Mercedes Unveils New CLA with Exceptional Electric Range and Efficient Hybrid Option
Mercedes-Benz is making significant strides in the electric vehicle market with the announcement of the new CLA. The CLA EV promises a remarkable driving range of up to 492 miles, revolutionizing what’s possible in the EV sector.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Leading the UK EV Market
Set to arrive later this year, the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology is expected to be the longest-range electric car available in the UK. Mercedes claims that the vehicle can cover up to 492 miles between charges; notably, even when driven at motorway speeds, the car is expected to achieve a range of 431 miles. This makes it a leader in the market, surpassing even Mercedes’ own EQS 450+, which offers 481 miles per charge but has a considerably higher price point.
Efficiency and Aerodynamic Design
The impressive range of the CLA EV is largely due to the car’s efforts to minimize energy usage. Using an 85kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, the CLA EV is targeting an efficiency rating exceeding 5.0mpkWh, which many manufacturers consider key to advancing EVs.
Aerodynamics also play a crucial role. Although the CLA is slightly larger than its predecessor, designers have focused on reducing its frontal area and optimizing airflow. This is apparent in the recessed wheels and strategic inlets and outlets on the bumpers.
The resultant drag coefficient of 0.21 puts it just behind the EQS (0.20) and ahead of the Tesla Model 3 (0.22).
Innovative Motor and Gearbox
The CLA EV’s efficiency is also enhanced by a new rear-mounted permanent magnet motor. This motor uses a silicon-carbide inverter and has magnets in a double-V formation that concentrates their field. Furthermore, the car features a Porsche Taycan-style two-speed gearbox that offers improved acceleration and efficiency across different speed ranges.
The powertrain delivers 268bhp, enabling the CLA 250+ to accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds.
Four-Wheel Drive and High-Performance Options
The CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology gains an additional 107bhp motor and a single-speed gearbox on the front axle, resulting in a combined output of 349bhp. This configuration cuts its 0-62mph time to 4.9 seconds.
The additional motor is decoupled from the front axle when not required, decreasing friction losses by 90%. Even with four-wheel drive, the CLA EV is still capable of 478 miles per charge.
Braking relies on the motors’ regenerative effect, which can provide up to 200kW of stopping power, contributing to battery charge.
The CLA EV supports rapid charging at up to 320kW, providing an 186-mile range boost in just 10 minutes.
Hybrid Version
In addition to the EV, a hybrid version of the CLA will also be available, using a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, a 1.3kWh battery, and a 27bhp electric motor. The combined system will deliver either 134bhp or 161bhp (or up to 188bhp in the 4Matic model) to the wheels. Mercedes says the engine offers “diesel levels of fuel efficiency,” potentially exceeding 50 MPG.
Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius has stated that the hybrid CLA will be priced similarly to the EV due to significant cost savings in battery production. Prices are expected to start in the low-to-mid £40,000 range.
Availability
The electric version is set to go on sale first, around October, with the hybrid version to follow a few months later. A CLA Shooting Brake estate car is also planned for release in the UK early next year.
Design and Interior
Both the hybrid and electric versions of the CLA will share a similar appearance, marking a departure from Mercedes’ previous strategy of designing separate models for internal combustion and electric vehicles. The design emphasizes Mercedes’ three-pointed star logo, which is featured in the headlights and taillights. The EV will also incorporate a unique flush front grille with 142 backlit stars.
Inside, the CLA adopts a sportier aesthetic, with features like seats with bolstered sides and details like a combination of black and white faux leather and Alcantara with red stitching. The dashboard features Mercedes’ latest Superscreen, with three digital displays.
The car will also feature the latest MB.OS operating system and the latest version of Mercedes’ virtual assistant.
Boot space will be 405 litres, with the EV featuring a frunk offering an additional 101 litres.
