New Cars Reviews

Whats New For 2014

The 2014 mercedes-benz cla-class is an all-new entry-level luxury sedan. It slots in below the c-class within the mercedes lineup.

Introduction

New Cars Reviews - The all-new 2014 mercedes-benz cla-class exists for one easy reason : a good several shoppers desire the elegance and prestige related to the mercedes brand, however merely cant afford the high price of admission. The c-class sedan has long been the companys entry-level model within the us, however lately, a nicely equipped one runs well past $40, 000. The 2014 cla-class marks a departure for our german automaker : its a front-wheel-drive sedan infused in the premium furnishings associated with a ancient mercedes-benz, however priced so much less than the rear-drive c-class.

The cla is really longer and wider in comparison to the current c-class sedan ( which is certainly due to produce a redesign ). Its sleek, aerodynamic form brings out to mind the larger cls four-door coupe and mercedes says that the cla is additional aerodynamic when compared to a toyota prius, that ought to profit fuel economy. The cla-class sedans curvy roof line will impede on passenger area, though. Anyone over 6 feet tall shouldnt bother aiming to get comfortable within the backseat.

After all, the large question surrounding the 2014 mercedes-benz cla-class sedan is whether or not youll see it currently being a genuine mercedes-benz or maybe a half-hearted budget different. The cla certainly feels much like the real issue direct from cockpit, as premium materials but a suite of safety and multimedia features check all the boxes for benzness. By having sturdy turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a quick-shifting transmission and sure-footed handling, the cla drives just like a proper mercedes, too, though the 2. 0-liter engine will sound rough now and then. If thats a difficulty for everyone, the rip-snorting cla45 amg ought to right the majority of the base cla250s wrongs with its incredibly swift straight-line performance.

In the launch as to the 2014 cla-class, mercedes brings an early offense to some budding category of compact luxury sedans. The audi a3 and bmw 1 series are its closest german rivals, except for the instant neither is offered currently being a sedan ( though each are slated out to get a sedan body style in his or her 2015 redesigns ). By having base price around $30, 000, though, the cla is an fascinating different to some wide number competitors. The bmw 3 series and cadillac ats are of similar size however cost nice deal'>loads additional. The 2014 acura ilx and buick verano cost significantly less, however unless its equipped by having manual gearbox, the acura cant keep with flow the cla250 in any contest of speed, whereas the buick lacks the benzs overall interior refinement. The 355-horsepower cla45, upon the different hand, has few peers. The bmw 135is offers equivalent performance however solely 2 doors, and if you would like one thing with four doors, youll have out to look into disparate models much like the subaru wrx sti or chrysler 300c srt8.

Given the choice during this price vary, youre wise out to search around well before you make a choice, however theres undoubtedly the 2014 mercedes-benz cla-class may be a compelling alternative to produce a compact entry-level luxury sedan.

Body Designs, Trim Levels, And Options

The 2014 mercedes-benz cla-class is out there in cla250 and cla45 amg trim levels. The all-wheel-drive cla250 4matic arrives later within the model year.

The cla250 comes normal with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, cruise management, eight-way power front seats, driver memory settings, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel but a 60/40-split-folding rear seat. Electronics features embody a 5. 8-inch central show, the comand interface, mbrace2 telematics/smartphone integration, bluetooth phone and audio connectivity but a sound system by having cd player. The cla45 amg is equipped similarly however features 4matic all-wheel drive as normal beside 18-inch wheels, larger brakes and firmer suspension tuning.

Each models are eligible for our optional premium 1 package, that provides auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate management, heated seats but a harman kardon audio system with satellite radio and an ipod interface. The multimedia package adds an increased 7-inch central infotainment screen with mercedes comand interface, a rearview camera, a 10-gigabyte music server, a six-disc cd changer but a navigation system with voice commands. Extra safety aids as well as adaptive cruise management, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, and blind spot warning are out there via the driver assistance package.

The game package for our cla250 adds 18-inch wheels, a additional aggressive-looking front fascia and grille, and upgraded brakes. Stand-alone choices for each models embody summer performance tires, bi-xenon headlamps, a rear spoiler, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated seats, wood interior trim, a lower-cost navigation system for cars in the normal 5. 8-inch show, and parking sensors combined with an automated parking system. Exclusive choices for our cla45 embody 19-inch wheels, interior and exterior carbon fiber trim, sport seats, an amg steering wheel and red-painted brake calipers.

Powertrains And Performance

The 2014 mercedes-benz cla250 is powered by a turbocharged 2. 0-liter four-cylinder that produces 208 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automated manual transmission ( with shift paddles ) routes power in the front wheels, however all-wheel drive is out there upon the cla250 4matic. A front-drive cla250 takes 6. 7 seconds out to accelerate from zero out to 60 mph, per mercedes.

The cla45 amg has an upgraded version in this 2. 0-liter engine that features a twin-scroll turbocharger and fortified internal elements. The result is an superb 355 hp and 332 lb-ft. A quicker-shifting version as to the seven-speed transmission drives all four wheels across the 4matic awd system. Launch management can be included. The cla45 amg can accelerate from zero out to 60 mph because we are part of a claimed 4. 5 seconds.

Each the cla250 and cla45 amg feature an automatic stop-start gathering that turns over the engine as soon as the car stops to save lots of fuel.

Safety

The 2014 mercedes-benz cla-class comes commonplace with stability and traction management, antilock brakes, a driver knee airbag, front seat facet thorax airbags, front seat facet pelvic airbags and full-length facet curtain airbags. The cla45 amg has got a three-mode stability management system that allows drivers out to tailor the level of intervention.

Mercedes-benz mbrace2 emergency telematics is commonplace, as are collision prevention assist, that uses radar out to determine potential collision things and intervenes with braking as necessary, and attention assist, that monitors the driver for signs of drowsiness and inattention. Rear seat facet airbags are optional. Alternative safety-oriented choices embrace a rearview camera, parking sensors bundled with an automated parking system and therefore the lane tracking package, that adds a blind-spot warning system as well as a lane-departure warning system.

Interior Design And Special Features

Despite the fact that this will be the discount benz, the cla-class sedans interior largely escapes the cost-cutting knife. Quite merely, the cabin appearance and feels just like a ancient mercedes. Big analog gauges, a clean center stack design, and tight fit and end impart the exact classic, premium feel shared across the mercedes lineup.

One in all the few exceptions will be the optional navigation systems show, that appearance like an aftermarket addition as its perched high inside the dash. Inside the upside, the screen is simple out to scan. It too takes a few time out to get applied to selecting gears utilizing a column-mounted stalk as an alternative to a conventional console shifter. Numerous trim choices, together with walnut, ash, aluminum and carbon fiber ( cla45 solely ) enable one to develop a cabin aesthetic thats either cool and modern, or classic and refined.

Unfortunately, the clas rear quarters arent nearly as luxurious. Though the rear seats are well-shaped and supportive, the sloping roof line that offers the cla its distinctive character too translates out to tight headroom for 6-footers, and therefore the knee area situation isnt significantly better. Small rear doors build it powerful out to get very little ones in and from their car seats, too.

Mercedes hasnt released the clas cargo house specifications however. However clearly as the cla is longer and wider compared to the current c-class, expect concerning 11 cubic feet of trunk capability.

Driving Impressions

Most shoppers can notice the 2014 mercedes-benz cla250 quite agreeable out to drive onto their daily commutes. No matter if youve owned rear-wheel-drive mercedes sedans within the past, youll be hard-pressed out to tell that the cla250 is front-wheel drive, because it accelerates and steers when using the precision of a lot of elite benz models. Ride quality is paid for by the firm facet, however its not uncomfortable. The main clas athletic character comes coming from the quick-shifting automated manual transmission, that offers 3 driver-adjustable shift patterns as well as a manual shift mode via its steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

At highway speeds, the clas aerodynamic form helps neutralize wind noise, however it cant muffle the four-cylinder engines occasional diesel-like clatter and even the exhaust systems wheezy rasp when youre accelerating exhausting. These are among the few unfortunate reminders that youre driving an entry-level mercedes-benz.

Meanwhile, the 355-hp cla45 amg is removed from a base benz. Additionally out to its sizzling acceleration, the cla45 has lots of temperament. Choose sport mode and youll hear crackles and pops coming from the exhaust throughout downshifts. Around turns, the cla45 isnt quite as sharp clearly as the typical high-performance four-cylinder all-wheel-drive rally car like mitsubishis evolution. However theres still an enormous number of grip offered, giving the driver supreme confidence when exploring the cla45s limits.