2014 CLA -250

First official advertisement for the car appeared for Superbowl in February.....and that is when visits, phone calls, e-mails started....but the wait is over.

The car is finally here. Mercedes-Benz that is starting at $29,900 states that expressive doesn't have to be expensive. After months spent talking about the car, checking websites, sharing youtube videos, writing down phones and e-mails, I finally have the pleasure of calling back and announcing that the vehicle is here and available.
How does it look, well....to me the car looks much better than on pictures. After walking around the car few times, I just agreed with everybody else. This is very good looking car. Everything is amazingly proportionate, wheels fit nicely into wheel well(one on the photo has upgraded wheels), roof line-window-door proportions are perfect, sloping design lines on front & rear door give the car it's athleticism, and headlights with front grill really give this car strong, expressive personality. The rear of the vehicle has a lot more styling then you would expect. It looks like the whole design of the rear end is based around taillights, trunk lines are everything but average, or what you got used to, and rear apron gives it extra sportiness. Design of the car is fresh Mercedes-Benz theme from CLA lead designer Mark Fetherstone. Now, please keep in mind that this is the standard model, without sport package, and those of you that are looking for more spice, you should (as well as I do) wait to see the one with sport package. As far as we seen on the pictures and videos, CLA-45 AMG is supposed to top it all out, sharp design and thrilling performance.
CLA-250 is powered by 2.0L turbocharged motor producing 208 hp / 258 lb-ft torque. It will get you to 62mph in 6.7 sec. and give you 26 mpg city and 38 hwy WOW. This is partially thanks to front-wheel-drive design of this car. First for U.S. market. Another major contributor to good fuel economy is ultra-aerodynamic body with drag coefficient about 0.23, in English = cuts through air better than Toyota Prius.
Interior of this car has no surprises. For those familiar with Mercedes-Benz it is a mixture of C-class & GLK details with a touch of G-Wagon with it's tablet style color display, what creates unique style for CLA. Once you pass the point of staring at display that is sort of "sticking out" you will realize that interior is everything that you would expect from Mercedes-Benz, quality workmanship and top notch fitting. For part of population that is short/tall Mercedes-Benz solved problem in CLA by allowing unbeliavable traveling space for driver seat, but I guess you have to come and try it for yourself...it is really amazing. Meticulous attention to detail is what made this company what it is today, and design of interior as well as exterior proved once again that Mercedes-Benz brings you instant classic and new bench mark for those who think that they can follow.
As it would be expected, CLA is equipped with plenty of active safety systems; Collision Prevention Assist, Attention Assist, Adaptive Breaking w/ Hill Start Assist, ESP, and plenty air bags (8) to keep you safe with advanced body structure.

2014 ML-350 Bluetec (Diesel)

This is an SUV that is easy on you when you stop at refueling station (notice that I didn't write "gas station") city 20 and highway 28 mpg. Yes, the full size SUV that does not rob you from the power delivery in return. Vehicle is rated 240 hp and 455 lb-ft Torque. And yes, that means you can tow the boat, towing capacity of 7,200 lb with this Mercedes-Benz and not be slow. But I am not done with the benefits of this vehicle just yet. You can go without refueling for 600 miles, that means that you would need a break before the Benz does. Now you might ask; Can I tow this boat in the mountains where there is snow ? Right. Sure you can, however....... people will never have the same opinion about you, but 4 matic (all-wheel-drive) system will handle it without a judgement. Anything else ? Of course there is. I will tell you now about the "other stuff"....there is more to this car than just power-train.

Unibody ML-350 diesel offers all advanced safety features as a gasoline ML-350. Only difference between two is that Diesel version comes standard with 4 matic.
Since this is not the first year for this model, I am not going to bore you with the stuff that you probably know. So far this model was awarded;
Top Safety Pick; IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) 2012
Vehicle Satisfaction; Premium Luxury Crossover SUV - AutoPacific 2012
2013 Residual Value Award; Premium Alt-Fuel Vehicle - Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) 2013

Besides the standard interior color options for MB-Tex and Leather you can order Desgno Nappa Leather upholestry that is a sort of "off-menu" choices; Designo Auburn Brown, Porcelain, and designo Black leather that you can pair with designo Piano Black Lacquer wood trim.

For the standard suspension your are getting; 4 wheel independent with AGILITY CONTROL and you have an option for AIRMATIC SUSPENSION as a special order item from Mercedes-Benz.

While you are burning diesel in cleanest way possible, you cabin is library quiet. For the trip not to be boring you can turn on massaged seats as well as heated/ventilated feature depending on the season. Your drink in cup-holders can be heated or cooled and internet access can give you update on weather, stocks, news, facebook.......future....wait, not that....I get carried away....but Mercedes-Benz internet apps can tune you in the world outside your protective sheet metal.
Many more features of convenience & luxury are available, but I think it would be the best to talk about it when we standing in front of the ML-350 Bluetec.
ML-350 Bluetec a.k.a W166 in Benz talk, for 2014 offers; Sport Styling Package, Parking Assist Package with Surround View Camera System, Splitview, and On/Off road package as a special order. Some of these options were not available for 2013, or withing certain packages.
Now it's your turn.......talk to me.