Your move, Tesla Model 3! Mercedes Concept CLA Class previews next-gen platform with 750km range and an AMG version

Mercedes-Benz has previewed its next generation of electric cars, set to be built on its new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, with the reveal of its Concept CLA Class.

The concept, which visually takes the Mercedes EQ design language to a more pronounced level, is an early look at a model that is set to replace the current-generation Mercedes CLA in 2025, though its tech will become a standard part of the Benz line-up thanks to the platform it’s built on.

Highlights of the MMA platform include an 800V setup which will allow rapid charging, a 40 per cent reduction in carbon emissions during its production, and a low 12kWh/100 km power consumption, resulting in a 750km driving range.

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The Concept CLA Class, which made its debut at the 2023 Munich Motor Show, uses the brand’s in-house drivetrain dubbed the Mercedes-Benz Electric Drive Unit (MB.EDU), which in this case uses a 175kW permanently excited synchronous motor and a two-speed transmission.

Other models will be set to use the MB.EDU, which Mercedes claims uses "close to zero per cent heavy rare earth metals" and weighs fewer than 110kg.

Outside of official Mercedes press info, UK outlet Autocar also claims the brand will develop an AMG variant for 2025 as well, with as much as 400kW in a dual-motor drivetrain layout.

Upfront of the Concept CLA Class is an MBUX Superscreen.

Mercedes says the 800V architecture will allow for bi-directional charging and a capacity for 250kW DC charging, which it says will result in as much as 400km of charge being possible in 15 minutes.

With this platform and a yet to be specified battery, Mercedes claims a maximum range of 750km for its next-gen CLA.

Inside, the Concept CLA Class uses a slew of current and upcoming tech from the brand, including its MBUX Superscreen first seen in the Vision EQXX, as well as using materials like “almost CO2-free steel” and “CO2-reduced aluminium”, and even trim made from paper and bamboo.

The Concept CLA Class will comprise of a

Chair of the Mercedes-Benz Group board, Ola Källenius, says the MMZ-based car is the first look at the proper ‘from-scratch’ generation of cars Mercedes will launch.

The range will comprise, he said, “a four-door coupé, a shooting brake and two stunning SUVs”, which you can expect to be the next CLA, a wagon version of the same, and something like the EQA and EQB SUVs.

“It 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 in 2039,” Kallenius added.