Mercedes-Benz Redefines Electric Range with New CLA
Mercedes-Benz has announced the launch of its new CLA saloon, which boasts the longest range of any electric vehicle currently available in Europe. This new model also signifies a strategic shift for Mercedes, with the CLA offered in both electric and hybrid versions.
Mercedes is departing from its previous strategy of separate EQ-badged electric car lineups. The CLA will be available as an EV, with two different versions, and as a full hybrid. The petrol-powered and EV models should have similar price points, according to Mercedes.
Mercedes claims that the new CLA is the most technologically advanced car the brand has ever produced. Central to this claim is a new in-house operating system that powers an in-car supercomputer, linked to Mercedes’ Intelligent Cloud. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology is the star of the lineup, promising exceptional energy efficiency of five miles per kWh. This translates to a potential range of nearly 500 miles, making it the longest-range car on the market when it arrives in dealerships later this year.
The car’s efficiency allows for a relatively compact 85kWh battery, while 800v technology enables fast charging at speeds up to 320kW. This allows the CLA 250+ to add over 200 miles of range in just ten minutes. The lithium-ion batteries incorporate the latest technology to improve energy density. Mercedes has also replaced the standard single-speed automatic gearbox with a two-speed unit, further boosting efficiency at higher speeds and in urban environments. Additionally, a new form of heat pump improves efficiency in cold weather.
The new Mercedes-Benz operating system offers over-the-air updates that can improve the entire car, including vehicle software and driver assistance systems. Mercedes has collaborated with Google and Microsoft on AI support, a feature of the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). The new MBUX Virtual Assistant is designed to be more user-friendly and empathetic, able to activate car functions and answer various questions.
The Mercedes Superscreen spans the entire width of the cabin. It features a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central infotainment screen, and an optional 14-inch screen in front of the passenger, with integrated streaming apps for entertainment. MBUX is said to offer a new level of personalization in the car, while Surround Navigation, based on Google Maps, provides a 3D view of the car’s surroundings and displays other road users.
The latest driver assistance features are also included, such as MB.Drive Assist at various levels with the newest autonomous driving and parking technology, which can be updated over the air.
In addition to the CLA 250+ with its impressive range and 0-62mph acceleration time of 6.7 seconds, the CLA 350 4Matic will also be available. This model offers four-wheel drive, reducing the 0-62mph time to 4.9 seconds, The range is a still impressive 479 miles.
The CLA 350’s four-wheel drive primarily operates in two-wheel drive mode, engaging the motor on the front axle when enhanced grip or additional performance is needed.
A new brake-by-wire system with different energy recuperation levels also enhances efficiency. Bi-directional charging will be available, enabling the CLA to feed power back into the home if necessary. The streamlined shape of the new CLA results in an ultra-low drag coefficient, from 0.21, thanks to aerodynamic wheel design and airflow. Similarly, the joints around the headlights and grille have been partially sealed and the underbody is almost completely closed.
The grille’s lighting subtly illuminates the Mercedes-Benz star pattern with 142 separate stars, reinterpreting the traditional grille. Mercedes also promises new safety measures including the first center airbag in this car size, a new high-voltage protection system with additional structural battery protection, and the expected range of advanced driver safety systems.
Inside the new CLA, there’s more interior room despite its fastback shape. The interior features a 405-litre boot and an additional ‘frunk’ under the bonnet with 101 litres of space. Sustainable materials are used throughout the interior, including seats made from recycled fabrics. Options will be offered, including a 3D Burmester audio system with 16 speakers and Dolby Atmos. The ‘Sound Experience’ provides various noise themes for different driving and parking situations.
While pricing and exact release dates have not yet been announced, the CLA is expected to be competitively priced against its main rival, the Tesla Model 3, with an estimated starting price in the mid-£40,000s.
