Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA previews future production model

The future of Mercedes-Benz is upon us, with the German carmaker revealing the Concept CLA Class as its idea of a “one-litre car of the electric age”.

Mercedes has put its three-pointed star to good use in the form of a lighting motif on the headlights and taillights, while light strips sit above the front and rear arches along the car’s beltline.

Other notable styling features include an aggressive visage, a long wheelbase, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof that extends down onto the rear window.

Inside you’ll notice a theme of “utmost modernity” which is evidenced by five displays on the dashboard, including the driver’s instrument panel, central entertainment screen, passenger display, and two turbine-like air vents with their own screens in the inner ring.

The Concept CLA is underpinned by the forthcoming Mercedes‑Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) which features an 800V battery and is configured for rear-wheel drive. Mercedes says the platform’s modular design means it can be used in four-wheel drive applications as well.

MMA will house two battery options, including an entry-level lithium-ion phosphate unit and a top-spec “anode design with silicon-oxide content”.

It’ll net around 12kWh/100km as far as efficiency goes, which means it is good for more than 750km of range. With 250kW DC charging up to 400km of range can be achieved in 15 minutes.

Mercedes will begin the production of its MMA vehicles in Germany, Hungary, and China once it retools its production lines using the help of artificial intelligence and simulations. This will be done to find the optimal placement of new machinery without disturbing the production of current models.

“The Concept CLA Class is the forerunner for an entirely new all-electric segment of entry-level vehicles at Mercedes-Benz. The range will comprise a total of four new models – a four-door coupé, a shooting brake and two stunning SUVs,” says Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group.

“Based on the MMA platform, it [Concept CLA Class] provides an insight into the first complete family of Mercedes-Benz electric cars developed from scratch to put our Ambition 2039 on the road, whereby we aim to achieve net carbon neutrality along the entire value chain in our fleet of new vehicles.”