Grille test: Mercedes-Benz CLA 220d Coupe
Retiring Mercedes head of engineering and board member Thomas Weber said in an interview with German Auto, Motor und Sport that the introduction of the current generation A-Class in 2012 was more important for Mercedes than it was in the early 220s. production of the current C-class. What he wanted to emphasize with this is confirmed by the sales of all A-branded versions, as well as the fact that Stuttgart has really done a lot with these cars in just over four years since they started making them. This is the case, for example, with the CLA, the sedan version of the A-Class. The CLA XNUMXd Coupe we tested is proof of this. Of course, it was a four-door sedan with a slightly more coupe-like design. The exterior was special and the designo polar silver was silky rather than shiny. For many passers-by and passers-by, his appearance has already attracted due attention, some could not resist even approving comments.
The black leather interior was as attractive as the exterior. In Mercedes-style, there is an infotainment screen protruding from the dashboard, but this requires control via a rotary knob on the center console, which actually provides safer operation than swiping your finger across the touchscreen. Of course, you need to get used to the menu, they are created according to the recipe of Mercedes, they need to be learned, because they do not seem to be exemplary. However, the driver immediately feels great in the seat. And you don't have to look for the "Dynamic Selection" driving profile setting levels in the information system menu, as a dedicated tire in the center of the dashboard takes care of that.
Especially commendable is the fact that Mercedes has a beautifully designed (you get it for an extra cost) program for a flexible chassis and a choice of various settings for other parts, such as the engine and automatic transmission. The car had a really huge selection of low cut tires (different sizes on the front and rear axles), and the comfort was nothing short of "healthy" adjustable shock absorbers. To the commendable part of the package with the CLA label should be added adaptive headlights, and for some it won't be superfluous that the car even has the option of adjusting the sporty engine sound.
The combination of a 2,1-liter turbo diesel and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission works great, especially the average consumption result.
Of course, there are less interesting aspects to this CLA. First, the people of Stuttgart certainly want a lot of money for the entertainment and attraction it offers. Second, the Autocommerce staff who selected and ordered hardware for the CLA being tested had an interesting approach. If you open a car for which a customer subtracts that much money with the remote control, and then start the engine with a button on the dashboard, it's a little less convincing; If you freeze on the seat covers in the first autumn colds, it proves that you do not know the comfort of leather seats. As a driver, I would be a little less concerned about looking back, because with this car you are only looking forward anyway. But kidding aside: a rearview camera with parking sensor is practically necessary with such an opaque rear, just to keep such a beautiful and completely opaque rear from the driver's seat intact.
The CLA is certainly compelling proof that Mercedes knows, but the customer must also be involved.
text: Tomaž Porekar
photo: Sasha Kapetanovich
CLA 220 d coupe AMG Line (2017)
Basic data
| Sales: | Media Art |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 36.151 € |
| Test model cost: | 53.410 € |
Costs (per year)
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 2.143 cm3 - maximum power 130 kW (177 hp) at 3.600–3.800 rpm - maximum torque 350 Nm at 1.400 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | front wheel drive engine - 7-speed automatic transmission - tires 245/35 R 18 Y (Pirelli P Zero). |
| Capacity: | top speed 232 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration 7,7 s - average combined fuel consumption (ECE) 4,1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 106 g/km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.525 kg - permissible total weight 2.015 kg |
| External dimensions: | length 4.640 mm - width 1.777 mm - height 1.436 mm - wheelbase 2.699 mm - trunk 470 l - fuel tank 50 l. |
Our measurements
| T = 2 ° C / p = 1.028 mbar / rel. vl. = 43% / odometer status: 11.874 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 8,3s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 16,1 years ( 145 km / h) |
| test consumption: | 6,6 l / 100km |
| Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: | 5,1 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 34,2m |
| AM table: | 40m |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear | 62dB |
evaluation
The sophisticated Mercedes A Coupé sedan convinces, but only if you're willing to dig in your pocket for accessories.
We praise and reproach
excellent brakes
comfort in size and cross-section of tires, adjustable suspension
driver's seat and position
fuel consumption
active cruise control
difficult access to the trunk
the rear seats are cramped, a real coupe
The rich list of equipment significantly increases the starting price.
