* Defining class: elevating the electric experience with a new model family
* Electric hypermiler is new "one-liter car" thanks to outstanding efficiency from VISION EQXX technology transfer
* Next-generation drivetrain with range of more than 750 kilometers (466 miles) (WLTP)1 and consumption of around 12 kWh/100 km (5.2 mi/kWh)
* 800 V for high electric efficiency and rapid charging of up to 400 kilometers (248 miles) in 15 minutes
* Low-energy LED lights incl. animated star pattern pair with expansive glass roof for major step up
* New Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) uses supercomputing and artificial intelligence to facilitate new level of personalization, safety, convenience and automated driving
* Child Presence Detection (CPD): sophisticated safety feature mitigates risk of young children being accidentally left in vehicle during warm weather
* Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) reduces value-chain CO2 by more than 40 percent

The Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class unveiled at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, Germany, offers a close-to-production insight into the upcoming family of vehicles that stands at the gateway to the brand. At the cusp of a new electric and digital age, this represents the company's vision to elevate this important vehicle class, based on the long-term portfolio strategy. Designed on the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, the exterior aesthetics of the Concept CLA Class stand for iconic design and dynamic performance. Meanwhile, its interior focuses on customer experience with exceptional comfort and convenience for an electric and digital future.

"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 coupe, a shooting brake and two stunning SUVs – each with significantly elevated product substance. This new model family is inspired by a generation of car buyers who want that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz feel, with more features, even greater comfort and safety and the most advanced technology. They also seek a sustainable choice that is a cut above the rest. This hypermiler is the one-liter car of the electric age, with a range of more than 750 kilometers (466 miles) in the WLTP1 and energy consumption of just 12 kWh/100 km (5.2 mi/kWh). Based on the MMA platform, 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."
Ola Källenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG

Technology leadership is apparent in the MMA platform underpinnings such as the next-generation electric-drive system aiming for a range of more than 750 kilometers (466 miles) (WLTP)2. The Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) is an electric-first platform engineered for a family of four vehicles covering a range of body styles. It is set to play a major role in accelerating the ramp-up of the Mercedes-Benz electric fleet. As a fundamental part of the wider electric strategy, it will help the company attain its ambitious targets. All vehicles on the MMA platform are being developed in accordance with the Mercedes-Benz "real life safety" philosophy. Mercedes-Benz has set safety standards for decades, pursuing a vision of accident-free driving.

MMA electric-drive system – engineered for electric efficiency

Next-generation in-house developed drivetrain for outstanding efficiency
Electric hypermiler redefines the one-liter car with consumption of around 12 kWh/100 kilometers (5.2 mi/kWh)
Two advanced cell chemistries – incl. silicon-oxide based anode design for excellent energy density
800 V system maximizes efficiency and performance while reducing charge time

As the first car to be developed on the all-new electric-first Mercedes-Benz MMA platform, the Concept CLA Class points the way for the next-generation electric-drive technology underpinning the series-production model. With an anticipated range of more than 750 kilometers (466 miles) (WLTP)3, the electric drive leads by a considerable margin, defining the benchmark in its class. This represents a remarkable energy consumption of around 12 kWh/100 kilometers (5.2 mi/kWh), making the Concept CLA Class the one-liter car for the electric age. Directly derived from the electric-drive system in the VISION EQXX, the new in-house developed drivetrain comprises an 800 V electric architecture combined with a battery with exceptional energy density and a highly efficient electric drive unit. In the Concept CLA Class it is configured for sporty rear-wheel drive. However, the modular design means it is also suitable for 4x4 vehicle applications. The advanced next-generation drivetrain, which is making its debut in the Concept CLA Class, is scalable to fit other use cases, including in other vehicle segments.

High-voltage battery

The innovative battery system under development for the MMA platform is based on a highly modular architecture whereby customers can choose from two different cell chemistries. The top-level variant features an anode design with silicon-oxide content for excellent energy density. Meanwhile, the entry variant leads the way in the segment with its use of lithium-iron phosphate. The battery itself has a remarkably small overall volume. For the first time, its cell modules are held in place using adhesive rather than screws. The resulting structure is not only lighter than a conventional battery configuration; it is also stiffer, which offers benefits in crash safety. Likewise, the 800 V configuration facilitates a high level of electric endurance in a compact package and with lower cooling requirements. The high-voltage configuration also enables high-power 250 kW DC charging, delivering up to 400 kilometers (248 miles) of range in 15 minutes.

Mercedes-Benz Electric Drive Unit (MB.EDU)

Lightweight, powerful and compact: The new highly efficient MB.EDU, comprising motor, transmission and power electronics, was developed entirely in-house. Based on a modular concept, this class-defining unit is the first in a family of drive units engineered to meet a wide range of performance demands across a number of model lines. The 175 kW permanently excited synchronous machine is paired with a two-speed transmission. The high-performance power electronics incorporate control of motor and transmission in a single processor and feature a silicon carbide inverter for exceptionally efficient power usage. This reflects the high degree of functional integration throughout the MB.EDU that results in a compact overall package weighing less than 243 pounds. Its extremely high energy efficiency of up to 93 percent from battery to wheel in long distance driving is due to meticulous minimization of losses throughout the system and places it at the forefront of the sector.

Sustainability advances in the MMA electric-drive system

The permanent magnet synchronous motor in the Mercedes-Benz Electric Drive Unit (MB.EDU) features a significantly lower share of heavy rare earths than previous generations - close to 0 percent. When it comes to batteries, the new MMA electric-drive system takes a major step forward in net carbon-neutral manufacturing. Not only is cell production net carbon neutral but also cathode production. This will allow the company to reduce the carbon footprint of the cells by 40 percent. Further emissions reductions will be achieved through using renewable energy in the production and refinement of raw materials.

Bidirectional charging

Transforming vehicle into household energy storage device: The Concept CLA Class also offers a glimpse into the future of networking between electric vehicles and the energy grid. Software- and hardware-based bidirectional charging shows how class-defining technology leadership opens up new potential for customers and energy providers alike. When connected to a compatible bidirectional DC charging station, the vehicle becomes an energy storage device that could, for instance, store solar power for use later. Most importantly, it can also serve as an electricity supply, either Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) or Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). The use of bidirectional charging may be subject to market-specific conditions in respect of legislation and the requirements of energy suppliers.

One example of V2H is the provision of back-up supply in the event of a power outage, while V2G applications include helping to balance peaks and troughs on the power grid or even the trading of green electricity on the open market. In all situations, the intelligent bidirectional charging system ensures the vehicle has sufficient charge to meet customer needs at specified departure times. Through the option of bidirectional charging at home, Mercedes-Benz is fulfilling the desire of many customers to combine their own individual mobility with a more sustainable way of living.

Design – iconic elements seen in a new light
Signature graphic incorporating stylized three-pointed star as emotional lighting motif
Distinctive and sporty shark nose defines dynamic front-end design with strong forward lean
Hallmark A-shape grille reinterpreted for the electric era
The Concept CLA Class marks the start of a new era and the next step in the continuous evolution of the brand's unique design language of sensual purity. The vehicle has a distinctively dynamic appearance, incorporating design elements that have become icons in their own right – reimagined for the electric and digital age. The exciting contrast of intelligence and emotion pairs with the "x-factor" of unexpected and extraordinary details to create a new interpretation of desire.

The striking use of light in its exterior design represents the Mercedes-Benz aim to be the brightest star in the constellation. It expresses the combination of electrification and digitalization that unlocks a new elevated customer experience from the very first glance. Very-low-energy LED lighting, visible from all perspectives, is an integral part of the overall sculpture that enhances the proportions and brings added movement, life and functionality to the exterior. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, slender greenhouse and elongated bonnet convey the brand's design ethos in this new family of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz designers applied the iconic three-pointed star as an emotional lighting motif throughout, re-affirming this symbol as the most enduring mark of automotive progress. This starts at the front end with the distinctive new face and continues along the flanks, with light strips above the front and rear wheel arches. Even the expansive glass roof marks a step up to a whole new level. Its illuminated and animated star pattern brings an added air of sophistication to the exterior sculpture, while evoking a spa-like elegance in the interior. Meanwhile, the distinctive Mercedes-Benz laurel wreath has been reinterpreted to create a striking new pattern for the interior upholstery.

"The Concept CLA Class marks the start of a new era. It reinterprets iconic elements of the brand's rich design heritage to craft a whole new face of Mercedes-Benz. Here, the sporty forward lean of the distinctive shark nose from the 50s and 60s pairs with a new signature graphic for the electric age. The composition enhances the so-called eyebrow of the daytime running light with a stylized star. The star motif repeats as animated light bands in the A-shape grille design. These are defining features of our future look."
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG

Exterior design in detail

Emotionally charged expression of athletic power: The dynamic front end of the Concept CLA Class is characterized by the shark-nose design and the distinctive seamless "grille" panel. It forms a cohesive part of the overall sculpture and becomes a canvas for the illuminated animated star pattern as well as the central, iconic Mercedes-Benz star, likewise illuminated. The light bands that wrap around the front and rear add three-dimensionality to the light composition as well as anchoring the striking star-shaped headlamp clusters. These bands are made from an innovative material that has a stylish mirrored chrome look when unilluminated.

A range of animated lighting scenarios by day and night deliver an even greater sense of emotion and dynamism. They also offer an added dimension of personalization for the driver, such as welcome and goodbye scenarios. The sporty proportions of the Concept CLA Class are emphasized by its athletic shoulders extending from the front light band all the way to the powerful GT rear end. The sense of breadth front and rear is underscored by the flared wheel arches and wide track, which give the show car a confident and assertive stance.

The sleek glasshouse features chrome applications that complement the athletic proportions with timeless elegance. As befits the coupe design language, the visual center of gravity sits low down. The powerful wheel arches frame the striking 21-inch wheels displaying a distinctive star pattern. Precise joints and shut lines add detail and movement to the effortlessly sculptural surface design of the Concept CLA Class.

The crisp GT line and proportions of the rear serve to elongate the silhouette, while offering rear-seat passengers increased headroom relative to the previous generation. Likewise, the longer wheelbase affords more knee room for those riding in the rear. From the three-quarter view of the rear towards the rear, the design continues the theme of light and shade transported into the digital age. The wrap-around light band frames the rear light clusters that repeat the signature star design. The Mercedes-Benz star on the rear is likewise illuminated, creating a distinctive sign-off for anyone following behind.

Interior design in detail

Blend of analogue and digital brings fresh definition to the segment: Inside the spacious and airy interior of the Concept CLA Class, the aesthetic theme is one of utmost modernity. This is simply yet powerfully expressed through the considered application of a few iconic elements. The overall effect exudes a tech-infused minimalist elegance that takes sculptural automotive design into an exciting digital future and sets the tone in this segment. Finely crafted innovative materials such as paper trim and nappa leather, processed by using vegetable-based tanning agents, contrast with high-gloss surfaces to offer a visual and tactile finish that is both stylish and unexpected. By day, it is bathed in natural light from the expansive glass roof and accented by carefully orchestrated, discreet LED lighting. The color palette of gleaming silver and crystal white enhances the futuristic atmosphere, while detailing in cool blue and sensual violet adds a hint of exclusivity.

Source: Mercedes-Benz Media

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