Mercedes-Benz has finally pulled back the curtain on its all-new CLA, marking a significant milestone as the first production vehicle built on the company’s dedicated MMA platform. What makes this debut particularly noteworthy isn’t just its sleek design or premium positioning, but rather the cutting-edge technology packed underneath its sheet metal that promises to redefine expectations for compact electric vehicles.
The new CLA comes in two distinct flavors to satisfy different market demands: a fully electric version showcasing Mercedes’ latest EV innovations and a 48V mild hybrid option for those not quite ready to make the complete transition to battery power.
The all-electric CLA variant introduces several industry-leading technologies to the compact premium segment. Most impressive is its 800V electrical architecture—a system typically reserved for much more expensive EVs like Porsche Taycan or Lucid Air. This high-voltage setup, combined with a silicon carbide inverter and the segment’s only two-speed transmission, delivers exceptional efficiency ratings.
The numbers tell a compelling story: 12.2 kWh per 100 km (WLTP) energy consumption thanks to a remarkable 93% energy conversion efficiency from battery to wheels. This isn’t just marketing speak—it translates to real-world advantages in terms of range and charging capabilities.
Speaking of range, the CLA houses an 85 kWh battery utilizing silicon-anode technology, enabling a WLTP-rated range of 792 km (approximately 492 miles). Long-wheelbase version pushes this even further to 850 km (528 miles) under CLTC testing standards. For context, that’s competitive with much larger, more expensive EVs on the market today.
Not everyone is ready to go full electric, and Mercedes recognizes this reality with its hybrid CLA offering. This variant combines a newly developed 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 20 kW electric motor powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery. With 1.3 kWh of capacity, it can handle urban driving in pure electric mode and supports electric gliding at speeds up to about 100 km/h.
Mercedes-Benz all-new CLA
The hybrid system works in conjunction with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that incorporates regenerative braking across all gears, recovering up to 25 kW of power during deceleration.
The new CLA serves as the debut vehicle for Mercedes’ proprietary MB.OS architecture, which reorganizes the brand’s technology offerings into three distinct areas:
- MBUX intelligent human-machine interface
- MB.DRIVE advanced driving assistance system
- MB.CHARGE integrated charging service
The fourth-generation MBUX system introduces a “zero-level interface” design philosophy alongside more natural voice control capabilities. Entertainment options have been expanded, and navigation has been reimagined for greater intuitiveness.
Interior technology receives a dramatic upgrade with the MBUX super screen that extends across the dashboard from A-pillar to A-pillar. This setup combines a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, 14-inch central display, and another 14-inch screen for the front passenger.
For the first time in a CLA, a head-up display projects a 12.2-inch virtual image approximately 2.8 meters ahead of the driver, displaying critical information without requiring you to take your eyes off the road.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA doesn’t stop at basic transportation needs. It incorporates a multi-source heat pump that extracts thermal energy from the air, electric drive, and battery to reduce energy consumption further. Its aerodynamic profile achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.21, and it can recover kinetic energy at up to 200 kW during braking.
Charging capabilities match the vehicle’s forward-thinking approach, with support for ultra-fast 320 kW charging that can add 325 km (202 miles) of range in just 10 minutes. The vehicle also offers bidirectional power output functionality.
Driver assistance reaches new heights with Mercedes’ first “L2++” system featuring sensor-free NOA (Navigation on Autopilot), scheduled to debut in China next year. The onboard voice assistant integrates ChatGPT-4o and Bing search capabilities for more natural interactions.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, clever engineering creates a 101-liter front trunk, adding unexpected utility. Safety features include standard front far-end airbags, matching premium offerings from Tesla and NIO while meeting stringent E-NCAP standards.
The vehicle’s 2790 mm wheelbase provides generous interior space, while the triple-screen setup manages to blend classic Mercedes design cues with modern Smart elements for a distinctive cabin experience.
With the all-new CLA, Mercedes-Benz has clearly charged ahead in the premium compact segment, proving that electric mobility doesn’t require compromise on range, performance, or technology.
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