IN BRIEF
3rd generation CLA 4-door coupe
Electric and thermal
Two batteries 58 and 85 kWh
More than 750 km of maximum autonomy
It is with a penetrating cold but a radiant sun that we are welcomed in the Austrian Tyrol, and more precisely in Hochgurgl, by the engineers responsible for the development of the future generation of Mercedes CLA. Still under development, testing and finalization, this third opus of Mercedes’ small 4-door coupe will be officially presented in spring 2025, before a launch in the summer.
But we were able to discover it, in a small group, still heavily camouflaged, both outside and inside, during a “prepresentation” event, with some colleagues from the written and internet press. The opportunity for the teams from the manufacturer to the star to give us some carefully selected information. We should not reveal everything at this stage, we understand that, our most in-depth questions remain unanswered that day…
But the main information, which is not new, is that it will be launched first in a 100% electric version, before the micro-hybrid and pure thermal versions. Based on a new ultra-modern platform benefiting from an 800 volt architecture, called MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture), it will be available in two battery capacities.
And it’s in the company of the engineers in charge of the car, one of them driving and me as a passenger, on the magnificent road linking the resort to the “Timmelsjoch Experience Pass Museum”, at an altitude of 2,474 m. , which the first wanted to share with the second, your servant, some information.
Two battery capacities: 58 and 85 kWh, and more than 750 km of autonomy!
Thus we will learn that the small battery, equipped with LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells, will display a capacity of 58 kWh net, 484 kg on the scale, for an autonomy that the engineers present had very unfortunately “forgotten”. Or rather is it a value not to be put forward, compared to that of the “big” battery, on which they have, on the contrary, heavily insisted.
It must be said that the 85 kWh net of this large battery (496 kg), equipped with NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) cells, offers unrivaled autonomy to the future Cla. Indeed, to date, the “more than” 750 km announced in the WLTP cycle are neither more nor less than a record, just equaled by the latest DS N°8, which announces a “maximum” 750 km. , with 96.9 kWh of capacity. The average consumption is communicable: 12 kWh/100 km WLTP.
Could the miracle of this “diesel” autonomy lie in cutting-edge aerodynamics? Question asked regarding the values of Cx and SCx. Answer: we have a “memory lapse”… Well let’s see… The Germans have a sense of humor after all.
Perhaps we should then look towards a ballerina weight? More than two tons? Less than 2 tonnes? We asked for it. Once again, memory lapse! We’re going to have to put more fish on the menu, dear friends.
Up to 381 hp in 4-wheel drive version
On the other hand, they were more forthcoming about the engines that will equip the machine, as well as the recharging capacities. The CLA 3 will be available in a rear-wheel drive version, with a PSM (permanent magnet synchronous) motor located on the rear axle developing 200 kW, or 272 hp. A 4×4 version will also be included, adding an 80 kW electric motor, or 109 hp, on the front axle (381 hp combined), the electronics taking care of vectoring torque and power on the two axles to maximize grip. , which is exactly what we were seeing on the icy and largely snow-covered road.
In these conditions, the electric CLA seemed very “easy”, particularly smooth and balanced, easy to control when drifting when the ESP was disconnected. Great progressivity and an absence of jerks characterized the activation of the 4×4 4Matic system. Non-permanent, it leaves the front axle motor inactive to save energy, and only activates it when necessary, in less than 2 tenths of a second. Likewise, the two-speed transmission (see below), the second of which shifts to 70 km/h, did not generate any jolts.
A two-speed gearbox, like at Porsche!
The same development managers told us that they had carefully worked on the braking sensation at the pedal and the transition from regenerative braking to physical braking. And the CLA will be the first Mercedes to benefit from a “one pedal” allowing you to accelerate and brake completely with just the right foot. Three levels of regeneration are also possible, managed not by paddles, but by the forward/reverse lever switch, which must then be pushed or pulled towards you to select the different modes. Less ergonomic and intuitive than steering wheel paddles, but having the merit of existing.
Another specificity of the electric CLA, already seen at Porsche (Taycan) and Audi (e-Tron GT), the presence of a two-speed gearbox for the rear engine (only one for the front engine). The gear ratios, which mean nothing in absolute terms, are 5 for the first, and 11 for the second. The goals are multiple: improve efficiency, facilitate the towing of heavy trailers or caravans, and increase performance.
Speaking of performance, only the maximum speed has been revealed: it will be 210 km/h.
Finally, let’s finish the technical part with the recharge capabilities. The 800 volt architecture allows you to go very high in power, and that is the case. Mercedes announces a peak power of 320 kW, and more than 200 kW up to 80%, our engineer friends told us, regaining their memory, because the thermal management has been particularly refined to allow this. Enough to recover 80% from 10% in less than 20 minutes, and 300 km of autonomy in 10 minutes.
The small battery will be less well off in terms of recharge capacity but the memory was once again playing tricks on our friends. It will probably be around 270 kW maximum.
A design promoting efficiency
After these technical aspects, a few words on design. Of course, thus heavily camouflaged, it is difficult to have a clear idea of the final shapes of the car, however inspired by the CLA Concept revealed at the 2023 Munich Motor Show. The general silhouette clearly indicates that a lot of attention has actually been paid on aerodynamics, with a very sloping roofline, and a very low chassis. The only solution, no offense to SUVs, is to obtain autonomy at the top of the basket.
The front lights, we also know from the voice, and an image revealed by the boss of Mercedes himself, will opt for a light signature of the daytime running lights in the shape of a star, as we have already seen on the CLA concept, and the rear lights of the latest E-Class. The grille will be closed, the Mercedes star will take its place, and an air inlet will be displayed in the lower part.
Under the hood, we were told that a frunk would be present, including for the 4×4 4Matic versions, the front engine being sufficiently compact. The trunk volume seems average. The trunk is indeed deep, but the height is very limited (no space under the floor). The profile is indeed that of a coupe, with frameless doors, and retractable handles again favoring Cx.
Finally, in the passenger compartment, we were able to glimpse two large digital screens, and “turbine” vents, which we were not allowed to take photos of. The multimedia system will be the latest evolution of MBUX, based on the new MB.OS software. It integrates even more connectivity, AI to make the voice assistant more interactive, and a journey planner. We’ve been told about the CLA as the “smartest” Mercedes ever made. We will see this during the tests…
Rear passengers will be a little short on headroom, having had difficulty settling in due to the roof line, but the compartment seems a little more spacious than in the current generation. It would take a meter to be sure though. Above their heads, an immense panoramic roof provided a view of the snow-capped peaks…
After electric, thermal and micro-hybrids
At launch therefore, the first will be given to these two electric versions, before the marketing of a micro-hybrid thermal unit. According to our information, it will be a 1.5 in several power levels, 136, 163 and 190 hp, and the 48-volt hybrid system, similar to that of Audi or Stellantis, will be able to evolve at very low speed. 100% electric. We will also be able to choose later a 2.0 turbo of 250 hp, 100% thermal, from the joint venture between Renault and Geely, of which Mercedes owns 10%: Horse. And it will be made in China.
Prices are obviously not fixed, and certainly far from being. However, it is a safe bet that on-board technologies will not allow this CLA to be part of economic models, even in the premium category. A Mercedes EQA in stripped entry-level finish already costs €47,000. We estimate that it will be necessary to count on €50,000 for the small battery, and €55,000 for the large one. Anything less would be an excellent surprise.
