This is the Mercedes CLA, which has been revealed in a series of pictures which have been leaked online ahead of the car’s debut at the Detroit Motor Show later this month.
As expected, the design of the production version of the CLA draws heavily on Mercedes’ Concept Style Coupe, which was shown at the Beijing Motor Show last year. However, the show car’s 21-inch alloys and dramatic headlights - which glowed red when the car was in standby mode - have been toned down.
Unsurprisingly, the CLA also bears a close resemblance to the latest Mercedes A-Class and B-Class models with which the CLA shares the same MFA small car front and four-wheel-drive platform.
However, the CLA does get a bonnet with a pair of bulges running front to back, and the lower crease which runs up the car’s flank doesn’t kick up as it does on the A-Class.
On th inside, the iPad mini-alike central screen and SLS-inspired air vents are all carried over from the A-Class, too.
The CLA pictured is in AMG Sport spec, which adds a more aggressive front bumper with wide air intakes, a bejewelled front grille and a single bar which runs from the enlarged Mercedes logo, just as it does on the SLS supercar.
Full details will be revealed on the run-up to the Detroit Motor Show, which starts on 14 January. We expect Mercedes to confirm that the engine line-up will include three petrol and three diesel engines, a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch gearboxes, and either front- or four-wheel drive.
Like the A-Class, the CLA will also spawn a four-wheel-drive CLA 45 AMG model. The regular CLA range is expected to go on sale in the UK in the summer, with prices starting from around £23,500, making it competitive with the forthcoming BMW 2 Series Coupe.
Disqus - noscript
In one word: stunning. Its the sort of car you wanna own even if that means re-mortgaing your house. Brilliant.
I'm hoping Mercedes offers an engine line-up that is as vibrant as this classy looking CLA.
YES PLEASE!
They were leaked by who? What is your source? No respect.
looks like a tarted up C-class with a really stupid ugly grill, sorry.
But I've just got in the queue for an A Class.... ah nuts!
I've been driving Mercedes for 15 years and they seem to be losing the plot when it comes to styling - all creased and contorted metal. That back end is a real mess.
They seem to have forgotten how to design suspension too, if the A-Class ride is anything to go by. Oh well, if people think they look cool in this, they deserve a pain in the backside.
Stunning! Without a doubt the best looking cars coming out of Germany. My company car is up for change very soon and if this can handle a double pram who knows!
I don't mean no disrespect but beauty is in the eye... To you CLA is "creased and contorted". For me this is a stunning car. I just want it even if that means breaking my back both financially - given the car's price and maintenance and parts costs and due to A-Class' firm ride.
If you want a car that is good but would look the same 15 years onwards I would point you in the direction of VW Golf. Mk6 was minus one bar in the grille from Mk5 and the recently arrived Mk7 has only one more crease on the bonnet than Mk6. So if you want a good car that has run out of ideas in terms of style that's where to look for.
Respect.
all those creases - are Mercedes trying to emulate a bangle BMW? Oh woe is me - or rather oh woe for Mercedes