Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (Germany, 2013-present)

The new CLA makes its debut at the North American International Auto Show on January 14, 2013.

The CLA is based on the third-generation A-Class, but instead of a five-door hatchback, it has a four-door coupe bodystyle.

Mercedes developed a new version of the 4Matic all-wheel drive system for cars with transversely mounted engines. The system debuts in the CLA-Class coupe. It can be applied to any of Mercedes front-wheel drive cars.

The new, lighter system fits to Mercedes' 7G-DCT transmission and is linked to electrohydraulically controlled multi-disk clutch at the rear. That means that it can distribute power between the front and rear axles. When the clutch is open, power is directly completely to the front axle, when it closes power goes to the rear axle. When the front starts to slip, power goes to the rear within a few milliseconds.

The system only sends power to the rear wheels when absolutely necessary. Mercedes says it operates on the principle "as often as necessary, as rarely as possible" because the car is most economical when front-wheel drive. As soon as the power is no longer necessary, power immediately goes back to the front wheels.

The system also adjusts all-wheel drive use depending on the mode the car is in. In Eco mode, it rarely shifts into all-wheel drive to provide the most economy. In Sport and Manual mode, it intervenes more often.

The system is combined with traction control and stability control to provide as much traction as possible.

The system comes standard on the CLA 45 AMG. It uses a 2.0-liter, 211hp and 295lb-ft turbocharged engine and a sports suspension. It also comes with an automatic emergency braking system.