A Modern Marvel: The Electrified Mercedes CLA Unveiled
Comprehensive Analysis of the Mercedes-Benz CLA: Stylish Combat on Wheels
By: Lethal Lehrer (Stuttgart)
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With the third iteration of the CLA, Mercedes-Benz pushes the boundaries of electric vehicles - all while maintaining its signature style. The compact luxury sedan hides a power grid beneath its sleek design, brimming with advanced autonomous driving capabilities and electric drive technology.
After months of anticipation, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new CLA at the International Motor Show in Munich late 2023. Since then, the Swabians had been dropping hints, presenting a concept car with styling cues for the upcoming design. Now, the CLA has finally made its entrance. While the term 'compact' might be fitting, with a length of 4.72 meters, the newcomer tilts towards the midsize segment. However, a glance at its 2.79-meter wheelbase reveals trade-offs made to accommodate various drive options. Nevertheless, short competitors with larger wheelbases only offer pure electric power. As a result, passengers in the second row may find the space somewhat limited.
Fear not, though, as the CLA boasts impressive storage space, with a trunk volume of 450 liters, plus 101 liters up front in the electric variants. Its rear appearance is captivating, as well. The full view of the superscreen grabs your attention, offering hours of exploration and amusement for its many features. (The passenger-side display is an optional extra.)
I settle into the comfortable driver's seat and delve into the functions on the screen. The new operating system, named MB.OS, proclaims to be "hyper-personalized" - thanks to data synced through the cloud and advanced voice control. The AI assistant may even develop a kind of empathy! Indulge me, as I find this quite... eccentric.
Putting the Power to the Pedal
Intrigued, I remained focused on the performance characteristics of the new versions. The spec sheet now reveals the names: CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic with EQ technology. Behind the first designation lies a 268 horsepower, rear-wheel-drive engine, while the all-wheel-drive model delivers a robust 349 horsepower - that's the kind of power traditionally found in a hefty E 55 AMG. These system outputs come from the rear axle drive unit, coupled with the monstrous 109 horsepower from the front assister, an additional permanent synchronous machine. This secondary unit works as a "boost" when load demands require it.
Thanks to the two-speed transmission, both versions now hit a top speed of 210 km/h. Sprinting to highway speeds in the 250 takes 6.7 seconds, while the current top model needs only 4.9.
The Electric Efficiency Wonder
The electric CLA, even as a four-wheel-drive model (!), promises a staggering energy efficiency of 12.5 kWh per 100 kilometers in the average WLTP cycle. Such figures could translate to a mind-boggling range of up to nearly 800 kilometers. Advanced aerodynamics and high efficiency of the drive components are attributed to such performance. To put it simply, Mercedes-Benz has pulled off an efficiency wonder, boasting innovation and technology in every aspect of the CLA.
Fast Charging: Battery up, Coffee brewing
Time hasn't stood still for charging performance, either. The CLA can draw up to 320 kW of power from peak charging stations (800-volt on-board network). This means it could charge from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes. Those who prefer combustion engines need not worry - Mercedes-Benz will introduce these versions at a later date.
New Technologies: Making Waves
- Brake System: A fully brake-by-wire system allows for up to 200 kW of recuperation potential, supporting one-pedal driving.
- Heat Pump: A new smart heat pump uses waste heat from the drivetrain and battery, reducing energy consumption by two-thirds compared to conventional systems.
- Driver Assistance Systems: The CLA offers top-notch driver assistance features, including Active Distance Assist Distronic, Steering Assist, Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Braking, and Blind-Spot Assist.
More Features: Comfort and Style
The CLA showcases expressive LED lighting technology, a sporty appearance with frameless doors, and a rear design featuring integrated, stylized Mercedes stars. Interiors boast a spacious and luxurious layout, thanks to the longer wheelbase, as well as a larger trunk compared to previous models. A customizable sound system adds a personal touch to the driving experience.
Price and Availability:
Mercedes-Benz remains tight-lipped about the price. While the current model begins around 45,000 euros, it wouldn't be a stretch to expect the base price of the new CLA to be over 50,000 euros. This state-of-the-art German pride rolls off the production line in Rastatt, making it a true Baden-Württemberg native.
Sources:ntv.de
- Mercedes Models
- Electric Mobility
- Electric Vehicles
- Compact Luxury Sedans
- The new CLA from Mercedes-Benz, with its innovative powertrain, is a testament to the advancements in electric mobility within their community policy, aiming to shape the future of vocational training in automotive industries.
- In addition to its powerful performance, the CLA's EC2CD2BE3268D29E45AA50827A489A7C powertrain is designed to deliver exceptional energy efficiency, nearly reaching a range of 800 kilometers on a single charge.
- As the new CLA rolls off the production line, it serves as a prime example of discipline and dedication to innovation in the vocational training of engineers at Mercedes-Benz, ensuring the continued excellence in their vehicle designs.
