Issues usually are not going nicely for Mercedes, largely because of the sluggish demand for its EQ electrical fashions. The brand new CLA is anticipated to vary that. Since clients are clearly not able to commit solely to electrical autos, this newest mannequin can even be accessible with a petroleum engine upon request.
The stress is immense on the brand new Mercedes CLA and CEO Ola Källenius, who can not afford one other failure just like the EQE or EQS. Whereas these fashions set effectivity benchmarks, they fell brief in design, charging pace, and luxury. The CLA is the primary automobile based mostly on the brand new Mercedes Modular Structure (MMA) platform, designed to set new requirements and turn out to be a quantity vendor. Källenius has made it clear that the actual competitor will not be BMW or Audi, however Tesla—particularly the Mannequin 3. The American electrical sedan, regardless of its age and waning fanbase, nonetheless gives an unmatched price-performance ratio, beginning at €39,990 with a 530 km vary and 201 km/h prime pace. Even the long-range and all-wheel-drive variations stay between €44,900 and €49,990.
This could possibly be a serious subject for the brand new Mercedes CLA, as its beginning value is anticipated to be nicely above €50,000. For a lot of potential consumers, that value distinction is critical, and so they should determine whether or not the 800V know-how and superior consolation justify the additional value. One of many greatest distinctions from the Tesla Mannequin 3 and different rivals is that Mercedes is protecting an inner combustion possibility. Later within the yr, the CLA can even be accessible with a petroleum engine, both front-wheel or all-wheel drive, and mild-hybrid help. Committing solely to electrical was deemed too dangerous, so Mercedes ensured flexibility by way of the MMA platform. A panoramic glass roof is normal, permitting loads of gentle into the cabin, although it can’t be opened.
At launch in early summer season, the electrical CLA shall be supplied in two powertrain choices. The entry-level mannequin, the CLA 250+ EQ, produces 200 kW (272 PS) and 335 Nm of torque, powered by an 85 kWh battery. With an power consumption of 12.2–14.1 kWh/100 km, it delivers a formidable vary of as much as 790 km. Much more outstanding is its charging functionality, reaching a most of 320 kW, permitting over 300 km of vary to be replenished in simply 10 minutes. The highest pace is 210 km/h, the identical because the CLA 350 4MATIC EQ, which produces 260 kW (353 PS) and 515 Nm. Regardless of the upper energy output, its most vary is barely barely decrease at 770 km. The effectivity of each fashions is achieved by way of superior aerodynamics and state-of-the-art electrical motors. The rear axle includes a high-efficiency, completely excited synchronous motor with a 93% effectivity charge and a two-speed gearbox, which seamlessly shifts gears. In all-wheel-drive fashions, the entrance motor engages as wanted for added energy.
Extra variants will observe. Alongside variations with a smaller 58 kWh battery and AMG efficiency fashions, petrol-powered variations can even be launched. These will characteristic a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, developed in partnership with Geely. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, it’s supported by a mild-hybrid system, together with a 1.3 kWh battery and a 20 kW electrical motor, permitting brief all-electric drives at decrease speeds.
With a wheelbase that’s six centimetres longer than its predecessor, the brand new CLA gives extra inside house. The boot holds 405 litres, and extra storage is accessible by folding the rear seats. There’s additionally a frunk underneath the bonnet, offering as much as 101 litres of additional house. A key new characteristic is the choice of three screens, together with two normal shows for devices and infotainment, together with an non-compulsory 14-inch passenger display and a 12.2-inch head-up show.
The know-how bundle is nicely thought out, and Mercedes has performed it protected with the CLA’s design. Later, the lineup will broaden to incorporate mild-hybrid petrol variations producing 136, 163, and 190 PS, guaranteeing a selection for patrons hesitant to modify to completely electrical. Nevertheless, some key considerations stay. The cumbersome mannequin naming, comparable to Mercedes CLA 250+ with EQ know-how, could trigger confusion. There’s additionally the problem of distinguishing it from the equally sized C-Class, which can quickly even be electrical. Lastly, it stays to be seen whether or not clients are keen to pay a premium for a mid-sized Mercedes when Tesla gives a extra reasonably priced different.
With sturdy efficiency, ultra-fast charging, and the choice of a petroleum engine, the brand new CLA goals to be the mannequin Mercedes wants. Whether or not it can succeed is one other query.
