The Mercedes-Benz Idea CLA-Class debuted on Sunday on the Munich motor present as a showcase for the upgraded EV expertise the German luxurious model will put into its subsequent technology of small EVs. A lot of the Idea CLA’s tech was derived from the Imaginative and prescient EQXX, a automotive created to discover larger EV effectivity.
Proven as a coupe-like four-door sedan, Mercedes mentioned the vary may even spawn a wagon (known as a taking pictures brake) and a pair of SUVs, probably replacements for the EQA- and EQB-Class fashions, in addition to their GLA- and and GLB-Class fuel counterparts.
The Idea CLA-Class is the primary car to make use of the model’s new Mercedes Modular Structure (MMA) platform that has been developed first for EVs however may even help inside combustion engines, probably in hybrid configurations.
The idea additionally previews a battery system beneath improvement that may let patrons select between two battery chemistries, the carry-over lithium-iron-phosphate design or a brand new silicon-oxide-anode design for higher power density. Mercedes says the latter battery has a smalerl quantity, its cells are held along with adhesive as a substitute of screws, and is lighter and stiffer than the lithium battery.
Mercedes-Benz Idea CLA-Class
The Idea CLA has a brand new 800-volt electrical structure (all earlier Mercedes EVs have had 400-volt techniques) that may enable the silicon-oxide battery to get well as much as 248 miles (probably as measured per the WLTP cycle) in quarter-hour on a DC quick charger pushing as much as 250 kw. The automotive can also be able to vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-home bidirectional charging.
Mercedes claims the brand new battery will present as much as 466 miles of vary on the beneficiant WLTP cycle with an effectivity of 5.2 miles per kw/hr. That ought to nonetheless be 350 or extra miles on the EPA cycle. Mercedes has not introduced the sizes of the 2 batteries.
Energy for the Idea CLA comes from a powertrain design developed for the EQXX. It is a rear-mounted completely excited synchronous motor that makes 235 hp. It is mated to a 2-speed transmission. Together with the facility electronics, the powertrain weighs about 243 kilos, and Mercedes says it could possibly ship as much as 93% effectivity from battery to wheel in long-distance driving. The share of uncommon earth metals can also be lowered to “close to zero.”
Mercedes-Benz Idea CLA-Class
Exterior design performs off the look earlier CLA generations, however with a techier aptitude particularly in the usage of lighting. The headlights and taillights take the form of the Mercedes star brand, and the grille, which has a shark nostril ahead tilt, has 264 little Mercedes stars of its personal in addition to one giant star brand. Every of the small stars may be lit up by three LEDs to create patterns to welcome a driver, say goodbye, or simply impress onlookers. One other 652 stars are embossed into the glass roof, which has only one pillar for help on the entrance. A number of extra stars are discovered within the design of every wheel.
The general profile is conventional CLA, although with cleaner facet surfacing and wider rear haunches to accommodate wider rear tires in addition to a wider rear observe. The wheels span 21 inches and the tires measure 255/35 up entrance and 285/30 within the rear.
Mercedes-Benz Idea CLA-Class
Inside, the Idea CLA options the Mercedes Superscreen that extends the width of the sprint and incorporates analog and digital controls for the local weather system through rings embedded within the glass at every finish of the sprint. A floating middle console leaves room for purses and the like under it, and on the entrance of the firewall Mercedes highlights the MB.OS processor that runs the automobiles’ electronics.
The cabin’s sustainable inside supplies additionally originated with the EQXX. They embrace material comprised of recycled PET plastic, nappa leather-based tanned with espresso bean shells, synthetic silk, bamboo for the ground mats, and even handled paper for some trim. An improved warmth pump, additionally from the EQXX, extra effectively warms the inside through the use of ambient air and heated air from the drivetrain.
Mercedes says the Idea CLA has SAE Stage 2 driver-assistance techniques that may deal with the controls in some conditions. Lidar will probably be added to the manufacturing automotive sooner or later, and Mercedes says SAE Stage 3 self-driving will probably be obtainable, although that will probably be topic to native laws. A rear seat little one detector system will probably be obtainable from the beginning.
A manufacturing model of the Imaginative and prescient CLA will debut in late 2024 because the CLA-Class four-door coupe, most likely as a 2025 mannequin. Prototypes have been noticed testing. Search for an official reveal of the manufacturing automotive subsequent yr, and pricing and full specs ought to observe nearer to launch.
