The Concept CLA Class marks the beginning of a new era and the next step in the ongoing evolution of the brand’s unique design language, called Sensual Purity. The vehicle has a distinctly dynamic appearance and incorporates styling elements rethought for the electric and digital age. The contrast between intelligence and emotion combines with the ‘x factor’ of unexpected details to create a new interpretation of desire. “The Concept CLA Class marks the beginning of a new era. It reinterprets iconic elements of the brand’s rich design heritage to create a completely new face of Mercedes-Benz. In this case, the sporty forward lean of the characteristic shark nose from the 1950s and 1960s is combined with a new graphic signature for the electric age,” says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of the Mercedes-Benz Group.
The GT line and rear proportions lengthen the silhouette and offer passengers more headroom than the previous generation. Seen from three-quarters and rear, the design carries forward the theme of light and shadow transported into the digital age. The wrap-around light band frames the rear light clusters, which reproduce the characteristic star design. The elegant glass surface features chrome applications that complement the athletic proportions with timeless elegance. As befits the coupé’s styling language, the visual centre of gravity sits low. The feeling of width at the front and rear is underlined by flared wheel arches and a wide track, which give the show car a confident and assertive stance.
In the interior of the Concept CLA Class, the aesthetic theme is one of utmost modernity. This is expressed in a simple yet powerful way through the thoughtful application of certain iconic elements. The overall effect exudes a minimalist, technological elegance that propels sculptural automotive design into an exciting digital future and sets the tone for this segment. Innovative finely crafted materials, such as paper trim and Nappa leather worked with vegetable tanning agents, contrast with the glossy surfaces to provide an unexpectedly elegant visual and tactile finish. By day, the building is bathed in natural light from the large glass roof and accentuated by discreet LED lighting.
