Mercedes-Benz is charging ahead with its electrification efforts, teasing an upcoming electric CLA sedan boasting significantly improved driving range. According to CEO Ola Kaellenius, the new compact EV will offer 30-35% more range per kilowatt-hour versus the automaker’s current crop of electric vehicles.
Mercedes Preview the Next-gen CLA sized EV New IAA-bound concept vehicle
Set to launch in early 2025, the next-gen electric CLA will also be the first Mercedes EV to feature a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery. The move to LFP opens the door for Mercedes to field a lower-cost electric vehicle aimed at competing with Tesla and Chinese EV brands which already utilize the battery chemistry.
The German automaker plans to unveil a concept version of the future electric CLA this Sunday at the IAA Mobility show in Munich. The prototype will showcase Mercedes’ technology roadmap for bridging the gap with industry-leading EV manufacturers.
Teaser images provide a sneak peek at the upcoming CLA. While it incorporates some styling DNA from the EQ electric sub-brand, the CLA concept mostly blazes its own trail design-wise. The smooth, grille-forward face features a dense array of illuminated three-pointed stars instead of the large black panel used on EQS and EQE models, (2023-2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV EV: The Future of Luxury Electric SUVs Has Arrived!).
Mercedes notes the CLA concept sits on their new MMA electric-only platform, which will underpin over half of the brand’s models by 2030. Specifics about the powertrain are scarce, but the production CLA is said to achieve a max range around 466 miles on a single charge. Meanwhile, 800V fast charging will replenish batteries from 10 to 80% in just 15 minutes.
With its tantalizing combination of range, cutting-edge tech, and attractive pricing, the future electric CLA could be the jolt Mercedes needs to capture more entry-level EV buyers. The production version set to follow this concept should give Tesla and others a real run for their money.
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