Mercedes-Benz CLA News

As the first Mercedes-Benz in history to be launched with 800-volt ultra-fast charging architecture, the next-gen electric CLA promised big things when it was unveiled earlier this year.

Mercedes-Benz has announced it will deliver price parity between its upcoming CLA sedan, which will be offered with the option of an electric or hybrid powertrain.Speaking to Autocar UK, Mercedes’ CEO, Ola Källenius, said 30 per cent cost savings in battery production meant a 15 per cent reduction in the electric version’s pricing, meaning it will have “roughly similar pricing” to the petrol-hybrid version.In Australia, Mercedes doesn’t currently offer a hybrid and electric car in the same vehicle class, making it difficult to speculate on any potential cost savings.The brand will reveal its new entry-level electric sedan, which is built on its new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, in Europe by the middle of this year, with the hybrid version to follow later in the year.Four new models will be built on the MMA platform, including a saloon and shooting brake version of the CLA in both electric and hybrid powertrains, as well as expected replacements for the GLA/EQA and GLB/EQB.The German automotive icon is betting big on the MMA platform, which it hopes will account for a quarter of its sales once all its models have been launched, which is equivalent to roughly 600,000 units worldwide when factoring in last year’s global sales of roughly 2.4 million cars.It first previewed the MMA platform on the CLA concept car it unveiled at the Munich motor show in 2023, which is based on the 2022 Vision EQXX concept car that Mercedes drove from Sindelfingen to Cassis – a 1000km journey – on a single charge.Mercedes has already revealed the CLA will feature two battery pack options, a 58kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) unit, good for approximately 600km of range, while top-spec variants will get a more energy dense 85kWh silicon-oxide-anode unit that pushes 700km.800-volt charging architecture is expected, which Mercedes claims can add 400km of range in just 15 minutes on the concept version. It is unclear, however, whether variants with smaller LFP batteries will also benefit from the more advanced charging architecture.A compact Electric Drive Unit (EDU 2.0) will be the heart of the electric CLA, which is a derivative of the unit that powered the Vision EQXX concept.The EDU 2.0 will convert power from the battery to a 200kW electric motor mounted on the front axle via a two-speed transmission (similar to what is offered on a Porsche Taycan). A second 80kW motor will be fitted to the front axle on all-wheel drive versions.Mercedes is targeting an efficiency rating of 12kWh/100km, which would comfortably exceed the claimed peak ratings of a Tesla Model 3 (13.2kWh/100km) a BMW i4 (16.1kWh/100km), a Hyundai Ioniq 6 (14.3kWh/100km) and a BYD Seal (16.6kWh/100km).Powering the hybrid, on the other hand, will be a newly-developed 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, paired with a 1.3kWh battery unit, an electric motor, a 48-volt electrical system and an eight-speed electric dual-clutch transmission.Three power outputs are expected to be provided from the petrol engine, 100kW, 120kW and 140kW, not including the power from the electric motor.More information is expected following the next-generation CLA’s reveal later this year. It is poised to launch in Australia some time in the first half of next year.

Mercedes-Benz is closing in on the global launch of its all-new CLA sedan (due in early 2025) and in the final stages of pre-production testing has used it to set a new 24-hour distance record for an EV at the epic Nardò test track in southern Italy.

Mercedes-Benz and, more specifically, its AMG department, are well known for producing excellent engines, so why is the German marque looking to China for new powertrains?

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.

Mercedes-Benz is continuing the process of updating its line-up by announcing facelifts for both its small SUVs, the GLA and GLB, at the same time.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has revised the pricing of its small-car range, with most variants of the A-Class hatchback and sedan, CLA sedan and B-Class hatchback becoming more affordable due to several factors

If you ask most people, 2020 was a year to forget, but for some automotive brands, there was a silver lining as the sales of certain models actually exploded in Australia, where the overall market was down 13.7 per cent

While sedans may be as unpopular as ever, that doesn't mean there aren't a few launching in Australia in 2020.

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the plug-in hybrid versions of the new CLA and GLA, but the stylish sedan and small SUV will not join the local electrified premium car line-up.Instead, Mercedes-Benz Australia's electrified small-car range will be limited to th