Mercedes-Benzes next generation CLA will undoubtedly be one of the most important models in its modern history, offering advanced electric vehicle (EV) technology in an entry-level model.
As previously reported, the new third-generation CLA will debut with the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), which can support both fully electric and gasoline-hybrid powertrains and will also be used on two SUVs and a station wagon. It will be used by the brand’s smallest vehicles.
In the electric CLA, the first electric car from Mercedes-Benz to use an 800-volt architecture, there is a choice of two batteries: a 58 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) pack and a flagship lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt battery of 85 kWh (NMC). ).
Mercedes-Benz claims that the 58 kWh versions can travel up to 600 km on a charge, while the 85 kWh versions can achieve a range of 750 km.
The EV with the longest range of the three-pointed star at the moment is the EQS 450+ liftback, which has a range of 774 km according to the WLTP cycle.
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These figures are thanks to a claimed efficiency of 12 kWh/100 km according to the European WLTP laboratory test cycle. For context, the base Tesla Model 3 RWD has a claimed energy consumption of 13.2 kWh/100 km in the same lab test.
The higher capacity battery can also be charged up to 350 kW on DC.
EV versions of the CLA are offered with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.
Rear-wheel drive examples use a 200 kW motor (marketed as the Electric Drive Unit 2.0) fitted with a two-speed gearbox, a first for an ‘entry level’ EV, claimed to improve efficiency at improves at different speeds.
All-wheel drive CLAs add an 80 kW electric motor to the front axle, which is decoupled when not needed to further increase the sedan’s efficiency.
While much of the focus is on the new CLA’s claimed range figures, Mercedes-Benz is hedging its bets by also developing the model as a mild-hybrid, as demand for fully electric models cools in certain markets.
The CLA is powered by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an integrated 20 kW electric motor.
A 1.3 kWh, 48 volt lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric motor, which supplements the power of the gasoline engine.
Mercedes-Benz says it will initially offer three power levels, with options of 100kW/200Nm, 120kW/250Nm and 140kW/300Nm.
For context, the front-wheel drive CLA200 currently on sale in Australia produces 120kW/270Nm from its 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which also features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system in belt-drive form starter. generator.
Depending on the market, buyers will have the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet provided claimed fuel economy figures for the upcoming hybrid CLA, but it is expected to be more efficient than the current model.
While Mercedes-Benz’s last release detailing the CLA featured only these photos with obvious additions to the bodywork to disguise the model, a more subdued version was unveiled at the Festival d’Hyères fashion show last month.
The production model is expected to be a toned-down version of what the Concept CLA Class showed at the 2023 Munich Motor Show.
It will feature frameless windows, a gently sloping rear deck and a curved roofline that have become mainstays of the CLA range, while recessed door handles and round light signatures will make their debut on the coupe-style sedan.
Production of the new CLA is expected to start in Germany and China in the second half of 2025, meaning the third-generation sedan likely won’t arrive in Australia until 2026.
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