As though to underline the pace at which they are working to establish a presence in all model segments, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a further three new models on to the Irish market – a 4-door CLA derived from the new A-Class and styled on the iconic CLS Coupé plus a new E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet derived from the recently introduced E-Class Saloon.
New CLA
Seen as a little brother to the CLS, the new CLA displays all of the characteristics likely to appeal to the younger generation. It has an elegantly sporty roofline and power domes embedded in the bonnet that give it an extra energetic look.
Flare-effect LED daytime driving lights, deep front/side air vents, dark patterned radiator grille and inset Mercedes-Benz star motif enhance its coupé-like features. The interior has a high-quality finish, a prominent feature of which is a driver information screen finished in black with flush-fitting silver frame.
First versions of the CLA to arrive here are a 1.6-litre CLA 180 BE petrol model priced at€29,900 (ex works) and a 2.2-litre CLA 220 CDI diesel automatic priced at €39,000. Arriving later in the summer will be a CLA 200 CDI diesel priced at €34,900 followed next year by the CLA 180CDI at €32,250, all meeting new EURO 6 emission standards.
Claiming the position of aerodynamic world champion, the CLA has a drag coefficient of 0.22 in its CLA180 BE guise – fractionally lower than the 0.23 of other models in the range. Here, fuel economy figures from 4.2-litres/100km can be expected along with CO2 emissions beginning in the low Band A road tax band.
Other features include ECO start/stop, 6-speed manual or 7G-automatic, depending on model choice. Five equipment and specification lines will be offered. Suspension set in comfort mode is standard with sports setting available as an option. With apps and advancements that fulfill every social media requirement, it is expected that the CLA will also be a magnet for those who revel in the world of online communications.
Commenting, Mercedes-Benz sales manager in Ireland, Ciaran Allen said: ‘The all new CLA is part of a new generation of compact cars and just one of ten new models – all without predecessors – that will arrive in Ireland over the next four years.”
E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet
With Summer making its appearance, the arrival of the new E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet could not have been better timed. Like their E-Class Saloon and Estate stable mates, both models have a redesigned front end, new all-LED headlamps, new front bumpers with large air intake vents, chrome body detailing and sports grille.
The classically proportioned Coupé has a long bonnet, an elongated side, flat roofline and powerful tail end. Like the Cabriolet, it has fully retractable side windows free of B-pillars to interrupt the airflow. Inside, both models have been updated with a new instrument cluster and restyled centre console.
In the 4-seater Cabriolet, a beltline that ascends gently from the front to the boot lid gives it an elegantly sporty profile. Its acoustic fabric soft top with high-grade insulation ensures it has the lowest noise level in its class. Even at high speeds, very little wind noise is heard. Optional features include innovative airflow guidance and neck-level heating systems.
As in saloon and estate models, the new Coupé and Cabriolet are equipped with a comprehensive range of high-quality equipment as standard, including state-of-the-art infotainment and the full range of intelligent driver assistance systems, of which much has been written. These include proximity control systems and other features that use scanners and radar to monitor road and traffic conditions so that action can be taken to help prevent collisions.
On both models, a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines will be available. Six petrol units incorporating BlueDIRECT lean burn technology and three diesel versions make up the complete model offering in 4-cylinder, V6 and V8 formats with ECO start/stop function standard across the range. However, in Ireland, attention will focus on the E-Coupé and Cabriolet 220CDI models. The E-Coupé is priced at €47,360 with band A4 road tax of €200 per annum. The E-Cabriolet 220CDI is priced at €55,940 with band B1 road tax of €270.
Commenting, Mercedes-Benz sales manager in Ireland, Ciaran Allen said: “The new Coupé and Cabriolet join with the recently introduced E-Class Saloon and Estate and the soon-to-arrive S-Class and others to form part of an unprecedented new product offensive by Mercedes-Benz aimed at securing its position as the world’s leading luxury car maker.”
