The new CLA compact sports saloon (or four-door coupe in marketing talk) is a game changer not only for the segment, but also for one of Mercedes’ most popular models, as it creeps up very closely to the current C-Class in terms of pricing and dimensions.
Its presence in Benz’s range means that the C-Class’ successor will try to distance itself from the CLA through a longer and roomier body, a more mature design that draws inspiration from the larger S-Class, higher quality materials and a more refined ride, along, of course, with the rear-wheel drive setup (though, all-wheel drive will be optional).
We hear that Mercedes will reveal the new C-Class at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2014, with three more body styles to follow, including a roomy and practical estate (it won’t be offered in the States), a coupe and for the first time in the model’s history, a convertible version as well that will rival the BMW 4-Series.
In another first, the W205 generation of the C-Class will be manufactured in the USA at the brand’s Tuscaloosa plant in Alabama.
It will be offered with a selection of four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline and diesels, V6 gasoline, and in the case of the upcoming C63 AMG, a bi-turbo V8.
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