The CLA excites at the very first glance: the sporty, flat front end with powerdomes on the bonnet already shows the dynamic focus. The visibly larger track width compared with the preceding model is also an unmistakable message: here is an athlete on the starting blocks.

A GT rear end with a wow effect. Athletic shoulders in conjunction with a broad track create a particularly emotive effect. This impression is rounded off by the large, centrally positioned Mercedes star on the boot lid.

The displays in the CLA are fully digitalised – in the cockpit the driver can freely select their settings: depending on mood, driving itinerary or personal driving style. The instrument display shows all relevant data clearly and in detail. It additionally combines with the media display into a Widescreen Cockpit.

When aesthetics and intelligence are combined: the control and display concept also sets new standards in terms of human-technology interaction. It has been designed systematically for data access which is as unrestricted as possible and the option to communicate at any time. Personalisation also plays a key role. A new feature in the CLA is the MBUX Interior Assistant: it introduces a contactless type of control – completely without words.

The interior lighting is provided exclusively by energy-saving LEDs. Their special spots of light and luminous surfaces combine function and emotion – they facilitate orientation and operation and make the interior more attractive.

The body meets the highest of standards in terms of safety and comfort. At the same time, high-quality grades of steel help to guarantee low weight for reduced consumption and impressive driving dynamics.

When it comes to driving dynamics, the new CLA keeps good on its design promise and can be individualised with active adjustable damping on request. The first striking feature is the wide track compared to its predecessor (an extra 63 millimetres at the front and 55 millimetres more at the rear) which, in connection with its lower centre of gravity, gives the CLA the sportiest driving characteristics of all models in the new generation of compact cars from Mercedes-Benz.

Starting with the development and production through driving the vehicle to recycling after a long period of use, Mercedes-Benz vehicles are designed for a very high level of environmental compatibility. This is documented in an Environmental Certificate pursuant to the international standards ISO 14001 and ISO/TR 14062 “Design for Environment”. An environmental certificate is also provided for the new model series.

In contrast to the predecessor model, the new CLA underwent a much longer phase of aerodynamic optimisation on the computer before the first models were examined in the wind tunnel. The precise digital airflow simulation tool not only made it easy to vary vehicle proportions and to calculate the effects on the aerodynamic drag overnight, it also provided the interrelations between the individual form parameters. This meant that aerodynamic engineers and designers could quickly find a solution that both were satisfied with.

The CLA has the very latest driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support, and thus provides the highest level of active safety in this segment with functions adopted from the S‑Class. The high-performance light from the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps takes the fright out of night-time driving and self-adjusts to the traffic situation. For the first time, the CLA is able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations.

The new CLA comes with enhanced Active Brake Assist as standard. Depending on the situation, it can effectively help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead, and even with crossing pedestrians and cyclists, or to prevent them altogether.