Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation CLA will arguably be certainly one of its most necessary fashions in its fashionable historical past, providing refined electrical automobile (EV) know-how in an entry-level mannequin.
As beforehand reported, the brand new third-generation CLA will debut the Mercedes-Benz Modular Structure (MMA), which may assist each full-electric and petrol-hybrid powertrains and also will be used on two SUVs and a wagon. It’ll be utilized by the model’s smallest automobiles.
Within the electrical CLA, the primary Mercedes-Benz EV to make use of an 800-volt structure, there’ll be a alternative of two batteries: a 58kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack, and a flagship 85kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt battery (NMC).
Mercedes-Benz claims 58kWh variations can drive for as much as 600km on a cost, whereas 85kWh variations can go for 750km.
The longest-range EV from the three-pointed star at current is the EQS 450+ liftback, which has a claimed 774km of vary on the WLTP cycle.
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These figures are due to a claimed effectivity of 12kWh/100km on Europe’s WLTP lab take a look at cycle. For context, the bottom Tesla Mannequin 3 RWD has a claimed energy consumption of 13.2kWh/100km in the identical lab take a look at.
The upper-capacity battery will also be charged at as much as 350kW on DC energy.
EV variations of the CLA will probably be supplied with a alternative of rear- or all-wheel drive.
Rear-wheel drive examples utilise a 200kW motor (marketed because the Electrical Drive Unit 2.0) which encompasses a two-speed gearbox, a primary for an ‘entry-level’ EV, that’s claimed to enhance effectivity at various speeds.
All-wheel drive CLAs add a 80kW electrical motor on the entrance axle, which is decoupled when not wanted so as to additional improve the sedan’s effectivity.
Whereas a lot of the main target is on the brand new CLA’s claimed vary figures, Mercedes-Benz is hedging its bets by additionally creating the mannequin as a mild-hybrid, as demand for full-electric fashions cools in sure markets.
Powering the CLA will probably be a brand new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission which options an built-in 20kW electrical motor.
A 1.3kWh, 48-volt lithium-ion battery provides energy to the electrical motor, which dietary supplements the petrol engine’s outputs.
Mercedes-Benz says it’ll provide three output ranges initially, with 100kW/200Nm, 120kW/250Nm and 140kW/300Nm choices.
For context, the front-wheel drive CLA200 at the moment on sale in Australia produces 120kW/270Nm from its turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, which additionally encompasses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system within the type of a belt-driven starter-generator.
Relying in the marketplace, consumers will probably be given the selection of front- or all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t but offered claimed gas consumption figures for the upcoming hybrid CLA, but it surely’s anticipated to be extra environment friendly than the present mannequin.
Whereas Mercedes-Benz’s newest launch detailing the CLA solely included these pictures with clear bodywork additions to disguise the mannequin, a extra pared-back model was unveiled on the Pageant d’Hyères style present final month.
The manufacturing mannequin is anticipated to be a toned-down model of what was previewed by the Idea CLA Class from the 2023 Munich motor present.
It’ll function frameless home windows, a barely drooping rear deck, and arched roof line which have develop into mainstays of the CLA vary, whereas flush-fitting door handles and round lighting signatures will make their debut on the ‘coupe’ styled sedan.
Manufacturing of the brand new CLA is anticipated to begin in Germany and China within the latter half of 2025, that means it’s probably the third-generation sedan gained’t arrive in Australia till 2026.
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