- Mercedes will launch a third-generation CLA coupe-like sedan subsequent 12 months and that is our first have a look at the manufacturing mannequin.
- The producer confirmed a calmly camouflaged CLA at an occasion in France.
- The prototype appeared to have two flaps on its rear haunches, suggesting it is a plug-in hybrid.
Mercedes-Benz will change the CLA sedan with an all-new technology subsequent 12 months. This may grow to be the third technology CLA and can probably be a plug-in-only automobile with both plug-in hybrid or totally electrical powertrains.
The Idea CLA Class design research, which was proven in 2023, gave us a good suggestion of what to anticipate however now Mercedes is lastly giving us a peek on the ultimate manufacturing mannequin set to reach subsequent 12 months. It’s nonetheless hidden by camouflage, however we will make out its physique form, proportions and different particulars from the images.
Mercedes teased the upcoming CLA in the course of the Pageant d’Hyères in France, the place it had a prototype that’s probably for the upcoming plug-in hybrid variant. We consider it’s the PHEV as a result of it has two flaps on its rear fenders; presumably one is hiding the charging port and the opposite the gas filler cap.
7 Photographs
Mercedes-Benz
Whether it is certainly the PHEV, then it doesn’t want a lot frontal cooling—the complete entrance finish is roofed up and solely a small a part of the entrance fascia permits air by means of.
The CLA’s design doesn’t maintain any surprises. Between taking a look at earlier generations, the CLA idea and the producer’s latest fashions, which function its newest design language, we have now a reasonably good thought of what it’s going to appear to be.
Its aspect profile is immediately recognizable as a “four-door coupe” silhouette, though the roofline doesn’t dip in the direction of the rear fairly as dramatically as within the present mannequin. This can be as a result of Mercedes received’t supply an A-Class sedan to go together with the brand new CLA, which suggests the latter might want to fill the area left within the vary by its extra sensible three-box brother.
Even by means of the camouflage, we will see that the brand new CLA can have a little bit of a snout, a form not too dissimilar from a Tesla Mannequin Y or the pre-facelift Mannequin 3. It should more than likely have a fake grille with a typical Mercedes sample, however with the camouflage on, it does look a bit like a Tesla.
The rear appears related in form to the outdated CLA, however with a taillight design that’s nearer to the brand new CLE coupe. Apparently, although we suspect this camouflaged prototype was the PHEV variant, we don’t see an exhaust below the rear bumper. We all know Mercedes locations the exhaust additional behind the sting of the rear bumper in its newest fashions, which may very well be the explanation why it’s not seen.
What makes the upcoming CLA fascinating isn’t its design, which is simply an evolution of what we’ve seen earlier than. It’s what’s below the pores and skin that’s necessary: the MMA 800-volt platform, which guarantees to make the electrical CLA probably the most environment friendly EVs out there. Mercedes says it should use 12 kWh/100 km on common, which is roughly 5.2 miles/kWh and extra environment friendly than the present effectivity champ, the Lucid Air Pure.
It is going to be ready so as to add 248 miles (400 km) of vary in quarter-hour, and Mercedes expects it to have a WLTP vary of as much as 466 miles (750 km). With these sorts of numbers, the CLA won’t solely be one among the longest-range EVs available on the market but additionally amongst these with the very best charging energy.
