CLA-Class from Mercedes-Benz made its China debut at the 2014 Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week in Beijing on March 31.

Duan Jianjun, executive vice-president of sales & marketing at Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co, said the CLA is the company’s newest sport car with a design based on the 2012 Concept Style Coupe, creating a new segment in high-end compact sports cars.

The CLA-Class will also be on display at Auto China in Beijing, and is especially suited to the requirements of Chinese customers. The new model made its world premiere in January 2013 at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit, US.

Mercedes Concept Style Coupe world premiere at 2012 Auto China

The four-door coupé features a design developed from the modern Mercedes-Benz classic: the bonnet with powerdomes embedded into the front end, three striking side lines structuring the side view, an athletic rear end, and a gradually descending roofline that accentuates the coupé-like character of the CLA. The three side lines extend from the front wheels, over the rear axle and into the tail lights like muscles, giving the profile of the CLA new depth and dynamism.

The progressive, sporty exterior design is also reflected in the interior of the CLA. The design that makes the exterior so special is combined with carefully selected, high-grade materials to underline the high perceived value. And all the trim surfaces are in silver-shadow, achieving a metallic visual effect.

Mercedes-Benz has given the latest family member powerful engines rated at up to 155 kW (211 hp), the Direct-Steer system, an optional sports suspension and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

The technical highlights of this new design icon also include numerous driver assistance systems, such as a further development of the radar-based Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist drowsiness detection, the Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assist and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.

The German car maker also supports fashion designer Simon Gao, who is presenting his 2014/2015 Autumn and Winter fashion show - which was well received at London Fashion Week – in Beijing.

Fashion designer Simon Gao presents his 2014/2015 Autumn and Winter fashion show on March 31, 2013, after the Mercedes CLA launching ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]