‘EMOTIONAL’: The CLA Coupe may become a design icon

GERMAN car maker Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new CLA Coupe, a car the company says is the most emotional vehicle in its class and highly intelligent.

The company said the car comes equipped with features including augmented reality to aid with navigation and a voice commands feature.

They come as part of an Intelligent Drive package which also includes features designed to improve aerodynamics and assist with driving.

Ola Kallenius, responsible for research and development at Mercedes’ parent company Dailmer, said the car showed the company was going to the next level.

“The CLA offers a great deal of automotive intelligence. By recognising gestures it facilitates natural operation,” Kallenius said.

The CLA comes as a four-door coupe. Mercedes said the design was “seductive” and that it represented “sensual purity”.

The car combines a long stretched entry line above the windows and frameless doors which give it a sporty and elegant look.

The front section is striking and is raked forward like a shark while the long stretched bonnet features powerdomes.

Gordon Wagener, head of design at Dailmer, said the car had the potential to become a modern design icon.

“It impresses with it s perfect proportions reflecting the first design sketch: a long stretched bonnet, a compact greenhouse, a wide track with exposed wheel arches and our typical GT rear end with a strong distinctive ‘Coke-bottle shoulder’,” Wagener said.

The car is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine which delivers 225 horsepower. Its Intelligent Drive system is borrowed from Mercedes’ S-Class range.

The CLA Coupe is set to hit dealerships in May 2019. Mercedes have not confirmed the price.