The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is the first model in a completely new family of vehicles, offering improvements in space, refinement, comfort, intelligence and efficiency over its predecessor.
The world premiere in Rome last night highlights both an all-electric version and, later in the year, a hybrid variant equipped with 48-volt technology and an electric motor integrated into the transmission.
At the heart of the CLA is the newly developed Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which enables the vehicle to function as a highly intelligent machine.
This system, enhanced by artificial intelligence, connects a built-in supercomputer to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, allowing for regular over-the-air updates that cover key functions, including driving assistance systems.
The integration of MB.OS also introduces the fourth generation of the MBUX system, which now incorporates AI components from both Microsoft and Google.
The updated interface features a superscreen that displays essential information, suggestions and recently used applications, with user-customisable app grouping and navigation similar to that on a smartphone.
Mercedes-Benz has placed an emphasis on improving the in-car digital experience. The new MBUX system supports intuitive interaction and seamless integration of content from third-party providers, while retaining the brand’s familiar interface.
The MBUX Virtual Assistant, enhanced with generative AI, is capable of handling complex, multi-turn dialogues and provides detailed navigation support through integration with Google Maps.
The navigation system, developed in partnership with Google, includes features such as real-time route planning with charging stop suggestions and a 3D representation of the surroundings, thus aiding driver situational awareness.
Safety and assistance technologies are also a focus for the CLA. European models come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including DISTRONIC Distance Assist, while additional assistance systems — bundled under MB.DRIVE — will be available as options at launch.
Among these is Lane Change Assist, which simplifies the process of lane changing by activating assistance systems with a single indicator click. The suite of driver support systems is designed to work together to help prevent accidents by monitoring driving conditions and intervening when necessary.
Unlike the EQE and EQS, the CLA is not built on a dedicated EV platform. Instead, the new CLA is based on a compromised solution. It rides on a new platform called Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) that allows for both internal-combustion and all-electric propulsion.
That means there are spaces designed into the platform so that it can accommodate either an engine or an electric propulsion system. In either case, the CLA is lugging around big spaces, extra material and extra weight.
For example, the CLA 350 is extra heavy for a small car, weighing in at 2,134kg.
The MMA is in fact part of Mercedes’s strategy to hedge its bets on both ICE cars and EVs as demand for the former is still going on strong, while sales of EVs are faltering, which is an industry-wide malaise.
Battery electric CLA
The all-electric variants of the CLA, including the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology, offer zero CO2 emissions and a 40 per cent reduction in carbon footprint compared to non-electrified models.
These versions achieve low energy consumption figures—with the CLA 250+ reporting between 12.2 and 14.1 kWh per 100 km—and offer ranges of up to 792km (WLTP).
The vehicles are equipped with an 800-volt electrical architecture that supports fast DC charging; for example, the CLA 250+ can recharge up to 325 kilometres of range within 10 minutes at charging powers of up to 320 kW.
A new generation of 85 kWh lithium-ion batteries, featuring a mix of silicon oxide and graphite anodes, offers increased energy density and reduces the battery’s carbon footprint by approximately 30 per cent compared to previous models.
In addition to these technological advancements, the CLA employs a two-speed transmission on its rear axle. The first gear ensures strong acceleration and high towing capacity while offering efficiency in urban conditions, and the second gear is optimised for high-speed performance and long-distance comfort.
An air-to-air heat pump, a first for a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, uses energy from the drivetrain, battery and ambient air to pre-condition the cabin more efficiently than conventional auxiliary heaters.
Hybrid CLA
Turning to the hybrid variant, the new CLA hybrid is designed to mirror the aesthetics of its all-electric counterpart while incorporating a few distinctive features. One notable visual difference is the grille, which for the hybrid retains the classic Mercedes-Benz design with a chrome star pattern framed by an LED light guide. This subtle design cue helps differentiate the hybrid from the electric version without compromising the model’s overall appearance.
The hybrid powertrain combines a 48-volt system with an integrated electric motor positioned within the transmission. This compact integration, achieved through a side-by-side arrangement with the combustion engine, forms a tightly integrated unit comprising the electric motor, inverter and transmission.
The new lithium-ion battery, with an energy content of up to 1.3 kWh, is designed in a flatpack format that saves space while ensuring efficient power delivery. This battery configuration supports electric driving at low power demands and contributes to the overall efficiency of the system.
Under the bonnet, the hybrid variant uses a new four-cylinder petrol engine from the FAME engine family. With a displacement of 1.5 litres, the engine employs a Miller-cycle combustion process, which involves early valve closure to reduce throttling losses and maintain a high compression ratio.
This design enhances fuel efficiency and reduces NO? emissions under typical driving conditions. The engine is offered in three power levels, allowing customers to choose between front-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive configurations according to their driving needs.
The transmission in the CLA hybrid is a new eight-speed dual-clutch unit known as the “eDCT,” in which the electric motor is integrated directly into the transmission. This configuration provides a broad spread of gear ratios that optimise engine performance and efficiency across the driving range.
The design allows the combustion engine to be started by the electric motor and a disconnect clutch, eliminating the need for a conventional starter. The system’s seamless switching between electric and combustion modes ensures that the maximum torque is available over a wide speed range, while energy recuperation is achieved in all eight gears, recovering up to 25 kW of power.
Production at Rastatt
Production of the new CLA models takes place at the Rastatt plant in Germany, where both the all-electric and hybrid variants are built flexibly on the same production line.
The Rastatt facility, which is supplied entirely by green electricity and operates on a net carbon-neutral basis, is a leading site in Mercedes-Benz’s global production network.
As a pioneer of the company’s “Digital First” approach, the plant has implemented extensive digital twin technologies for the virtual commissioning of assembly processes. In addition to the CLA, other models such as the A-Class, B-Class, GLA SUV and the all-electric EQA are produced at Rastatt.
Following a gradual ramp-up in production at Rastatt, the CLA will also be manufactured for the Chinese market by Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd (BBAC).
Furthermore, in collaboration with the Hungarian plant in Kecskemét, additional models from the new CLA family are expected to follow after the start of production.
Mercedes-Benz aims to deliver a versatile vehicle that caters to a range of regional mobility needs while adhering to stringent environmental standards.
