Mercedes-Benz, a pioneer in the automotive industry, is making waves with its latest creation, the Concept CLA Class, which was recently unveiled at the IAA Mobility 2023 event.1 This concept car carries substantial significance in Mercedes-Benz's transition towards electric and digital technologies.
Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz
Offering unparalleled long-range and rapid charging, this novel concept car is set to be a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, opening up possibilities for a new electric and digital age.
With the promise of an elevated electric vehicle experience, this unveiling underpins the company’s commitment to delivering a luxurious version of the electric vehicle. The exterior of the car is based on the company’s iconic design and dynamic performance, while its interior concentrates on ergonomics and convenience.
The Concept CLA Class is the forerunner for an entirely new all-electric segment of entry-level vehicles at Mercedes-Benz.
Ola Källenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Elevating the Electric Vehicle Experience
One of the most exciting aspects of the Concept CLA Class is its integration of cutting-edge technology, namely the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, which introduces a series of advancements in electric vehicle technology.
The MMA is a cutting-edge electric-centric platform designed for a line of four vehicles covering a range of body styles.2 It is set to play a major role in accelerating the ramp-up of the Mercedes-Benz electric fleet.
With the Concept CLA-Class as a predecessor and the four upcoming MMA vehicles, we are elevating every aspect of what customers can expect from Mercedes-Benz in this segment. With a range of more than 750 kilometers (466 miles) (WLTP), the Concept CLA Class could easily take you from Munich to Hamburg on a single charge.
MB.OS will create a fundamentally enhanced customer experience from driving assistance and navigation to charging and on-board entertainment. And we’re also exploring what’s possible in terms of sustainability with this vehicle. Across the entire MMA fleet, we will reduce CO₂ emissions in our value chain by more than 40 percent compared to the previous architecture.
Ola Källenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Efficiency is also paramount, and Mercedes-Benz has made significant strides in this area, achieving a remarkable energy efficacy of up to 93 percent. The Concept CLA Class also boasts advancements in battery cell chemistry due to the integration of an 800 V electric-drive system, which offers an impressive driving range and charging capabilities.
Additionally, bidirectional charging capabilities enable the vehicle to act as an energy storage device, providing backup power during outages and contributing to grid stability, aligning with a more sustainable way of living and driving.
I am certain that our MMA platform will enable us to offer our customers in this market segment a class-defining combination of performance, sustainability, safety and comfort paired with an outstanding digital experience.
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer
The Concept CLA Class embodies Mercedes-Benz's evolution as a brand, setting new standards in style and efficiency. Its cutting-edge technology, user-centric design, and commitment to a greener future symbolize Mercedes-Benz's electric innovation, ultimately ushering in a new era of automotive excellence that exceeds modern driver expectations.
References and Further Reading
- IAA mobility 2023: Mercedes-Benz Zeigt Neue Visionen und innovationen (no date) IAA MOBILITY 2023: Mercedes-Benz presents new visions and innovations | IAA MOBILITY. Available at: https://www.iaa-mobility.com/en/newsroom/news/cars/iaa-mobility-2023-mercedes-benz-presents-new-visions-innovations
- Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA class: The Electric Future of Desire (2023) MBUSA Newsroom. Available at: https://media.mbusa.com/releases/release-0c1982348d67d84829b2c6869f1468f6-mercedes-benz-concept-cla-class-the-electric-future-of-desire#_bookmark0
- Group, M.-B. (2023) ‘defining class since 1886’ – Mercedes-Benz at IAA mobility 2023: Mercedes-Benz Group, Mercedes. Available at: https://group.mercedes-benz.com/innovation/specials/iaa-2023-munich.html
- Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class: the electric future of desire (2023) Mercedes. Available at: https://media.mercedes-benz.com/press-kit/70b1862a-4b4d-4a1f-b274-62b37648bbbd/article/9a63ac3a-efd8-4b6b-817c-2d22ac9eb878