At the Munich Motor Show, Mercedes comes with full arms. Among the new features presented, the AllTerrain version of the new E-Class, but also the first release of the restyled EQA, EQB and Class V/EQV. In addition to this, the manufacturer presents a new study, called CLA Concept.
Taking the name of one of the models in the range, the four-door CLA coupé and its Shooting Brake version, this concept is intended as a replacement for the duo and a boost for the future compact family of Mercedes-Benz. The study therefore inaugurates a new look, especially at the front with an unprecedented light signature made of stars. A theme dear to the manufacturer, but here revised to integrate the interior of the optics. The headlights incorporate a star in the center, topped by an LED eyebrow that extends above the grille to form a light strip. This is completed by the reworked A-frame grille, which incorporates small luminous stars as on the brand’s recent productions and a large logo in the center, also illuminated. The light strips also extend to the front and rear fenders, above the wheel arches which house the 21-inch rims. The profile seems quite close to the current CLA with flowing lines and a plunging roof. The glass roof is illuminated, with a star pattern. At the rear, the star lighting signature is also present, in the heart of the lights and on the illuminated logo placed on the trunk.
On board, the Mercedes CLA concept mixes analog and digital according to the brand. Minimalism is essential with an airy center console, while recycled materials such as paper for the trim or Nappa leather treated with vegetable-based tanning agents (…..) offer beautiful finishes . The silver and white upholstery takes the shape of the laurel wreath, dear to Mercedes and declined on its coat of arms for decades. Blue and purple details complete the color scheme. A Superscreen MBUX screen with mini-LED technology floats across the entire width of the dashboard. It runs on the new generation of the MB.OS system, an even more advanced and faster electronic architecture. Turbine-shaped “digital” aerators frame the slab, and allow you to adjust the air conditioning thanks to a small ring while the real aerators are placed behind the screen. An illuminated transparent surface serves as an inductive smartphone charger and cup holder.
Maximum efficiency
Fully electric, the Mercedes CLA Concept is based on an unprecedented platform, called MMA (for Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture). Here in the rear-wheel drive version, it can also be transformed into an all-wheel-drive variant as needed. Something to match each model, whatever its size or engine. Moreover, Mercedes already specifies that the family of electric compacts will include four models: a four-door coupe, a shooting brake and two SUVs. For this concept, it is a new permanent magnet synchronous motor of 175 kW (equivalent to 238 hp) which officiates. It is associated with an unprecedented two-speed transmission and a more efficient silicon carbide inverter. The assembly weighs less than 110 kg and reduces its use of rare earths to almost zero.
Mercedes announces a range of over 750 km (WLTP cycle) thanks to numerous technologies from the Vision EQXX laboratory presented in January 2022. This is the case of the improved heat pump or the new electric motor mentioned above. The manufacturer specifies that two batteries with different chemistries will be offered for this new family: an entry-level variant with an LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery and a potentially larger variant with a different chemistry, including silicon. The consumption of the model would also be reduced, with 12 kWh / 100 km announced. In addition, the platform embeds an 800 V system, which allows very fast charging: it would be possible, depending on the brand, to recover up to 400 km in just 15 minutes, thanks to a charging power of 250 kW. Finally, the capacity stored by the battery can be transmitted back to a house or an electrical device (V2H or V2G) thanks to bidirectional charging. This can be used during a power outage for example, or support the domestic electrical network during peak use (winter with heating, etc.)
Photos : DR.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
On board the Mercedes EQXX: more than 1,000 km in electric!
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake test: beautiful all-rounder
Mercedes EQA and EQB restyled: what changes for the two electric SUVs?
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To sum up
Mercedes is presenting the CLA Concept at the Munich Motor Show, a study prefiguring its future family of compact electric models in the coming years.
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