Is the CLA now the sexiest Mercedes-Benz?

DAIMLER AG design boss Gorden Wagener talks of “sensual purity” and “Coke-bottle shoulders” when referring to the second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA — which the brand’s Philippine distributor, Auto Nation Group (ANG), just announced as now being available in the country.

“As a four-door coupe, the new CLA intrigues with its puristic, seductive profile and brings the design DNA of ‘sensual purity’ to a new level,” Wagener said. “It is compelling for its perfect proportions, which are very close to the initial design sketches: a long, stretched bonnet, a compact greenhouse, a wide track with flared wheel arches and our typical GT rear end with a pronounced ‘Coke-bottle shoulder’.”

Well, these photos declare Wagener did not become chief designer for a brand which have churned out some of the best automotive designs on the planet.

And ANG assured the new CLA is sleeker and sportier than the previous model, and is more tech-laden, too, thanks to Mercedes-Benz’s improved MBUX system.

The car’s design underlines the coupe character with its stretched form and design elements — like a power dome on the hood — doing justice to its predecessor’s status as a design icon.

The new CLA has LED headlamps with daylight running lamps to complement its low-slung hood and “diamond” grille. The new narrow taillamps and the number plate housed in the rear bumper emphasize the width of the car. As a result, the new CLA looks flatter and sportier, its stance helped by 18-inch multi-spoke light alloy wheels. The car’s combination of the long, stretched entry line above the windows and frameless doors give it an elegant but sporty appearance.

The elements in the cabin of the new CLA are arranged according to the overarching design themes of “high tech” and “youthful avant-garde” as can be seen on the leather multi-function steering wheel and new touchpad, to the Artico leather seats and other enhancements on the dashboard, ANG said. The power driver’s seat holds three memory settings.

The new car is roomier, too. Headroom in front grew 17 millimeters and elbow room by 35 millimeters. A wider opening (262 millimeters more) for the luggage compartment makes it more convenient to load cargo into this space. The CLA’s seats have cushions which adjust for depth and angle, the rear ones split and fold 40:20:40.

Like all new Mercedes-Benz models, the CLA is fitted with the latest-generation MBUX, or the Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system featuring two seven-inch digital screens that serve as the instrument cluster and media display. The MBUX has a highly intelligent virtual assistant activated by pressing a button in the steering wheel or by simply saying “Hey Mercedes”. The system obeys voice commands for destination input, phone call, music selection and climate control. It connects to devices via Apple Carplay.

Powering the new CLA is a 136hp, 200Nm four-cylinder engine matched to a 7G-DCT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Dynamic Select offers a choice of driving modes. Also fitted is a comfort suspension package and direct steering assist.

The sole variant now available for reservation in the Philippines is the CLA 180 Progressive, which is offered in nine colors and which costs P3.190 million.