In the summer of 2022 we were guests at the Mercedes test circuit in Immingingen to ride there with the Vision EQXX, an electric study model. Efficiency and therefore action radius were the spearheads. Much of the technology and the experience gained can be found in the new Mercedes CLA, which is now a standard bearer of the brand. A role that was previously reserved for the S. de Cla is not only there as EV, there is also a version with a combustion engine.
The Vision EQXX achieved no less than 1,202 kilometers on a battery charge (100 kWh) that year, which can largely be attributed to the extremely streamlined carriage with a CW value of 0.17. The new CLA comes there with its 0.21 fairly close, where the first generation already recorded an impressive 0.22 for the CLA 180 Blue Efficiency in 2013. Tesla proves that a low air resistance is everything like no other. Mercedes also applied this principle to the EQE and EQS, but those two kilometer cannons appear to be a bit too extreme for the classic Mercedes driver. The new CLA remains faithful to its predecessors with its lines, a first look learns. The trend for a four -door Coupé put the brand with the CLS more than twenty years ago. Along with this CLA, a new platform makes its debut: MMA, an abbreviation that stands for Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture. This serves as a basis for more future models, such as a new EQA and EQB. The modular character is not only reflected in different types of vehicle, but also in two types of powertrain: gasoline and electric. A strategy that applies more brands, it is gambling on two horses, smart and necessary.
Slade nose with 142 illuminated stars
What is the action radius of the Mercedes CLA?
The heart of the electric CLA is the new electric motor, the 272 hp Eats 2.0, combined in-house, combined with an 800 Volt system. This technology has been developed and tested in the Vision EQXX. The special thing about this powertrain is the integrated two -stage automatic transmission. We know this principle of the Porsche Taycan, where it has been applied to optimize the performance. That is also partly the case in the CLA, but that is even more about the efficiency, although the acceleration and towing weight (1,500 or 1,800 kg) also benefit from the two gears. Just as a fuel engine has a speed area in which the operating degree is optimal – the so -called Sweet Spot – it appears that the Mercedes techies also worked out with an electric motor. The result is a lower consumption and therefore a larger driving range. The CLA 350 has a second engine on the front axle. No asynchronous engine but a permanent magnet synchronous engine (PSM) that can be fully disconnected. Only the drive shafts then provide extra friction resistance, but the range of 771 km shows a small difference with the rear -wheel -driven CLA, which is good for 792 km.
Yes, the CLA now also has a light bar at the back
How quickly can the Mercedes CLA load?
There was quite a lot to do about that 800 volt system from the moment Mercedes announced the new CLA. Because what is the case? The CLA cannot load with a 400 Volt DC charger, where brands such as Kia, Porsche and SMART have devised an inverter or other solution for their 800 Volt platform. Stupid move from Mercedes or conscious strategy? They themselves do not seem to get hot or cold from all criticism, but it was nevertheless decided to offer an inverter as an option from next spring. For the record: the majority of the fast chargers works with 800 volts, except the Superchargers from Tesla. So you can’t go there with your electric CLA.
On the other hand: thanks to that spacious action radius you don’t have to go that often. And once you stand there and the circumstances are optimal, then you can load with 320 kW. That amounts to 325 kilometers in ten minutes. The NMC battery has a usable capacity of 85 kWh and has a twenty percent higher energy density compared to the previous battery. The Kobalt share has been pushed back. A smaller battery will be available next year. LFP, with a net capacity of 58 kWh. Even with that, this car has a very considerable range, although no figures have yet been communicated. The CLA is prepared for bi-directional loading, V2L and V2G.
Recovery reinvented
Mercedes developed a new type of heat pump that works on the basis of air and extracts heat from the battery, the engine and the environment. This pump uses only a third of the energy that a conventional heating system needs. Under very cold conditions, short -lived electric heating jumps, it is impossible to escape. A study was also made of the recovery, based on a ‘one box’ brake system. The brake booster and the ESP unit are combined in a compact module. In practice it means that braking always goes through recuperation, even during an emergency stop on slippery surfaces it still works, up to a maximum of 200 kW. Whichever mode you have chosen for. You operate this by moving the selection lever of the driving level on the steering column forward or backwards. If you choose the automatic mode, the system takes into account the traffic before you and you will receive the advice to hitchhike the stream pedal via a notification on the dashboard. In addition, there is input from the navigation and the speed is automatically adjusted to the bend or roundabout that comes.
Frunk with a capacity of 101 liters
Infotainment with Chat GPT
How does that all work out in practice? We step behind the wheel of a CLA 250+ and immediately see screens from left to right, of which that is optional on the passenger side (the MBUX Superscreen). The brain of the CLA is the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, in short MB.OS, which is being kept entirely over the air up to date. For the infotainment system there is Mercedes-Benz User Experience, MBUX, and the fourth generation. Including a virtual assistant who uses chat GTP and Google, among others. So if you want to know on the way from Appingedam to Hellevoetsluis how deep the Marianentrog is or how many inhabitants the capital of Bolivia has and what their average annual income is; Feel free to ask. The navigation system uses Google Maps and calculates long routes including charging stops and of course only takes 800 volt chargers into the calculation. The finish and the materials used are as we can expect in a Mercedes, even though we see hard, black plastic and eyes in the lower regions the chrome edges around the outer ventilation grilles almost kitsch. We also see that Das Haus also made the switch to only two window switches, with the choice of the front or rear.
The multimedia system uses MBUX of the fourth generation
How does the Mercedes CLA run?
The controls initially feels very light, but luckily you can configure. Whether you immediately opt for the driving mode sport, then there is more gravity and a kind of feeling. What you also experience clearly during full acceleration is the switch from the first to the second gear at 110 km/h. If you drive in Eco or Comfort mode, it is hardly perceptible and it may be that the system already switches at 60 km/h. Yes, everything for efficiency. Without paying in driving pleasure, we notice during a hilly route with many curves. The optimum weight distribution, rear -wheel drive and the highly cultivated chassis ensure driving pleasure and comfort, even if you ultimately notice the high weight. The CLA mainly radiates peace and self -confidence, exactly as you expect from a Mercedes. The intelligent recovery works particularly well in practice. On the highway the car rolls out nicely, in the city it adjusts the speed to the vehicle in front if you lift the gas and that up to a standstill. Moreover, it prevents unnecessary slowing, that is also a profit and prevents unrest on board.
There will also be a CLA with gasoline engine
Mercedes gives an average consumption of 12.2 kWh/100 km. That is very low and we have to place a small comment on that. Because the basic version is on 17-inches with streamlined hubcaps, we know them from other brands. Then you have on the front axle 205/55/17 and behind 225/55/17. Less rolling and air resistance than with the 19-inch tires under the test car (225 in front, 255 rear). After a round on highways, cornering roads and through the city we get just below 15 kW/100. We have not taken very quietly on the fun and challenging pieces of the route.
As you can read in the intro, there will also be a CLA with a combustion engine and then you suddenly have a front -wheel drive (4Matic is available). For the drive, a 1.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder with 136, 163 or 190 hp, developed in a joint venture Net Geely. That power source is attached to a new eight -speed automatic transmission with double clutch and an integrated electric motor with a capacity of 27 hp. This makes this a hybrid, fully electric driving is possible in the city, but also at speeds of up to 100 km/h. The hybrid CLA follows, together with the electric 350 in early 2026, where the 250+ is already available this fall. A little later, in the course of next year, the Cla Shooting Brake will be on the market. We do not yet know whether and when the AMG versions will come.
In the Netherlands, the CLA is initially there as a 250+ Launch Edition, which costs € 58,979. That is less expensive than a BMW I4 40 (€ 64,330), but a lot more expensive than a Tesla Model 3 LR RWD (€ 45,990). You will get a car in return that is full of innovations and technical ingenuity and of course that star on nose. Plus 142 pieces in the grille.
In The Summer of 2022, we Were Guests at the Mercedes Test Circuit in Immendingen to Drive the Vision EQXX, An Electric Concept Model. Efficiency and thus range were the spearheads. Much of the Technology and experience gained can be found in the new Mercedes CLA, which is now a flagship of the brand. A Role That was PreviOutly Reserved for the S. The Cla is not only available as an EV, but there will also be a version with a combustion engine.
The Vision Eqxx Achieved No Less than 1.202 kilometers on a single Charge (100 kWh) That year, which is Largely Due to the Extremely Streamlined Body With A Drag Coefficient or 0.17. The New Cla Comes Reasonbly Close to that with its 0.21, Where the First Generation in 2013 Already Recorded an Impressive 0.22 for the CLA 180 Blue Efficiency. Tesla Proves That Low Air Resistance is Everything Like No Other. Mercedes also applied this principle to the eqe and eqs, but Those two kilometers of cannons appear to be designed a little too extreme for the classic mercedes driver. The New Cla Remains True to its predecessors with its lines, Accordance to a First Glance. The brand set the trend for a four-through coupé more than twenty years ago with the CLS. SimultaneUoSly with this Cla, a new platform make its debut: MMA, an abbreviation that stands for Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture. That serves as the basic for more future models, Such as a new EQA and EQB. The Modular Character is not only reflected in Different Vehicle types, but also in two types of powertrain: Gasoline and Electric. A strategy that more brands Apply, it is betting on two horses, smart and necessary.
Sleek Nose with 142 Illuminated Stars
What is the Range of the Mercedes Cla?
The Heart of the Electric Cla is the New, Completely In-House Developed Electric Motor, The 272 HP Eats 2.0, Combined with An 800 Volt System. This technology was developed and tested in the vision EQXX. The Special Thing About this Powertrain is The Integrated Two-Speed Automatic Transmission. We know this principle from the porsche taycan, where it is applied to optimize performance. That is partly also the case in the cla, but it is equally more about efficiency, although the acceleration and towing weight (1,500 or 1,800 kg) also Benefit from the Two Gears. Just as a fuel engine has a speed range in which the efficiency is optimal – the so -called sweet spot – it appears that is also the case with an electric motor, as the technicians at mercedes have figured out. The Result is Lower Consumption and Therefore a Greater Range. The CLA 350 HAS A Second Motor On The Front Axle. Not an asynchronous motor but a permanent magnet synchronous motor (psm) that can be completely disconnected. Only the Drive Shafts Still Provide Extra Frictional Resistance, But The Range of 771 Km Shows A Slight Difference with the Rear-Wheel Drive CLA, which is good for 792 km.
Yes, The Cla Now also Has A Light Bar At The Rear
How fast can the mercedes cla charge?
There was QUITE A LOT of Fuss about that 800 Volt System From The Moment Mercedes Announced the New Cla. Because what is the case? The Cla Cannot Charge at A 400 Volt DC Charger, Where Brands Such As Kia, Porsche and Smart Have Devised A Converter or Other Solution for Their 800 Volt Platform. Stupid Move by Mercedes or Conscious Strategy? They Themselves do not seem to get hot or cold all the criticism, but it has leg decided to sacrifice a converter as an option from next spring. For the record: The Majority of Fast Chargers Work with 800 Volt, Except for Tesla’s Superchargers. So you cannot go there with your electric cla.
On the other hand: thanks to that generous range, you don’t have to go to the charging station that often. And once you are there and the conditions are optimal, you can charge with 320 kW. That comes down to 325 kilometers in a minute. The NMC Battery has a usable capacity of 85 kWh and has a twenty percent highher energy density compared to the previous battery. The Share of Cobalt Has Been Further Reduced. A narrower battery will be avia willable next year. LFP, with a Net Capacity or 58 kWh. Just with that, this car has a very decent range, althegh no figures have yet leg communicated. The Cla is prepared for bi-directional charging, v2l and v2g.
Recuperation Reinvented
Mercedes Developed a New Type of Heat Pump That Works On The Basic of Air and Extracts Its Heat From The Battery, the Engine and the Environment. This pump uses only a third of the energy that a conventional heating system needs. Under Very Cold Conditions, Electric Heating Letterly Kicks in, there is no escaping that. A Study Has also Been Made of Recuperation, Based on a ‘One Box’ Braking System. The Brake Booster and the ESP Unit Are Combined in a Compact Module. In practice, this mean that braking always goes via recuperation, just duration an emergency stop on a slippery surface it still works, up to a maximum or 200 kW. Whatever Mode You Have Chosen. You Operate It By Moving the Gear Selector Lever on the Steering Column Forward or Backwards. If you Choose the Automatic Mode, the System Takes Into Account the Traffic in Front of You and You Will Receive Advice via a Notification on the Dashboard to Lift the Accelerator Pedal. In Addition, there is input from the navigation and the speed is automatic and adjusted to the bend or rounda vabout that is coming.
Frunk with a volume or 101 liters
Infotainment with Chat GPT
How does that all work out in practice? We Get Behind the Wheel of A Cla 250+ and immediately See Screens from Left to Right, or which the One on the Passenger Side (The Mbux Superscreen) is Optional. The Brain of the Cla is the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, OR MB.OS for Short, which is Kept completely up to date over the air. For the infotainment System There is Mercedes-Benz User Experience, Mbux, and of the Fourth Generation. Including a virtual assistant that uses chat gtp and google, among other things. So if you want to know how deep the Mariana trench is or how many inhabitants the capital of Bolivia has has and what their Average Annual Income is on the way from appingedam to hellevoetsluis; Feel free to ask. The Navigation System Uses Google Maps and Calculates Long Routes Including Charging Stops and of Course Only Includes 800 Volt Chargers in the Calculation. The Finish and Materials Used Are As We Can Expect in A Mercedes, Even Thought We See Hard, Black Plastic In The Lower Regions and the Chrome Edges Around The Outer Ventilation Grilles Look Almost Kitsch. Furthermore, we see that das haus has also made the switch to just two window switches, with the choice of front or aren.
The Multimedia System Uses Mbux of the Fourth Generation
How does the Mercedes Cla Drive?
The Steering Initially Feels Very Light, But Can Fortunately Be Configured. Or you immediately choose the sport driving fashion, then there is more weight and a child of feeling. What you also Clearly Experience Duration Full Acceleration is The Switch from First to Second Gear at 110 km/h. If you drive in eco or comfort mode, this is hardly noticeable and it may be that the system switches over at 60 km/h. Yes, Everything for Efficiency. Without Sacrifying Driving Pleasure, We Notice Duration a Hilly Route with Many Bends. The Optimal Weight Distribution, Rear-Wheel Drive and the Very Cultivated Chassis Ensure Driving Pleasure and Comfort, Even Thought You Ultimately Notice The High Weight. The Cla Mainly Radiates Peace and Self-Confidence, Exactly As You would Expect From A Mercedes. The Intelligent Recuperation Works particularly Well in practice. On the highway, the car rolls out nicely, in the city it adapts the speed to the vehicle in front when you lift the gas and that to a standstill. MoreOover, it Prevents Unnecessary Deceleration, which is also a gain and Prevents Unrest on Board.
There will also be a cla with a gasoline engine
Mercedes Gives An Average Consumption or 12.2 kWh/100 km. That is very low and we have to make a small note. Because the basic version stands on 17-inch Wheels with streamlined hubcaps, we know them from other brands. Then you have 205/55/17 on the Front Axle and 225/55/17 on the Rear. Less Rolling and Air Resistance Than With The 19-Inch Tires Under The Test Car (225 Front, 255 Rear). After a ride on highways, winding roads and through the city, we arrive just below 15 kW/100. We note that we have not driven very calmly on the fun and challenging parts of the route.
As you can read in the intro, there will also be a cla with a combustion engine and then you sauddenly have a front-wheel drive (4Matic is available). The Drive is Provied by A 1.5-liter Gasoline Four-Cylinder with 136, 163 OR 190 HP, developed in a joint venture with yellowy. That power source is attached to a new eight-speed automatic transmission with double clutch and an integrated electric motor with a power of 27 hp. This makes it a Hybrid, Fully Electric Driving is Possible in the City, But also at Speeds Up to 100 km/h. The Hybrid CLA Follows, Together with the electric 350 at the beginning of 2026, where the 250+ is Already available this autumn. A little later, in The Course of Next Year, The Cla Shooting Brake Will Come Onto the Market. We do not yet know if and when the amg versions will come.
In The Netherlands, The Cla, Initially Avisable AS A 250+ Launch Edition, which Costs € 58.979 is. That is less exensive than a bmw i4 40 (€ 64.330), but a lot more Expective than a tesla model 3 LR RWD (€ 45.990). You get a car in Return that is full of innovations and technical ingenuity and course that Star on the Nose. Plus 142 pieces in the grill.