Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class unveiled for entry EVs

The Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class unveiled at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich offers a close-to-production insight into the upcoming family of vehicles that stands at the gateway to electric and digital for the brand.

Four new models, including two SUVs, will be designed on the forthcoming Mercedes‑Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform (reducing value chain CO2 by more than 40%).

“The Concept CLA Class is the forerunner for an entirely new all-electric segment of entry-level vehicles at Mercedes-Benz,” says Mercedes-Benz AG management board chairman Ola Källenius.

“The range will comprise a total of four new models – a four-door coupé, a shooting brake and two stunning SUVs – each with significantly elevated product substance,” he says, adding the CLA “hypermiler” provides an insight into the first complete family of Mercedes-Benz electric cars developed from scratch, aiming to achieve net carbon neutrality along the entire value chain in its fleet of new vehicles in 2039.

The “hypermiler” one-litre EV aims for more than 750km (WLTP) range and 12kWh/100km energy consumption and includes an 800-volt battery for high electric efficiency and rapid charging of up to 400km in 15 minutes.

A new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) uses supercomputing and artificial intelligence to facilitate a new level of personalisation, safety, convenience and automated driving.

Low-energy LED lights include an animated star pattern pair with expansive glass roof, a child presence detection (CPD) sophisticated safety feature which mitigates the risk of young children being accidentally left in vehicle during warm weather.

The Concept CLA Class showcases the use of sustainable materials, ranging from almost CO2-free steel and CO2-reduced aluminium to sustainably produced and processed leather upholstery as well as trim made from paper.

“The technology that provides the foundation for the Concept CLA Class represents an entirely new approach for Mercedes-Benz and incorporates many learnings from our groundbreaking VISION EQXX technology programme,” says chief technology officer Markus Schafer.

“For instance, our engineers have maximised efficiency by driving down losses in its 800 V electric-drive system. It also features innovative battery cell chemistry as well as a high level of integration enabling excellent energy density.

“I am certain that our MMA platform will enable us to offer our customers in this market segment a class-defining combination of performance, sustainability, safety and comfort paired with an outstanding digital experience.”

Advanced driver assistance systems are supported by over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Mercedes-Benz’s vision redefines the car itself to become an entertainment and gaming centre, a productivity zone, a private oasis, even part of a server farm and the energy grid.

The Concept CLA Class’s bidirectional charging allows the vehicle to become an energy storage device and also serve as an electricity supply, either vehicle-to-home (V2H) or vehicle-to-grid (V2G).