The new CLA is built on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), billed as a “Digital First” platform. In layman’s terms, this platform allows the creation of both combustion and battery electric versions as needed. The advantage is, of course, you can totally abandon the ICE versions in the future and just keep building battery electric versions. The priority here is for EVs.
As for the design, well, if you have been following Mercedes’ recent EV-focused design language, this doesn’t look all that different. This looks quite similar to the EQE and EQS models. That said, the new CLA is the production version of the Concept CLA Class that was showcased at the IAA MOBILITY in September 2023, which explains some of the design elements such as star design light signatures and a starry grille pattern. And, Mercedes is happy to share that all CLA models come as standard with a large panoramic glass roof with heat protection coating. Another key highlight is that the frunk is making a comeback in a Mercedes after 90 years. The Mercedes-Benz 130 (W 23) from the 1930s was the brand’s first vehicle with a frunk.
Thanks to the aforementioned new platform, the new CLA has grown in dimensions. It now measures 4,723 mm long (+35), 1,855 mm wide (+25) and 1,468 mm tall (+29), with a wheelbase of 2,790 mm (+61). As for the luggage capacity, the aforementioned frunk offers 101 litres of storage, while the boot offers 405 litres. Alloy wheels come in a choice of 10 designs, ranging from 17- to 19-inches.
The interior looks quite fancy, indeed. There’s this huge floating glass panel-like design on the dashboard, housing a 10.25-inch driver display and a 14-inch central display. However, this ‘MBUX Superscreen’ is an optional fitment, which means the standard dashboard is gonna look different. If you’re going to spec the MBUX Superscreen, you might as well spec the optional 14-inch passenger display as well.
If you don’t spec the passenger display, that real estate gets a star pattern graphic – with an option for a backlit version. A head-up display with a virtual size of 12.2-inch is also an optional extra. 16-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound System, Dolby Atmos, and an optional wireless smartphone charging cradle can also be found in the options list. Two types of seats are available in the new CLA: the standard-fit comfort seats and the optional sports seats. Both seats have content from recycled materials.
The hybrid CLA is a combination of a new 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (M 252) (Miller cycle), designed for reduced NVH, efficiency and future emission standards. The engine is coupled with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The lithium-ion battery pack has only 1.3 kWh capacity, but at slow speeds and for short distances, electric-only driving is possible. The electric motor is integrated into the 8-speed DCT.
As for the all-electric CLA, you get two options: CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic. The 250 is an RWD model, offering peak outputs of 200 kW (272 metric hp) and 335 Nm (247 lb-ft), while the 350 is an AWD with two motors, offering peak outputs of 260 kW (353.5 metric hp) and 515 Nm (380 lb-ft). Both models get an 85 kWh Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt pack, with estimated WLTP ranges of up to 792 km (492 mi) and 771 km (479 mi), respectively. Those numbers may seem a bit unrealistic, but the new CLA boasts a drag co-efficiency of 0.21 Cd, and, the powertrain technology is derived from the VISION EQXX. Mercedes claims that the battery-to-wheel efficiency over long distances is 93%.
The drive architecture includes a two-speed transmission on the rear axle. The first gear has a short ratio of 11:1, enabling acceleration right from the start, a high towing capacity and efficiency in urban traffic. The second gear (ratio: 5:1) is designed for power delivery at high speeds and high efficiency on the motorway for long-distance range and comfort. The top speed is also achieved in the second gear.
Also, the all-electric CLA is the first Mercedes to come as standard with an air-side heat pump. It no longer takes a detour through a water circuit and can use three energy sources in parallel as a so-called multi-source model: waste heat from the electric drive, the battery and ambient air. The air-to-air heat pump contributes to the high efficiency of the CLA by utilizing this “free” heat.
