With the rising input and fuel costs even premium car manufacturers have started working on cheaper products. Mercedes-Benz, the brand that I personally love the most, has officially confirmed that it is working on a completely new line-up of sedan that it will launch soon globally.
The new line-up is expected to be called Mercedes CLA and next month, at the Beijing Motor Show, the German automaker is all ready to showcase a concept model of the same. As being rumored, the CLA sedan will be positioned below the current cheapest sedan of the portfolio, the Mercedes C-Class.
image – Mercedes A-Class
The CLA is under development and is based on Mercedes’ modular MFA platform, the same platform underpinning the Mercedes A-Class and Mercedes B-Class. The car will feature an elongated version of the MFA platform and will be offered in both front wheel drive and all wheel drive configuration. It will be produced alongside the B-Class at Mercedes’ new € 800 million plant in Kecskemet, Hungary.
The name CLA is in connection with CLS and therefore the car’s styling is expected to be influenced by the latter. Coming to the engines now, Mercedes will offer CLA with a range of petrol and diesel engines that will offer power outputs in the range of 110 BHP to 150 BHP. Beside these conventional versions, a Hybrid and a 300 BHP Mercedes AMG version will also be available later. The engines will be offered with a choice of two transmissions: a 7 speed dual-clutch and a 6 speed manual transmission.
Assuring that a new sedan is heading towards the Indian domestic market, Mr Debhashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, said “We see a strong evolvement in the premium segment. In the 20-25 lakh rupee segment, of course we will see sedans, sports tourers and SUVs,”
If Mercedes successfully creates a new segment of affordable luxury sedans, it will be a revolutionary step as at the price of a Honda Accord or Skoda Superb, you will be able to take home a Mercedes. Let us hope it happens soon and we eagerly await the preview of the car. Do stay tuned to us for more updates on Mercedes Benz India News by signing up for our free email newsletter and like our official Facebook Page.
via – AutoBlog
