New Mercedes CLA electric with up to 792 km range

The third generation Mercedes CLA debuts in electric versions CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic, is roomier, more refined, more comfortable, and smarter using the new in-house developed MB.OS software and navigation with Google.

Tesla Model3-like dimensions

Mercedes is directly attacking the Tesla Model 3 with the new electric Mercedes CLA. At 4,723 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, and 1,468 mm high, it is 3 mm longer, 5 mm wider, and 27 mm taller than the Model 3 while the 2,790 mm wheelbase is 85 mm shorter than the Tesla. The 2,790 mm wheelbase is extremely generous but falls short of Tesla’s due to Mercedes’ longer front end. A 1.5-liter four-cylinder ICE engine works at the front of the 48V mild hybrid models.

Compared to the old-generation Mercedes CLA, the new model is 35 mm longer, 25 mm wider, and 29 mm taller, while the wheelbase is 61 mm longer. Front and rear passengers enjoy a 16 mm and 28 mm higher interior height respectively.

Trunk volume has dropped from 460 to 405 liters but electric versions have a spacious 101-liter frunk that can fit a luggage trolley or charging cables. The Mercedes CLA is the first modern Mercedes to have a frunk. Customers can choose between 17 and 19-inch wheels.

Multimedia system with proprietary Mercedes MB.OS and Google navigation

The Mercedes CLA is the first Mercedes to use the new MB.OS operating system developed 100% in-house. It controls four areas: infotainment, automated driving, body & comfort, and driving & charging. MB.OS uses supercomputers connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud that enable over-the-air updates, including assistance systems. The navigation system also uses Google Maps for the first time. The navigation solution in the CLA, developed in partnership with Google and Mercedes-Benz, is one of the first systems to integrate Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent for in-vehicle use with Google Maps.

The Electric Intelligence function plans the fastest and most convenient routes including charging stops based on numerous factors such as traffic jams or driving style.
Up to three displays are available mounted under the same glass: the digital instrument cluster, multimedia, and passenger displays. The center display features the MBUX Zero Layer facility to display the most important information, hints, and previews of the latest applications in use.

The Mercedes CLA comes standard with Distance Assist Distronic adaptive autopilot, with optional Distance Assist Distronic with Steering Assist. New in the CLA is Lane Change Assist, which facilitates lane changes with a simple click of the indicator stalk.

Two additional systems will be offered later: Distance Assist Distronic Plus and Automatic Lane Change function on highways.

Cx as low as 0.21

The Mercedes CLA takes the underbody concept from the EQE and EQS, so the underbody is almost completely closed with even the control arms and tie rods covered. The CLA also uses aerodynamically optimized wheels that include for the first time a two-tone full cover for alloy wheels. These have a Cx 0.02 better than conventional wheels.

Built on the MMA platform, the Mercedes CLA has a new three-link front suspension: a lower control arm consisting of transverse and thrust arms, both made of forged aluminum, the strut in the McPherson style which guides the wheel and is directly connected with the steering knuckle, and the tie rod which is part of the rack-and-pinion-steering. At the rear works a new multilink suspension borrowed from Mercedes’ higher-class models.

Two starting versions, both with 800V technology and Li-Ion battery

The MMA platform is equipped with 800V and SiC inverter technology taken from the Vision EQXX concept, bidirectional charging (V2G and V2H, later available with over-the-air activation), and a two-speed gearbox on the rear engine. The permanent-magnet rear synchronous motor is designed in-house by Mercedes and is derived from the Vision EQXX.

At the start of sales, the Mercedes CLA will be available in CLA 250+ versions with a single rear axle engine and CLA 350 4Matic with two engines. The CLA 250+ version has a single engine developing 200 kW and 335 Nm, while the CLA 350 4Matic has two engines developing 260 kW and 515 Nm in total. The front motor is also a permanent-magnet synchronous type, producing 80 kW but not running permanently, only when more power or traction is needed. It is coupled to a so-called Disconnect Unit (DCU) that Mercedes is using for the first time in the segment.

The rear-engined gearbox has a first gear with an 11:1 gear ratio for quick acceleration off the start, high towing capacity, and good city efficiency and the second gear has a 5:1 gear ratio for better efficiency at high speeds. A top speed of 210 kph is achieved in second gear.

The Mercedes CLA is the first Mercedes to come standard with an air-to-air heat pump which uses three energy sources in parallel: waste heat from the electric drive, the battery, and ambient air.

When Navigation with Electric Intelligence is activated, the heat pump heats the battery if needed.

Mercedes now responds to criticism that the brake pedal response was uneven when braking, which is through recuperation or friction braking. A by-wire system now ensures a linear brake pedal response regardless of whether it’s energy recovery or hydraulic braking. As with other Mercedes models, there are four recovery levels: D Auto, D+, D, and D-. ECO Assistant is active in D Auto mode. ECO Assistant can bring the car to a complete stop if there’s an obstacle ahead or warn the driver to take their foot off the accelerator with the message “Foot off the pedal”.

Li-ion battery with a new type of anode

Both models have a battery with a net capacity of 85 kWh. They have an anode made of graphite mixed with silicon oxide. Compared to the old battery with the conventional graphite anode, the new battery has an energy density of 680 Wh/l, 20% higher than before. The cobalt content has also been reduced.

A base CLA version with a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery with a net capacity of 58 kWh and an energy density of 450 Wh/l will debut later this year. Mercedes claims that the battery charges from 10 to 100% in 22 minutes with up to 320 kW and in 10 minutes it charges energy for 285-325 km for the CLA 250+ and 275-315 km for the CLA 350 4Matic. The Mercedes CLA charges at AC stations with up to 11 kW.

The new Mercedes CLA will be produced in Rastatt and BBAC will produce the version for China. The Kecsemet plant in Hungary will produce other models from the compact range.