New Mercedes CLA to Feature Hybrid and All-Electric Powertrains
Mercedes-Benz is all set to unveil the new Mercedes CLA, a model designed with cutting-edge technology, efficiency, and sustainable performance in mind.
The new CLA will offer both hybrid and all-electric powertrains, providing buyers with options to suit different driving preferences and environmental considerations.
Let's dive into the details of the upcoming model, including the hybrid powertrain and the electric drivetrains that promise both power and efficiency.
The new Mercedes CLA will be available with a mild-hybrid powertrain featuring the M252 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, designed to be as compact as possible for integration into the new MMA platform, which was engineered primarily for electric vehicles.
Despite its small size, this engine promises diesel-level efficiency, thanks to the incorporation of a 27hp EV motor powered by a 1.3kWh 48V battery.
The M252 engine comes with various power outputs: 136hp or 163hp for the front-wheel-drive variants, and up to 190hp for the CLA 4Matic, which includes all-wheel drive. This mild-hybrid system provides impressive power with a reduced environmental impact. The engine will be coupled with an integrated electric motor and inverter, enabling smooth transitions between power modes.
For short distances, the CLA can run in EV-only mode, making it a more efficient option for urban commuting, while still retaining the power needed for longer journeys.
The hybrid system charges its battery via regenerative braking, with energy recovery occurring up to 25kW during deceleration. This system also allows the start-stop function to be almost imperceptible, further improving the driving experience.
The CLA’s all-electric variant is where the new Mercedes truly shines in terms of performance and sustainability. The MMA platform brings a wealth of innovation, with its 800V hardware allowing for rapid charging capabilities. The CLA EV features a battery that supports charging at up to 320kW, enabling it to go from 10 to 80 percent in just 10 minutes. This makes long trips much more manageable and further enhances the EV's appeal.
Mercedes is also focusing heavily on efficiency, with the CLA EV achieving a battery-to-wheel efficiency figure of 93 percent. This means that the CLA can potentially deliver over 700km on a single charge, making it one of the most efficient vehicles in its class. For context, this range surpasses competitors like the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i5.
In terms of performance, the CLA EV is equipped with a new rear axle electric motor, delivering up to 272hp, while the 4Matic models will feature a second motor at the front, providing an additional 108hp when needed.
The rear motor utilizes the newly designed EDU 2.0 system, which integrates a 2-speed gearbox for optimal efficiency, whether in city driving or at high speeds on highways.
During testing at the Nardo Ring in Italy, a prototype of the CLA EV covered 3,717km in 24 hours, setting a new record for the longest distance driven by an electric vehicle. Given the focus on energy efficiency, Mercedes is claiming that the CLA EV will have a real-world range of over 700km per charge, making it a serious contender in the electric vehicle market.
The larger 85kWh battery (offered as an option) will feature silicon oxide anodes, which increase the gravimetric energy density by 20 percent, compared to current cells. This means the CLA EV will be able to travel further with the same or less battery capacity.
Although the older-generation CLA was once available in India in the form of the A-Class Limousine, Mercedes has not yet confirmed when the new CLA will be launched in the Indian market.
However, given the growing demand for both hybrid and electric vehicles in India, the new Mercedes CLA is expected to be an exciting addition to the country’s automotive landscape.
With a choice of mild-hybrid and all-electric powertrains, the 2024 Mercedes CLA is an exciting step into a new era of automotive technology. Whether you’re looking for impressive fuel efficiency with the hybrid model or cutting-edge electric performance, the CLA offers something for every driving preference. Mercedes’ focus on efficiency, rapid charging, and long-range driving ensures that the CLA will stand out as one of the most technologically advanced cars in its segment.
The future looks bright for the new Mercedes CLA, and we can’t wait to see how it performs when it hits the roads. Stay tuned for more updates on this innovative model.
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