The upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA will be the first car to feature the automaker’s groundbreaking electric drivetrain technology, which promises exceptional efficiency, performance, and sustainability.
Drawing from the innovations of the VISION EQXX concept, the system includes an 800-volt architecture, a two-speed gearbox, and state-of-the-art recuperation and charging capabilities.
The drivetrain is expected to achieve a remarkable battery-to-wheel efficiency of 93%, enabling energy consumption as low as 12 kWh/100 km and a WLTP-certified range exceeding 750km.
This high efficiency positions the CLA as a leader in long-range electric vehicle (EV) performance. The two-speed gearbox is designed to balance acceleration and high-speed efficiency, with gear shifts dynamically adjusted based on driving conditions and battery status.
The system’s 800-volt configuration also reduces charging times, allowing a recharge of up to 300km in just 10 minutes at a maximum DC charging power of 320 kW.
The CLA’s advanced drivetrain features a rear-axle electric drive unit producing up to 200 kW, developed entirely in-house by Mercedes-Benz.
The design minimises reliance on rare earth materials and incorporates innovative elements such as a double-V magnet rotor and stretched coil stator, which contribute to both efficiency and a quieter ride. For all-wheel-drive models, an 80-kW motor on the front axle can engage selectively via a Disconnect Unit, improving efficiency by reducing drag during low-power operations.
The system’s intelligent recuperation capabilities reclaim energy during braking, with deceleration rates of up to 3 m/s². Drivers can select different recuperation modes to optimise energy recovery based on driving conditions.
Charging efficiency is further enhanced by navigation with Electric Intelligence, which factors in topography, weather, driving behaviour, and charging station availability to dynamically plan routes and charging stops. The system also supports bidirectional charging, allowing the vehicle to serve as an energy storage system for home or grid use.
Customers will be able to choose between batteries with two different cell chemistries. The cells of the premium version with a usable energy content totalling 85 kWh have anodes in which silicon oxide is added to the graphite.
Compared to the predecessor battery with conventional graphite anodes, the gravimetric energy density is up to 20 % higher.
At cell level, the volumetric energy density of the cell chemistry is 680 Wh/l. The use of raw materials has been further optimised and reduced. In particular, the proportion of cobalt has been further reduced.
This is followed by an all-electric entry-level variant with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode battery. Its usable energy content is 58 kWh and the volumetric energy density of the cell chemistry is 450 Wh/l.
Shortly after the launch of the all-electric model in 2025, the CLA will be available as a hybrid with 48-volt technology and an electric motor with up to 20 kW drive power.
Thanks to energy recuperation and all-electric driving capability at urban speeds, this drivetrain would be particularly efficient.
This is enhanced by electric coasting at speeds of up to around 100 kph. The electric motor and inverter are integrated into a new electrified eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT).
The combustion engine is a new FAME (Family of Modular Engines) four-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine. The hybrid would initially be available in three power levels at 100, 120 or 140 kW.
