Mercedes-Benz CLA gets personal
Wed, 11 Sep 2013
With a starting price of under $30,000 in the US, one might be wondering how Mercedes-Benz plans to eke out a profit on its new entry-level CLA-Class. The answer, as with most other German offerings, will almost certainly be found on its long options list. And while there will be typical creature comforts like moonroofs and uprated stereos on the list, Mercedes is evidently also keen to cash in on the personalization craze that has been padding the bottom lines of brands like Mini and Fiat.
Thus, the Three-Pointed Star will offer an array of accessories for the model, as demonstrated by this CLA200 decked out in items from the Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment catalog at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Aside from this car's "Road & Track" decal kit (no relation) in Mercedes-Benz racing colors, this sedan features the Styling Package Night, which is composed of black window and shoulderline trim, along with black and red 18-inch alloys, painted calipers, a unique lip spoiler and carbon-look mirror caps. Inside, this CLA is accoutered with a sports steering wheel, stainless pedals, backlit sill plates and Sport floor mats.
This is likely just the tip of the iceberg for the new CLA, which is being targeted at the young and affluent buyers who otherwise might have purchased something like a Mini. We'll know more as the car hits dealers in our market soon.
Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH at the Frankfurt International Motor Show
The Mercedes-Benz Accessories stand at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (12 to 22 September 2013) centres around a Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 which has been fitted with Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment and other Genuine Accessories to demonstrate how products from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH can add a high-quality, individual touch. A scale model of the SLS AMG GT3, specially designed for the IAA, will also be available at the stand, along with other miniatures.
Under the label Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment, Mercedes-Benz offers a portfolio of elegant and sporty products designed to add individual appeal. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 on display at the motor show demonstrates the range of enhancements that can be made. Equipment details which suggest future individualisation ideas for the CLA, include the "Road & Track" decal kit: the door of the CLA features a large starting number 1 and a broad, decorative stripe in red/grey, the traditional Mercedes-Benz motor racing colours, runs along the centre of the car.
Other eye-catching details of the four-door coupé include carbon fibre-style exterior mirror housings, front apron spoiler lip and rear spoiler plus red-painted brake callipers. The CLA is also equipped with the Styling Package Night, which includes black window surrounds and black shoulderline trip strips. The car is fitted with 18-inch two-tone 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. The rims are painted in matt black and the rim flange is red. The front wings of the CLA feature a Sport badge.
In the interior illuminated door sill panels with Sport lettering, a leather sports steering wheel, sports pedals in brushed stainless steel and Sport floor mats create a special ambience. In combination with the "Digital DriveStyle" app, the Drive Kit Plus – which will shortly also be compatible with the iPhone® 5 – allows seamless integration of the iPhone® on board.
For further information about Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment, go to http://sport.mercedes-benz.com
"Always on" and illuminated star exhibits
Visitors to the Motor Show can try out the Drive Kit Plus and the "Digital DriveStyle" app on an online terminal and experience just how easy they are to use. Another highlight at the 139 square metre Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH stand is the "Illuminated star" exhibit. The illuminated Mercedes star emblem, currently available for six model series [1] , has been housed in a dark box in the wall to simulate its distinctive effect at night. When fitted on a vehicle, fibre optic cables and LED technology illuminate the central star emblem in the radiator grille every time the vehicle is locked or unlocked using remote control and whenever the doors or boot are opened. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 on show at the stand also features an illuminated central star emblem.
Extremely accurate replicas: model cars
The special model cars are a must for collectors. A limited-edition scale 1:18 model of the SLS AMG GT3 has been specially created for the IAA. The model, produced by specialist model manufacturer Minichamps, is made up of 88 parts, painted in matt black and features poison green details. It is available in a limited edition of 197 and costs 249.00 euros [2] .
Two miniature A-Class models are also available featuring Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment. The scale 1:18 models, hand-assembled by Norev from over 100 individual parts, cost 69.90 euros. The polar silver variant is available in a limited edition of 2000 and features extensive Sport Equipment from the Mercedes-Benz Accessories range: front apron spoiler lip, diffuser-look rear apron trim, roof spoiler, high-gloss black exterior mirrors, chromed front/rear trim, diamond radiator grille, sports brake system, rear silencer, decal kit, Sport badge and 18-inch twin-spoke two-tone wheels. "Mercedes-Benz Sport Equipment" and the start number are also printed on the decorative packaging. The mountain grey variant is fitted with Sport Equipment too, but has a black radiator grille and shoulderline trim strip.
[1]M-Class, GL-Class, E-Class, CLS-Class, C-Class, GLK-Class
[2]All prices: recommended retail price incl. 19% VAT, valid for Germany
By Chris Paukert