Mercedes reveals impressive figures for the electric CLA

In October, Mercedes gave us some exclusive information on the compact electric sedan, including its presentation date scheduled for next spring. But now the star manufacturer is revealing more information about its future electric car via a press kit.

Do everything to reduce consumption

Mercedes had already presented us with ways to improve electrical consumption with the EQXX concept. Certain elements of this concept will be used as standard on the Mercedes CLA. We note in particular the use of the 800 volt platform and the silicon carbide (SiC) inverter present on the EQXX. Result: the WLTP range promised by the manufacturer reaches 750 km!

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To obtain such a score, Mercedes optimized battery-to-wheel efficiency to 93% on long journeys. In other words, 93% of the electrical energy stored in the 85 kWh battery is transmitted to the wheels, with very little loss. For comparison, the efficiency of a gasoline engine is around 30 to 40% in the best case.

Electricity consumption would thus be limited to only 12 kWh/100 km! It seems to be the WLTP consumption (which takes into account energy losses linked to recharging).

To achieve such low consumption to guarantee great autonomy, Mercedes has chosen to control the design of its engines. At the rear, there is a 200 kW (270 hp) permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM), which also uses a SiC (silicon carbide) inverter.

4Matic versions (all-wheel drive) are also on the program: they will be equipped with a motor with a power of 80 kW (110 hp) on the front axle, again using the SiC inverter developed by Mercedes.

An optimized battery

With electric cars, we can turn the adage “ without control, power is nothing ” in ” without energy control, power is nothing“. This reflection introduces us to the energy management of this Mercedes CLA, expected for spring 2025.

To reduce consumption while offering top-notch performance, Mercedes equips the CLA with a two-speed gearbox, as on the Porsche Taycan. This technology offers promising performance, although not yet formalized, and improves overall efficiency.

The premium battery with a capacity of 85 kWh benefits from an advanced design: anodes incorporating silicon oxide are added to the graphite. Compared to the old battery with conventional graphite anodes, the energy density is improved by up to 20%. The energy density of the cells then reaches 680 Wh/l.

Another entry-level battery, simpler and based on LFP chemistry (lithium iron phosphate, cobalt-free) with a capacity of 58 kWh and a density of 450 Wh/l, will also be offered. The maximum range of this version has not yet been revealed, but it is estimated at around 500 km WLTP.

This modern battery is integrated directly into the structure of the car, designed to protect its components in the event of a collision.

Mercedes has also taken the problem of thermal runaway very seriously. The battery is equipped with a cooling system and can also be heated if necessary. Mercedes also announces its ambition to reduce the costs of its batteries by more than 30% in the coming years.

Thanks to its 800 volt architecture, this premium battery allows a charging power of up to 320 kW, capable of adding 36 kWh of energy (approximately 10 to 50%) in just 10 minutes, or approximately 300 km of autonomy . With these advances, Mercedes managed to cover 3,717 kilometers in 24 hours at the Nardò autodrome.

It is estimated that the 10 to 80% exercise is completed in less than 20 minutes, compared to around 30 minutes currently on Mercedes electric cars.

A hybrid version also on the program

Mercedes isn't putting all its eggs in one basket and will also offer a 48-volt hybrid version of this sleek sedan. The new MMA platform, inaugurated by the next CLA, has been designed to be multi-energy. The Stuttgart manufacturer plans a 48-volt hybrid version equipped with an electric motor with a maximum power of 20 kW. This version will allow all-electric driving up to 100 km/h thanks to a battery with a capacity of 1.3 kWh.

The electric motor and inverter of this version are integrated into the eight-speed electrified dual-clutch automatic transmission (8F-eDCT). The thermal engine, for its part, is a four-cylinder gasoline engine offering several power levels: 100, 120 or 140 kW (135, 163 or 190 horsepower).

A presentation in spring 2025?

Mercedes has already presented many elements of its future electric CLA. We remain impatient to discover the design of the production model. That of the concept car was not only attractive, but also particularly aerodynamic. However, we will have to wait, because Mercedes is planning a presentation for next spring.