Mercedes-Benz is expanding its lineup with the all-new 2014 CLA-Class. The new four-door coupe, which made its world premiere in January 2013 at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin, takes its design cues from the CLS. The front-wheel-drive CLA250 arrives in U.S. dealerships this September, with an available CLA250 4MATIC all-wheel drive model coming out in spring 2014.

Both models feature Mercedes-Benz's 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine with 208 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes with the ECO stop/start function as standard for added fuel economy and is mated to the 7-speed dual clutch transmission for a combination of sporty performance and comfort.

Both variants of the CLA250 are delivered on 17-inch, 5-spoke, two-tone wheels clad in all-season, run-flat tires. The Sport Package offers 18-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels and adds Sport body styling plus perforated front discs.

An extensive array of standard and optional driver assistance systems in the CLA are available. Standard features include Attention Assist drowsiness detection and radar-based Collision Prevention Assist with adaptive Brake Assist, which offers collision protection in the CLA from speeds of just 4 mph.

With a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.23, the CLA sets a new benchmark among not only Mercedes models, but also all series-production vehicles.

Standard electromechanical power steering helps contribute to overall efficiency, as the power steering function draws energy only under active steering. It also facilitates various steering assistance functions activated by the ESP control unit. These include counter-steering in the event of oversteer, corrective steering when braking on road surfaces with differing levels of grip (split-friction braking), minimization of torque steer, and compensation for crosswinds and road gradients.

A new generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system features fully variable torque distribution. This completely new development boasts high levels of traction and outstanding agility combined with excellent safety and energy efficiency. 

Like all models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the CLA comes with the brand's connectivity service mbrace2, providing users with an extensive range of online and concierge services and apps all linking seamlessly to smartphones for use inside and outside the car.

Additional standard equipment includes the 5.8-inch display and Bluetooth. The central controller provides an all-access pass to an abundance of advanced technology and can be upgraded to the 7-inch display with the Multimedia package, including features such as the COMAND system with hard-drive navigation and voice control.