The next Mercedes CLA: electric car to charge very quickly

Contents

Mercedes is struggling in the electric car market: the EQE and EQS luxury models are clearly not to the taste of the target group. This also applies to the less expensive EQA and EQB, which are overshadowed by comparable models with combustion engines. At the IAA in Munich last year, Mercedes showed how the brand envisions a new start for its e-strategy. The next CLA will be just the beginning, with further offshoots on the same basis to follow. The core elements are a voltage level of 800 volts and a new operating system.

Charging power increased

"Everything we promised last fall at the premiere of the study at the IAA in Munich, we want to keep or exceed," promises Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius. This relates above all to the drive system and its power supply. The most economical CLA should achieve a maximum consumption of 12 kWh/100 km in the WLTP, with a range of up to 750 km. A sticking point with the previous small e-cars from Mercedes was the charging capacity. Although the charging curve is quite flat within a wide window, it is not possible to charge at more than 100 kW. This is difficult to advertise, even if the maximum charging power plays a subordinate role in many driving profiles.

With a voltage level of 800 volts, it is possible to significantly increase the charging power. This results from the equation

Power (watts) = Voltage (volts) × Amperage (amps)

Mercedes has not yet revealed the exact charging capacity that can be calculated. The target is to recharge enough electricity for a range of 400 km in 15 minutes. At least two drive systems are planned: a rear-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive with an additional electric motor on the front axle. A two-speed gearbox is also planned. Whether this will be available in both versions is unknown. From 2026, the CLA will also be available with a mild hybrid petrol engine that drives the front wheels. This engine will be developed in Germany and built in China by Geely.

Competition for the C-Class

A short test drive in a pre-production model provides initial impressions. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of space in the front and rear. There is a large glass roof as standard, which has to make do without mechanical shading and cannot be opened. At 4.75 m in length, it is a few centimetres longer than its predecessor and its dimensions are similar to those of the current C-Class, which is likely to get a makeover next year.

MB.OS operating system

The CLA and its offshoots will be the first Mercedes models to receive the MB.OS operating system. Mercedes continues to rely on powerful hardware in the car, but is expanding the cloud connection at the same time. With the exception of the base model, all versions will have a display front covering the entire width of the cockpit. Naturally, the proportion of AI will increase. An app store with an extensive selection is also integrated, as is ChatGPT. With the MBUX Virtual Assistant, Mercedes promises an "improved relationship between car and driver through natural, intuitive interaction and proactive support". My colleague Detlef was not completely convinced by the first generation of an "Intelligent Interior Assistant" in his S-Class, so perhaps a successor will make it.

Bild 1 von 8

Mercedes CLA 2025 (8 Bilder)

The official launch of the new CLA is scheduled for 2025. It won't be alone for long. The successors to the GLA, GLB and a CLA Shooting Brake are also set to follow quickly on this basis. We expect all derivatives to be on the market by the end of 2026. After all, Mercedes has no time to lose. So far, there has been no clear announcement on prices, but there has been a statement that the company does not want to go along with the dumping of some competitors. Mercedes will try to push through premium prices. To do this, the manufacturer will have to deliver more than before at the second attempt. The first impression is that it could succeed.

(vbr)