And, when you run out of juice, the new CLA’s 800-volt architecture enables charging rates of up to 320 kW. That theoretically means 186 miles (300 km) of charge in just 10 minutes.
Battery energy density is up, and there’s a more efficient heat pump for the cabin.
Credit:
Tim Stevens
So, then, the promise is for a better-looking, better-driving, more-affordable, longer-range, and quicker-charging EV. That sounds like a winning bet, but Mercedes still has a hedge in. I didn’t just drive the electric CLA up in Sweden. I also got a go in the 48-volt hybrid version.
Yes, there’s a new CLA for you even if you’re still not on board with the EV revolution. This one’s built around a 1.5 L four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that’s integrated with an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission. Engine output is rated at 188 hp (140 kW), plus an additional 27 hp (20 kW) from the electric motor.
That’s enough to drive the car up to 62 mph (100 kph) without spinning up the gasoline engine, but with only 1.3 kWh of battery at its disposal, you won’t go far without combustion. Mercedes doesn’t even quote an all-electric range. The engine comes on early and often.
In fact, during my time behind the wheel, I couldn’t get the engine to turn off. The engineers blamed the below-freezing temperatures. So, I can’t say just how sprightly the car will be without internal combustion. With that four-cylinder humming, the car was reasonably sprightly, the transmission slipping smoothly through the gears. Outright power is definitely on the limited side, though. Anyone who cares about acceleration should go for the other CLA, the one with the bigger battery.
Mercedes-Benz may well have a winner here with the new CLA.
I got a good look at the interior of the two cars, but sadly, I’m not allowed to talk about that yet. Suffice it to say it includes some tasteful and practical changes that should be well-received. More on that to come.
Will the new CLA change Mercedes-Benz’s BEV fortunes? Initial impressions are indeed very good. If it looks half as good as that concept, delivers on the range promise, and is priced right, it should be a winner.
We won’t have long to wait to find out how it looks, but don’t expect an answer to the pricing question until closer to the car entering production later this year. Regardless, it’s great to see all the testing in the EQXX finally bearing fruit. At first bite, it’s tasting sweet.
