2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

This swoopy new compact you see here is making its first appearance on the eve of the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, though it will officially debut to the public during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin that runs from January 15 to 18.

The CLA-Class takes the rakish sedan formula first seen on the Mercedes-Benz CLS to a smaller scale, riding on the architecture that underpins the svelte new A-Class hatchback in other markets. It's a pretty car, especially with the optional sport goodies seen on the silver car in our image gallery, and its design is actually quite efficient. Mercedes has managed to achieve a super-slippery drag coefficient of just 0.23.

Available with either front- or all-wheel drive – Mercedes-Benz is employing an updated version of its 4Matic system here that features fully variable torque distribution. Powering the CLA250 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder good for 208 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, mated solely to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The standard CLA250 rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, while models with the available sport package roll on five-spoke, 18-inch wheels.

Moving inside, the CLA's interior isn't any great departure from what we're currently seeing across the board with Mercedes-Benz models, but that's not a bad thing. Anthracite trim comes standard inside the CLA, though some wood options and aluminum trim are available, as well. Base models use a 5.8-inch multimedia display, though an optional seven-inch screen with the automaker's Command infotainment system is available. And like all new Mercedes-Benz products, the company's MBrace2 cloud-based connectivity service is standard. Lots of premium options are available as well, including heated seats, premium sound, dual-zone climate control and satellite radio.

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