Certification processes are also getting long in the tooth. This is why the “Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure”, WLTP for short, is superseding the NEDC process for determining consumption and emission values. Since 1992 Europe has used the “New European Driving Cycle” (NEDC), which was initially developed as a theoretical measurement run. However, a modern certification process is expected to deliver values that are as realistic as possible. The NEDC process no longer meets this requirement. That’s why the new WLTP process was developed by an initiative of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The new WLTP cycle is based on empirically collected, real driving data from routes in Asia, Europe and the USA and is thus significantly more representative.

Furthermore, in the new certification processes, pollutant emissions are measured in the real vehicle operation on the road: in the latest Euro 6c, Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d emissions standards, the WLTP certification in the laboratory is enhanced by a measurement of the pollutant emissions on the road. The aim in determining the “Real Driving Emissions”, RDE for short, is to ensure that pollutant limits for nitrogen oxides and the number of particulates are adhered to in real road traffic as well as under laboratory conditions.

Those who know Ironman Jan Frodeno describe him as a perfectionist who looks for the tiniest technical advantage that could save him time. And in the complex triathlon world it is the cycling leg that is by far the most dependent on optimum technique – in particular on the aerodynamics of the cyclist and their bicycle. Dr Teddy Woll has also made this one of his main missions. However, the Head of Aerodynamics at Mercedes-Benz is predominantly concerned about mobility that is as efficient as possible rather than world records or victories. A meeting in the state-of-the-art wind tunnel at Mercedes-Benz in Sindelfingen.

The new CLA Coupé is not only the most emotional vehicle in its class, it is also highly intelligent: from MBUX Interior Assist, which recognises operational demands from gestures and equips the interior with intelligence, through augmented reality for navigation and understanding indirect voice commands to the ENERGIZING COACH that provides individual fitness recommendations, the new CLA offers an array of clever solutions. There are also ingenious details when it comes to the aerodynamics and new functions for the Intelligent Drive driving assistance package. The design underlines the coupé character with its stretched form and design elements such as the bonnet with powerdomes or the rear licence plate which has been moved down. As such it does justice to its predecessor’s status as a design icon.

CLA 250:
Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 6,3–6,1 l/100 km;
CO₂-Emissionen kombiniert: 143–140 g/km.⁴