Mercedes-Benz CLA 2025

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake – EV first, CLA250+, CLA350 4Matic, bigger all-round than before

In Cars, International News, Mercedes-Benz / By Jonathan James Tan / 15 July 2025 12:19 pm / 5 comments

You’ve seen the new third-gen C178 Mercedes-Benz CLA, you know for now it’s an EV, you know 48-volt mild-hybrid versions will come later, and you know the class opens with CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic variants, both with the tedious ‘with EQ Technology‘ tag to signify electric propulsion.

Now it’s CLA Shooting Brake time. The roof has been lengthened from the B-pillar to include a full panoramic glass panel – besides being made of heat-insulating safety glass with an infrared-reflecting and low-emissivity coating on the inside, there are 158 illuminated ‘stars’ for bragging rights. An optional electrochromic function can change the glass from clear to opaque.

It’s 35 mm longer, 25 mm wider, 27 mm taller and has a 61 mm longer wheelbase than the previous CLA Shooting Brake. There’s 26 mm more rear headroom, and with the back seats folded, 1,290 litres of cargo space. That’s much better than the CLA sedan’s 405-litre boot (which is already 55 litres less than before), although both the sedan and the estate benefit from a 101-litre frunk.

You can have your CLA Shooting Brake as a CLA 250+ (one-motor RWD, 272 PS/335 Nm) or a CLA 350 4Matic (two-motor AWD, 354 PS/515 Nm). Both top out at 210 km/h; both use an 85 kWh (nett) NMC battery that can charge up to 320 kW DC. These all mirror the sedan.

Now for the differences. The Shooting Brake accelerates a tenth of a second slower to 100 km/h (6.8 and 5.0 seconds for CLA 250+ and CLA 350 respectively) and its WLTP ranges are 761 km for the CLA 250+ and 730 km for the CLA 350 – smack dab in the middle of the sedan’s claimed 694-792 km and 672-771 km windows.

So, where the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) for compact models is concerned, it’s two down (sedan and shooting brake), two to go (GLA and GLB). Sorry, no more A-Class hatchback, but do you really miss it?

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A)* CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red;CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A)*

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake und CLA Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake und CLA Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake und CLA Shooting Brake in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake und CLA Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake und CLA Shooting Brake in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake und CLA Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake und CLA Shooting Brake in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake und CLA Shooting Brake in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie: Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 12,7-15,2 kWh/100 km l CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | COz-Klasse: A) Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. Exterieur: hightechsilber Metallic Interieur: Ledernachbildung ARTICO zweifarbig schwarz / powerrot CLA 250+ Shooting Brake with EQ Technology: combined energy consumption: 12.7-15.2 kWh/100 km | combined COz emissions: 0 g/km | COz class: A) The information is provisional. Neither confirmed values from an officially recognised testing organisation nor an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values are available to date. Deviations between the data and the official values are possible. Exterieur: high-tech silver metallic Interieur: ARTICO man-made leather two-tone black / power red

Weltpremiere des Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake und CLA Shooting Brake mit EQ Technologie in Kopenhagen, 2025 World premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology in Copenhagen, 2025.

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2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV won’t be able to charge at 400-volt DC stations – fix only coming next year

In Cars, International News, Mercedes-Benz / By Jonathan Lee / 16 May 2025 2:44 pm / 7 comments

Having misread the electric vehicle market with its first range of EQ models, Mercedes-Benz was supposed to instrument a turnaround with its new CLA – a more “normal” Mercedes EV twinned with its combustion-engined sibling. But that didn’t stop Stuttgart from shooting itself in the foot, as it turns out.

Multiple news outlets, including Wards Auto and Autocar, have reported that the new compact sedan with its fancy new 800-volt electrical architecture will only be able to be charged at 800-volt DC fast charging stations. This means that while it will be able to utilise the newest and fastest chargers – at up to 320 kW, might we add – it won’t be able to access the vast majority of the chargers found globally (including in Malaysia), which run at 400 volts.

That’s because Mercedes inexplicably decided against fitting the CLA with a DC-to-DC voltage booster, like you’ll find in a Hyundai Ioniq or Kia EV model with a similar 800-volt system – something that Autocar attributes to cost reasons. The company confirmed this strange limitation through a message on its German configurator: “Please note that charging at 400V charging stations is not possible, and for this reason, they are not shown in the navigation system.”

A spokesperson told Autocar that “the share of 800V DC fast charging stations in the entire charging network is constantly increasing” and that drivers will only be “directed to a compatible charging station” via the navigation system. “The update of available and compatible charging stations works almost in real time,” they added.

Still, the move will undoubtedly leave CLA owners with precious few places to charge their cars – a complication made worse in the US by the fact that they will be restricted from using Tesla’s 400-volt Supercharger network (the largest in the country), despite the car being fitted with a NACS connector. It was speculated that Norway would be the sole market to get the DC converter, but this has not been confirmed.

Mercedes has since backtracked on its decision, telling US publications such as Car and Driver: “After the initial limited delivery of cars late this year for demonstration of the CLA’s fast-charging abilities, 2026 US customer orders from early next year will feature a converter and be capable of charging at 400V.” However, it is unclear if the converter will be offered to other markets as well.

The last-minute fix does still mean that thousands of CLAs will be shipped without the converter, given that deliveries in Europe are due to kick off this summer. Mercedes has also yet to confirm whether early-bird customers will get the component retrofitted later on once it becomes available.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz CLA200L at Auto Shanghai 2025

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2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA – 3rd-gen C178 debuts as EV with up to 792 km range, MB.OS; hybrid to follow

In Cars, International News, Mercedes-Benz / By Jonathan Lee / 14 March 2025 10:43 am / 12 comments

Eighteen months on from the unveiling of the Concept CLA Class, Mercedes-Benz has finally pulled the covers off the production C178 CLA. This third-generation four-door coupé marks a sea change for the nameplate as it enters its fully-electric era – at least to start with.

Let’s get the boring stuff out of the way first. The CLA rides on a brand new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) for compact models, which will also spawn the CLA Shooting Brake and two SUVs (we assume these to be the next-generation GLA and GLB). You might notice that there’s no hatchback mentioned there, and that’s because the A-Class will be discontinued next year, with the consequence being that the CLA will soon be Stuttgart’s sole compact sedan offering.

As previously reported, the CLA was designed from the ground up to be an electric vehicle and thus features some startling technical specs. From launch, the car will be available in CLA250+ and CLA350 4Matic variants, both with the tedious “with EQ Technology” tag signifying electric propulsion.

Powering the CLA250+ is a single rear motor producing 272 PS (200 kW) and 335 Nm of torque, getting it from zero to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 210 km/h. The CLA350 adds a 109 PS (80 kW) front motor to provide all-wheel drive and boost total outputs to 354 PS (260 kW) and 515 Nm – slashing the century sprint by nearly two seconds to 4.9 seconds.

More impressive is the efficiency, with Mercedes claiming that the CLA is the “one-litre car” (referring to the previous fuel consumption goal of 1.0 litre per 100 km for combustion cars) for the electric era. The company is touting measures such as getting the drag coefficient down to just 0.21, using of second-generation Electric Drive Units (EDU 2.0) with a Porsche Taycan-style rear two-speed transmission and adding the ability to quickly disconnect the front motor on the CLA350 to increase range.

All this enables the CLA250+ to deliver a claimed energy consumption of between 12.2 and 14.1 kWh per 100 km, and with an 85 kWh (nett) nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery as standard, this equates to an astonishing range of between 694 and 792 km on the WLTP cycle. The CLA350 is barely less efficient with energy consumption of between 12.5 and 14.7 kWh 100 km; as such, even it has a range of between 672 and 771 km. A 58 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery option will be added by the end of the year.

Helping the CLA achieve such impressive range figures is a more powerful regenerative braking system that recuperates up to 200 kW, providing up to 3 m/s² in deceleration. This enables it to cover almost every braking need; it will even do regen braking up to a complete stop. Users can select from three levels of regen braking (including off) or enable an adaptive mode using the steering wheel paddles.

The CLA is the first Mercedes EV to come with an 800-volt architecture, enabling DC fast charging speeds of up to 320 kW – just ten minutes of charging will provide up to 325 km of additional range. Unfortunately, as high tech as this car is, its AC charging power still only goes up to 11 kW, although the car will at least be able to send power back to the home through bidirectional charging, coming via software update later on.

While the CLA is designed to be electric-first, Mercedes is, like almost every carmaker out there, reevaluating its electrification strategy as global EV demand stalls. As such, it is hedging its bets by offering the car with a 48-volt hybrid powertrain. Not much has been revealed just yet, but the company has confirmed there will be three variants, each coming with a new 1.5 litre M252 Atkinson-cycle turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor housed within the eight-speed 8F-eDCT dual-clutch transmission.

Thanks to a 1.3 kWh battery, the hybrid will be able to drive purely electrically at low speeds when less than 27 PS (20 kW) is required; it will also be able to coast with the engine off at speeds of up to 100 km/h. The car will also be able to regen brake through all eight gears, recuperating up to 25 kW of energy.

In stark contrast to the powertrains, the CLA’s underpinnings are very conventional, with the front axle using a new three-link suspension setup – essentially a MacPherson strut with a lower wishbone. The multilink rear suspension, now standard-fit, has been derived from more expensive Mercs, as has a double bulkhead that improves refinement on hybrid variants. Passive comfort dampers come standard.

The design of the CLA follows the general direction set by the Concept CLA Class, retaining the trademark fluid shape and sweeping low-slung roofline. The latter has been stretched further rearward – presumably in the service of rear headroom, which has increased by 28 mm – leading to a six-window glasshouse (still frameless, obviously) and a slightly shorter rear deck.

At the front, you’ll now find full-width headlights, narrowing in the middle to frame the trapezoidal grille – this shape is mirrored in the taillights. The said grille is fully illuminated on the electric model, including the dinner-plate three-pointed star. Hybrid models are differentiated via an open grille with a single horizontal slat, plus a light band along the top edge.

Along the side, the CLA’s curved shoulder line has been broken up, now only appearing over the front and rear wheel arches to emphasise the car’s haunches. Wheel options range from 17 to 19 inches in diameter.

Mercedes’ rather narcissistic propensity to dot its three-pointed star all throughout the vehicle reaches new heights here. Instead of being limited to just the grille pattern (there are a total of 142 in there, in case you were wondering) or some interior trim pieces, this graphic has now been extended to the LED headlights – chrome as standard, illuminated on the optional Multibeam units. It even appears in the taillights, where it is joined by the characteristic ring and illuminated vertical bars spanning the full width of the rear.

Aerodynamic features include flush pop-out door handles, wing mirrors mounted on stalks on the door skins, and optimised wheel spoilers forward of the front and rear axles. Mercedes has also tweaked the positioning of the front shutlines and partially sealed them, while the underbody is now almost fully shrouded, including even the control arms and tie rods. The full two-tone wheel covers alone reduce the drag coefficient by up to two points, helping the CLA achieve the aforementioned 0.21 figure.

It doesn’t look it, but the CLA is quite a bit larger than the car it replaces. Measuring 4,723 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,468 mm tall, the new model is 35 mm longer, 25 mm wider and 29 mm taller than the second-generation C118, while its 2,790 mm wheelbase is 61 mm longer. One casualty of electrification is the boot, which is now a whopping 55 litres smaller at just 405 litres. Helpfully, there’s finally a front boot for the first time on a Mercedes EV, and it’s pretty big too at 101 litres.

Inside, the CLA has a literal vertical wall for a dashboard, serving as the backdrop for the optional MBUX Superscreen. This houses the 10.25-inch digital instrument display and twin 14-inch touchscreens, including one for the passenger. Models without the Superscreen ditch the passenger display for the three-pointed star graphic, available with illumination.

This entire setup runs on a new MB.OS operating system, which jumps on the generative AI bandwagon by offering not one, but two models. The MBUX Virtual Assistant uses ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing searches for general enquiries, switching to Google’s Gemini for navigation-related questions. The system can retain context even when jumping between the two, so conversations can continue uninterrupted. The assistant is represented on screen by – you guessed it! – yet another three-pointed star.

The CLA gets the latest fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), utilising the Unity game engine for real-time 3D graphics. The “Zero Layer” interface first seen on the W223 S-Class continues here and now shows recently-used apps, while the app drawer now allows you to create folders, smartphone style.

Meanwhile, the navigation system uses Google Maps and will calculate the fastest, most convenient route based on factors such as road and traffic conditions, fast charger availability, temperature, speed, the car’s heating and cooling and even wind conditions taking into account the car’s height. This map is also overlaid on top of a Tesla-style “surround navigation” display that shows other motorists and pedestrians in 3D.

Beyond the tech, the CLA’s interior is exceedingly minimalist, an approach that has also informed the (lack of) physical controls. The still annoyingly touch-based steering wheel controls sees the two usual touchpads whittled down to just one for the instrument display (the touchscreen is now only controlled using, well, the touchscreen), enabling the remaining “buttons” to be made larger and hopefully much easier to use.

Unfortunately, Mercedes has followed the approach taken by Volkswagen and Volvo in removing the discrete rear window switches from the driver’s door. As with newer cars from those brands, the CLA requires users to press a “rear” button first before they can wind the back windows up or down. The seat memory buttons have also been removed – presumably these functions have been moved to the screen. Perhaps the company hasn’t learnt the lesson Volkswagen recently learnt…

Thankfully, Mercedes has at least seen fit to add some features, including proximity door locking and unlocking (finally) and a 16-speaker, 850-watt Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos support. There’s also a new SoundExperience function that pipes in a synthesised “engine sound”, even allowing drivers to “rev” the car when stationary.

A CLS without the passenger display

Safety-wise, the CLA gains a new front centre airbag and a plethora of driver assists, including Distronic adaptive cruise control as standard in Europe. At launch, the car can be had with the optional Drive Assist package that adds lane centring assist for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving functionality, as well as lane change assist.

Later on, there will be a Drive Assist Plus that adds an improved Distronic Plus, with automatic lane changes also planned. The flagship system is Drive Assist Pro, which enables what Mercedes calls “Level 2++” semi-autonomy, hinting at hands-off (not eyes-off, which would be Level 3) driving. The system is planned for commercialisation in China this year and in the US in 2026.

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA mit EQ Technologie: Exterieur: AMG Line Plus, MANUFAKTUR patagonienrot metallic The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology: exterior: AMG Line Plus, MANUFAKTUR patagonia red metallic

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA: Exterieur: AMG Line, clear blue metallic The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA: exterior: AMG Line, clear blue metallic

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA: Displayinhalt kann optisch vom Serienstand abweichen; AMG Line, Interieur: Schwarz/Clean White Pearl The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA: Display content may differ visually from the production model; AMG Line, interior: black/clean white pearlmetallic

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA: Exterieur: AMG Line, clear blue metallic The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA: exterior: AMG Line, clear blue metallic

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA mit EQ Technologie: Exterieur: AMG Line Plus, MANUFAKTUR patagonienrot metallic The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology: exterior: AMG Line Plus, MANUFAKTUR patagonia red metallic

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA mit EQ Technologie: Displayinhalt kann optisch vom Serienstand abweichen; AMG Line Plus, Interieur: Schwarz/Clean White Pearl The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology: Display content may differ visually from the production model; AMG Line Plus, interior: black/clean white pearl

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA mit EQ Technologie: Frunk mit 101l Kapazität The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology: frunk with 101l capacity

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA mit EQ Technologie: Displayinhalt kann optisch vom Serienstand abweichen; AMG Line Plus, Interieur: Schwarz/Clean White Pearl The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology: Display content may differ visually from the production model; AMG Line Plus, interior: black/clean white pearl

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA und der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA mit EQ Technologie The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA and the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA mit EQ Technologie: Exterieur: Edition, AMG Line, kosmosschwarz magno The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology: exterior: Edition, AMG Line, cosmos black magno

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA mit EQ Technologie: Displayinhalt kann optisch vom Serienstand abweichen; Edition, AMG Line, Interieur: Leder tartufobraun The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology: Display content may differ visually from the production model; Edition, AMG Line, interior: leather tartufo brown

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA: Displayinhalt kann optisch vom Serienstand abweichen; Edition, AMG Line, Interieur: Leder tartufobraun he all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA: Display content may differ visually from the production model; Edition, AMG Line, interior: leather tartufo brown

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA mit Hightech-Hybridmotor The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA with high-tech hybrid combustion engine

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA mit Hightech-Hybridmotor The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA with high-tech hybrid combustion engine

Der neue Mercedes-Benz CLA mit Hightech-Hybridmotor The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA with high-tech hybrid combustion engine

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2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA – brand’s first EV with 800V system; up to 85 kWh; available as 48V hybrid too

In Cars, International News, Mercedes-Benz / By Gerard Lye / 18 November 2024 10:36 am / 5 comments

Mercedes-Benz has provided early details of the powertrains that will be offered for the third-generation CLA, which is set to be the first model to be built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). The skateboard platform will also be used for three other cars, including a shooting brake and two SUVs.

According to the German carmaker, the CLA will be available as pure electric vehicle (EV) which uses its new-generation Electric Drive Unit (EDU 2.0). This sees a rear-wheel drive layout that was typically reserved for vehicles higher up the class tree, with electric motor rated at 272 PS (268 hp or 200 kW).

All power electronics, including a silicon carbide (SiC) inverter are integrated into a single component to keep things compact. For even better efficiency, the rear EDU 2.0 unit also gets a two-speed transmission, which is not common among EVs that typically opt for a single-speed reduction gear.

The transmission’s first gear (11:1 ratio) is used when accelerating from a standstill and switches to the second gear (5:1 ratio) at higher speeds, with the top speed being 210 km/h. The shift points also take in account the driving situation and the selected driving programme.

To meet the needs of customers who require all-wheel drive, 4Matic variants of the upcoming CLA will add a front-mounted electric motor (with a single-speed reduction gear) providing 109 PS (107 hp or 80 kW). This won’t be active all the time and will only kick into action when the corresponding power or traction is required.

To achieve this, a Disconnect Unit (DCU) is used for the first time for the brand’s entry-level segment to decouple the electric motor on the front axle. Mercedes-Benz says this reduces front axles losses by 90% and helps to increase range, with the target being a WLTP-rated figure of 750 km as per the Concept CLA Class from a year ago. The compact front unit also allows for a frunk.

As for batteries, Mercedes-Benz is offering two cell chemistries to choose from, including a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) pack with an energy content of 85 kWh (680 Wh/l, 496 kg). The alternative is a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery with 58 kWh (450 Wh/l, 484 kg) – both packs are liquid cooled and have four modules within them.

The CLA will also mark the first time the brand uses an 800V electrical architecture in a production car, which enables super-fast DC charging at up to 320 kW that is claimed to add 300 km of range with just 10 minutes of charging. There’s also AC charging at either 11 kW or 22 kW, and there are plans to add bi-directional charging in future, new entry-level models.

On the daily drive, the CLA can also recuperate up to 200 kW, with four levels accessible by customers: D Car (intelligent recuperation), D+ (coasting, no recuperation), D (standard recuperation up to one metre per second square) and D- (high recuperation up to three metres per second square).

To showcase the capability of the CLA’s electric powertrain, Mercedes-Benz’s Project N saw two close-to-production prototypes cover as much ground as possible within 24 hours on the Nardo high-speed test track in Italy. At the end of testing, a CLA covered exactly 3,717 km with 40 charging stops, each one lasting around 10 minutes. If these are taken into account, the average speed was 154.9 km/h.

Impressive as that may be, there are those who are not ready to go fully electric. As such, Mercedes-Benz is covering that customer base by offering the new CLA as hybrid with a 48V system. At the heart of this setup is the M252 from the company’s FAME (Family of Modular Engines) line-up.

The M252 runs on the Miller cycle (12:1 compression ratio) and has a displacement of 1.5 litres, with three power levels offered: 136 PS (134 hp or 100 kW), 163 PS (161 hp or 120 kW) and 190 PS (188 hp or 140 kW). Paired to the engine is a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission dubbed 8F-eDCT, which has an integrated electric motor rated at 27 PS (27 hp or 20 kW).

The electric motor provide support at low speeds and enables electric coasting at a speed of up to around 100 km/h. It also acts to fire up the engine, meaning there’s no need for a conventional pinion starter and the start-stop function is almost imperceptible for the driver. A special feature being touted is the engine can recuperate in all eight gears to recover up to 25 kW of energy.

All that energy is fed to a 48V lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 1.3 kWh. For efficient packaging, the battery cells and the DC/DC converter are integrated in what is known as a flat pack that is tucked under the driver’s seat (left-hand drive). As an option, customers can also choose to have a mechanical 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

The new CLA is expected to go on sale sometime next year, and we will likely get even more details as we approach its official debut date.

GALLERY: 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA prototype

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2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA teased – EV or hybrid, star headlights, new MB.OS with AI-powered voice control

In Cars, International News, Mercedes-Benz / By Jonathan Lee / 7 November 2024 10:33 am / 3 comments

The slow tease of the Mercedes-Benz CLA continues with a new video with company chairman and CEO Ola Källenius, revealing initial details of the compact four-door coupé ahead of its 2025 reveal. Among those details is the official confirmation that the car will be offered as a hybrid, joining the fully-electric version.

Said to be part of the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) family, the new engine will feature 48-volt technology and come with an electrified transmission. The powertrain has reportedly been developed together with the Geely-Renault joint venture Horse Powertrain and as such could feature elements from Geely’s own hybrid models such as the recently-revealed Galaxy Starship 7.

Meanwhile, the electric version will utilise technologies from the EQXX prototype, incorporating a two-speed transmission to boost performance and efficiency. The car’s specs were previewed by last year’s Concept CLA, including a 238 PS (175 kW) rear motor, a range of up to 750 km and an 800-volt electrical architecture that enables up to 250 kW of DC fast charging, providing 400 km of additional range in just 15 minutes.

Despite the heavy camouflage, it’s clear the new CLA’s design is relatively faithful to the show car, retaining the large trapezoidal grille, curvaceous surfacing, trademark sweeping, low-slung roofline and strong front and rear shoulder lines.

Another styling cue carried over from the Concept CLA is the Three-pointed Star in the headlights, showcased in full in the video below. Here, the star is flanked by twin projectors and joined by a full-width light bar. This motif will be repeated at the rear, as shown in a previous teaser.

Mercedes has not shown much of the CLA’s interior but it will likely be a sea change if the concept is any indication, with a full-width bank of screens similar to the EQS’ Hyperscreen. These will run on the brand new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and include a new MBUX Virtual Assistant with AI technology, similar to the ChatGPT integration in the new Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5 and Audi A5 and A6 e-tron.

Ein genauerer Blick auf den kommenden Mercedes-Benz CLA: Design trifft auf Effizienz – Ola Källenius, CEO, Mercedes-Benz A closer look at the upcoming CLA: Sporty design meets efficiency – Ola Källenius, CEO, Mercedes-Benz

Ein genauerer Blick auf den kommenden Mercedes-Benz CLA: Design trifft auf Effizienz A closer look at the upcoming CLA: Sporty design meets efficiency

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Next Mercedes-Benz CLA shown in camouflage

In Cars, International News, Mercedes-Benz / By Mick Chan / 14 October 2024 1:01 pm / 1 comment

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has been shown under camouflage at the Festival d’Hyères French fashion and photography festival, and the show car previews the production form of the upcoming compact model.

This form appears more productionised from the shapes of the Concept CLA that was shown in September last year, with a more conventional set of headlamps and tail lamps, while along its sides are conventional door handles.

At the front, the headlamps on the upcoming CLA appear closer in design to those of current production Mercedes-Benz models, while the tail lamps adopt the partial circular design as seen on the Concept CLA. Beneath the camouflage foil could be a version of the full-width tail lamp as seen on the concept car.

The closed-off grille suggests that the upcoming model will emerge as a fully electric model, as with the Concept CLA that has been said to be built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform for battery-electric models.

At its debut, the Concept CLA was touted to feature an 800-volt electrical architecture which will support up to 250 kW of DC fast charging, which Mercedes-Benz says will enable the topping up of 400 km of battery range in 15 minutes. This yields a claimed range of 750 km on a single charge, at a consumption rate of 12 kWh per 100 km.

This platform for the Concept CLA is configured for rear-wheel-drive, though its modular layout enables all-wheel-drive versions as well. Specifications for the production CLA have yet to be revealed, however the Concept CLA was specified with a 175 kW (238 PS) rear-mounted motor with a two-speed transmission, and its electric drive unit is claimed to have energy efficiency of 93%.

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA

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