Mercedes-Benz has introduced the new CLA. Each new model of the sedan will be available with both all-electric and high-tech hybrid powertrains. (Earlier post.)

The new CLA is the first vehicle to fully operate on the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) developed in-house, making it the most intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever. The new AI-enhanced system makes it possible to equip every vehicle with a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. This enables regular over-the-air updates for the most important vehicle functions, including driver assistance systems for the first time, to ensure the CLA is always up-to-date.

MB.OS marks the start of the fourth generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. It opens up a new world of personalized experiences and intuitive interaction between the vehicle and occupants, setting new standards. The new generation MBUX is the first in-car infotainment system to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google. This combines multiple AI agents in one system for the first time. MB.OS offers maximum flexibility to seamlessly integrate content from third-party providers. The familiar Mercedes interface for customers remains.

At launch, the CLA portfolio comprises the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology. With a range of up to 792 kilometers (492 miles) according to the WLTP cycle, the 268-hp CLA 250+ with EQ Technology offers exceptional mobility. The CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology with 349 hp is positioned as the performance variant at the top of the model range.

The 800-volt system can significantly reduce charging time in conjunction with the new generation battery. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology can be charged to a range of up to 325 kilometers in as little as ten minutes. DC fast charging up to 320 kW is also possible.

The new all-electric CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC feature lithium-ion batteries with an 85-kWh usable capacity. The cells have anodes that mix silicon oxide with graphite. Compared to the previous battery with conventional graphite anodes, the gravimetric energy density has been increased by up to 20%. The volumetric energy density of the cell chemistry is 680 Wh/l. Cobalt content has been further reduced.

With the main drive unit on the rear axle for optimal traction and driving characteristics, Mercedes-Benz brings a drive layout from higher model classes to the compact segment. The 268 hp electric drive unit with a permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) on the rear axle was developed entirely in-house and is directly derived from the VISION EQXX unit. Battery-to-wheel efficiency over long distances is 93%.

The magnets in the rotor are arranged in a double-V shape. Another feature is the winding of the stator with hairpin windings. These measures contribute to an especially quiet drive. The PSM also has a significantly lower proportion—almost zero percent—of heavy rare earth elements compared to previous generation motors. The high performance power electronics are equipped with a silicon carbide (SiC) inverter to maximize efficiency. The transmission control and inverter are highly integrated into a single component.

The CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology also features an 107 hp electric drive unit on the front axle. This unit is also a permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) design and equipped with a silicon carbide (SiC) inverter. The front electric motor functions as a boost drive, activated only when the corresponding power or traction is required, depending on the driving situation or selected drive program. This is facilitated by the Disconnect Unit (DCU), which Mercedes-Benz is using for the first time on a vehicle in this segment.

For greater efficiency, the DCU can quickly decouple the front electric motor under low load so that the electric motor and components of the transmission are no longer engaged. This reduces parasitic losses at the front axle by up to 90 percent and increases electric range.

The new generation battery also reduces the carbon footprint by approximately 30% per cell compared to its predecessor. This is due to carbon reduction measures, net carbon neutral cell production and the use of electricity from renewable energy sources in anode, cathode and cell housing production.

New two-speed transmission. The two-speed transmission on the electric drive unit at the rear axle combines dynamic performance with high efficiency in all driving situations. The first gear enables excellent acceleration from a standstill and offers outstanding efficiency in city driving. The second gear is designed for power delivery at higher speeds and efficiency in highway driving for excellent long distance range and comfort. The electronically limited 130-mph top speed is also achieved in second gear.

Multi-source heat pump equipped standard. The electric CLA is the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to feature an air-to-air heat pump. As a multi-source design, the heat pump can use three energy sources in parallel: waste heat from the electric drivetrain, the battery, as well as the ambient air. By using this free heat, the air-to-air heat pump contributes to the exceptional efficiency of the CLA. It requires only about one-third of the energy that a comparable auxiliary heater would need to deliver the same output.

48-volt hybrid drivetrains. The new CLA will also be available as a hybrid with 48-volt technology and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The modular architecture of the CLA model family allows Mercedes-Benz maximum flexibility in the drive concept and production. The advanced combustion engine in the CLA hybrid will initially be available in two outputs, as well as with front-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

The electric motor, inverter and transmission form a highly integrated unit. The electric motor provides intelligent support at any speed. In city driving, CLA hybrid models can drive using all-electric propulsion. Electric coasting is possible at speeds of up to approximately 60 mph. The hybrid powertrain is also able to recuperate energy in all eight gears, recovering up to 25 kW.