In the coming years, “Mercedes” will carry out a significant cleaning of the assortment, especially regarding compact cars. However, the manufacturer should continue to offer several entry-level models, including the first-ever third-generation CLA will be eligible for a 100% electric version. We should see it for the first time on a concept car at the next Munich Motor Show in September 2023.
The upcoming electric CLA is one of four new entry-level models that Mercedes plans to launch over the next three years as part of a complete refresh of its compact lineup. By 2026, Mercedes will go from seven compact models to four.
Vision of the future of luxury – VISION EQXX.​
📸 IG: rawlenses for #MBcreator​#MercedesBenz #VISIONEQXX pic.twitter.com/fV0lQW4PMK
— Mercedes-Benz USAá… (@MercedesBenzUSA) March 24, 2023
There will be a little space left for thermals
The Mercedes CLA will be available in electric, but also with micro-hybrid thermal versions. Unlike the MB-EA platform, which will be exclusively for 100% electric models and will be launched in 2025 as the basis for the next electric versions of the C-Class and GLC, the CLA will be based on the MMA platform.
This platform is designed for both purely electric and thermal models. Mercedes boss Ola Kellenius had this to say about the upcoming entry-level sedan: “At first it will be electric. But that doesn’t mean it will be fully electric.”.
The MMA platform will be able to accommodate an 800-volt architecture, which will allow for fast charging. They cause the first rumors with a capacity of 350 kW, enough to fill in less than 30 minutes. Mercedes-Benz also plans to introduce a new silicon anode battery developed in partnership with Sila Nanotechnologies.
Power reserve up to 700 km?
The future electric Mercedes CLA could inherit a large 100kWh battery similar to that of the Vision EQXX concept car, giving it a range of around 700 km. There should be the right to several versions: a power plant with one electric unit and a four-wheel drive with two electric motors.
The electric motors are expected to be second generation permanent magnet synchronous units and are currently known as “eATS2.0”. They will be paired with a newly developed silicon carbide inverter and powered by a two-speed gearbox.
As for the heat engines, they should be new units manufactured in China together with the Geely group. “It will be an all-new engine designed to meet Euro 7 emission standards”, – said Markus Schaefer, director of research and development at Mercedes-Benz. On the other hand, there should be no plug-in hybrid engines for the third-generation CLA.
Source: Auto Plus
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