Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 with EQ Technology
BEV model to be released with a hybrid model
The new CLA will debut first as a BEV model (front) equipped with the latest fully electric powertrain. The 48V mild hybrid model (back), which has been highly requested by customers, is scheduled to be added later this year.
The new CLA, which has been heavily camouflaged and has been released in teaser images and videos, has finally been unveiled. The third-generation CLA, which has undergone its first full model change since 2019, has a new platform and powertrain compared to the previous model, and the latest OS has been introduced, making it more spacious, refined, and highly efficient. Mercedes-Benz is proud to call it “the most intelligent car in the history of Mercedes-Benz.”
The new CLA comes in two versions: a fully electric version that uses the latest generation 800V battery system, and an ICE version that combines a 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a 48V mild hybrid system. The exterior of the BEV version features a black panel grille, while the ICE version has a classic Mercedes-like chrome grille.
Initially, only the BEV models “CLA 250+ with EQ Technology” and “CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology” will go on sale, with the ICE model equipped with a 48V hybrid system scheduled to be introduced later this year.
The CLA 250+ has a maximum range of 792km
The new CLA is available in a range of BEV versions with different outputs and drive systems. The rear-wheel drive CLA 250+ with EQ Technology boasts a maximum range of 792 km.
The new CLA, equipped with the latest electric powertrain “EQ Technology,” was developed as a “1-liter car (capable of traveling 100km on 1L of fuel)” for the electric vehicle era. It achieves astonishingly low power consumption and range in this segment, making electric mobility a realistic option.
The rear-wheel drive CLA 250+ with EQ Technology delivers a maximum system output of 200 kW (271 PS) and a maximum range of 792 km (WLTP cycle). This makes it possible to travel from Stuttgart to Kiel without charging. The top-of-the-line performance model, the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology, delivers a maximum output of 260 kW (353 PS). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h.
Both models are equipped with a two-speed gearbox for the main drive on the rear axle, achieving both excellent dynamism and high efficiency in all conditions. The battery is a newly developed 85kWh lithium-ion battery. The battery cell uses a negative electrode made of a mixture of silicon oxide and graphite, which improves weight energy density by up to 20% compared to batteries using conventional graphite negative electrodes.
The BEV CLA is the first Mercedes-Benz to feature a heat pump. The heat pump bypasses the water circuit, utilizing waste heat from the electric drivetrain and enabling the use of three energy sources in parallel: the battery and outside air. The combination of an 800V system and a new-generation battery significantly reduces charging times. Both models are compatible with DC fast charging of up to 320kW, and the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology can charge for up to 325km of range in less than 10 minutes.
48V mild hybrid model will be launched later
The hybrid version will combine a newly developed 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder “M252” gasoline turbo with a 48V mild hybrid system. Three power levels will be available.
The ICE (internal combustion engine) version, which will be released later than the BEV version and is equipped with a mild hybrid, will be equipped with a newly developed 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder “M252” gasoline turbo engine, equipped with 48V technology and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The “M252” engine belongs to the FAME (Family of Modular Engines) and is scheduled to be introduced in various models starting with the CLA.
The electric motor, inverter, and transmission are integrated into a compact unit. The electric motor intelligently supports the engine at all speeds. When driving in urban areas or when the required output is less than 20kW, the car can operate in EV mode, which uses electricity only. EV mode covers speeds up to about 100km/h. It can also recover up to 25kW of energy while driving.
The ICE model shares the same basic exterior as the BEV model, but is fitted with a classic Mercedes-Benz chrome grille and comes standard with LED light guides. The 1.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine fitted to the hybrid model will be available in three power levels and will be available in front-wheel drive and the “4MATIC” all-wheel drive system. Detailed specifications and lineup are scheduled to be announced in 2025.
Mercedes-Benz’s proprietary MB.OS system is introduced for the first time.
The cockpit of the new CLA is fitted with a large glass-enclosed display, and this marks the first time that Mercedes’ in-house developed Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) has been introduced.
The new CLA is the first to feature the in-house developed Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), creating the most intelligent cockpit in Mercedes-Benz history. The integrated system incorporates AI, making it possible to equip every vehicle with a high-performance computer connected to Mercedes-Benz’s proprietary intelligent cloud.
This marks the first time that a Mercedes-Benz model will be able to offer regular over-the-air updates to the most important vehicle functions, including driver assistance systems, meaning the new CLA will be kept up to date with all its systems for many years after launch.
The cockpit is fitted with a 10.25-inch driver display and a 14-inch centre display, both covered by large glass. The MBUX Super Screen, which adds a 14-inch passenger display, is also available as an option.
“MB.OS” forms the basis of the fourth-generation MBUX, delivering a personalized experience and intuitive operation. Jointly developed by Microsoft and Google, it is the first in-car infotainment system to integrate AI technology. The “MBUX Super Screen” that spans the cockpit displays advanced real-time graphics using cutting-edge, high-performance chips and the “Unity” game engine.
The app view, introduced with the fourth-generation MBUX, allows you to move apps around and group them into named folders, just like on a smartphone. When you have an app open, you can return to the app view by simply swiping left, and jump to the opening screen by swiping again or pressing the home button.
The MBUX Virtual Assistant is capable of complex, multifaceted conversations like those with a friend and is equipped with short-term memory. Based on searches using ChatGPT4o and Microsoft Bing, it claims to provide the internet’s collective intelligence to drivers and passengers. For navigation-related questions, it accesses Google Maps to provide accurate answers about navigation and tourist spots. A dedicated avatar inspired by the Mercedes star is also available.
