Next-gen Mercedes CLA coming soon with electric and hybrid drivetrains

ABU DHABI: As enthusiasm for EVs has started waning, many automakers are slowing their transition plans, despite believing that electric vehicles will dominate in the future. Mercedes-Benz has taken a unique approach by offering both internal combustion and electric variants of the upcoming CLA replacement, offering distinct options for buyers.

Designed for the MMA platform, the new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine in the CLA is modular and compact and can be scaled for larger applications. The engine has closely spaced cylinders, a combined gearbox, integrated exhaust manifolds, an inverter unit, and an electric motor. It is 17% smaller and lighter than Mercedes' current four-cylinder engines. 

The choice of a four-cylinder engine over a three-cylinder enhances refinement, while added insulation helps minimize vibration and noise.

The CLA’s 1.5-litre engine will deliver either 163 hp or 136 hp, with the 4Matic version capable of reaching up to 190 hp. The hybrid powertrain is expected to achieve fuel efficiency comparable to diesel engines, thanks to the support of a 27-hp electric motor powered by a 1.3 kWh 48V battery.

In EV-only mode the hybrid can drive up to 100 kmph, with charging via recuperation. The requirement for a conventional starter motor has been completely eliminated by this system, making the start-stop function imperceptible. It is expected that future sporty versions may offer more power.

The upcoming CLA is the first ever Mercedes model to be based on the new MMA platform that focuses on efficiency and is influenced by the EQXX concept, which easily achieves 13.5km per kWh. A record has been set by the CLA EV on Italy’s Nardo ring by covering 3,717km in 24 hours.

The drivetrain provides 93% battery-to-wheel efficiency and in real-world use aims for 8.3kWh/km. It supports 320kW charging with 800V hardware, taking just 10 minutes to charge from 10-80%. The CLA offers 85kWh or 58kWh battery choices, with the larger unit available with silicon oxide anodes for 20% more energy density. It surpasses rivals such as the BMW i5 and Tesla Model 3 with its expected range that is over 700 km.

The new CLA EV comes with a rear electric motor that easily offers up to 272hp, and 4Matic models come with a 108hp front motor that only gets activated when required. The rear motor is the EDU 2.0 unit’s part, which is available with a 2-speed gearbox and can recuperate energy during deceleration at up to 200kW.

For further details on the next-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA, stay tuned with us.

Also read: New Mercedes-AMG super electric SUV in the works