Mercedes-Benz has revealed a “close-to-production” concept model of its forthcoming next-generation CLA sedan at this yr’s Munich motor present.
The Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class is an electric sedan set to rival the likes of the Tesla Model 3. It’s based mostly on the brand new, scalable MMA platform which can be used to suit autos in different segments.
It’s powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 175kW of energy, which is mated to a two-speed transmission. Mercedes-Benz says this electric drive unit is “immediately” derived from the wild Vision EQXX from final yr.
This electric motor is fed by a battery pack with an undisclosed capability. There is a alternative of two totally different cell chemistries, with the entry variant utilizing lithium iron phosphate (LFP), whereas the top-spec has an anode design with silicon-oxide content material for “wonderful vitality density”.
Mercedes-Benz claims the Concept CLA Class has an “anticipated” vary of greater than 750km in response to WLTP testing, with claimed vitality consumption of round 12kWh per 100km. For context, the Tesla Model 3 RWD has a claimed vitality consumption of 13.4kWh per 100km.
The Concept CLA Class has an 800V electrical structure which is claimed so as to add 400km of vary in simply quarter-hour of charging.
The electric sedan concept additionally has bi-directional charging functionality, within the type of vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G).
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It’s anticipated there will likely be internal-combustion (ICE) variations of the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA as properly, because the MMA platform helps each electric and ICE powertrains.
The Concept CLA Class’s form is an evolution of the present automotive, however with various components taken from the Vision EQXX.
At the entrance there’s a whale shark-like fake grille made up of illuminated star-pattern LED lights, in addition to semi-circular headlights with a star-pattern lighting signature. There’s additionally an LED mild band that wraps across the complete entrance of the automotive.
The aspect profile of the Concept CLA Class is sort of paying homage to the current-generation mannequin, although this concept has some wild 21-inch colander-looking wheels. There are additionally retractable door handles.
Cascading from the roof to the rear is one big piece of glass that has an illuminated Mercedes-Benz star sample in it.
The rear is sort of a mirror picture of the entrance with semi-circular tail lights with a star-pattern lighting signature, in addition to a full-width mild bar.
Inside, the Concept CLA is centred across the new MBUX Superscreen full-width dashboard setup.
There are three screens that includes mini-LED expertise and 3D graphics from the Vision EQXX.
The screens are flanked by turbine-like digital air vents for the dual-zone local weather management, and as anticipated of a contemporary Mercedes-Benz the cabin is awash with ambient lighting.
On the protection entrance, the Concept CLA Class is alleged to supply Level 2 partially automated driving due to LiDAR-supplemented sensing expertise.
It additionally has a brand new baby presence detection system that’s designed to mitigate the danger of younger youngsters being by chance left in a automotive throughout heat climate.
Mercedes-Benz says manufacturing of MMA autos will initially start in Rastatt, Germany; Kecsketmét, Germany; and Beijing, China.
At this stage it’s unclear when Mercedes-Benz will reveal the manufacturing model of the next-generation CLA, or when manufacturing will start, although prototypes have already been spied testing.
