It previews an all-new model lineup of entry luxury cars with more than 750km of range.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new Concept CLA Class at the Munich Motor Show 2023. It’s based on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), and uses a powertrain derived from last year’s Vision EQXX concept. An electric successor to the CLA, this concept is the first of an all-new model lineup of entry luxury cars from Mercedes-Benz. It also boasts of a completely new exterior and interior design philosophy and also debut’s Mercedes’ new operating system.
- Concept CLA Class has more than 750km claimed range
- LED lighting elements a key part of exterior design
- Interior gets a full-width screen dubbed the ‘Superscreen’
Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class powertrain, range
Mercedes-Benz says the powertrain on the Concept CLA previews the ‘next-generation electric-drive technology’ for production EVs. Its directly derived from the Vision EQXX, has a claimed range of more than 750km and energy consumption of around 12 kWh/100 kilometres. Mercedes-Benz calls it the ‘one-litre car for the electric age’, in reference to ICE cars that use fewer than one litre of fuel per 100km of travel.
It comprises of 800 V electric architecture that enables 250 kW DC charging, delivering up to 400 kilometres of range in 15 minutes. The battery is available to choose from two different cell chemistries – higher-spec variants feature an anode design with silicon-oxide content while the entry variant makes use of lithium-iron phosphate.
The battery is coupled with a 235hp permanently excited synchronous machine that’s paired with a two-speed transmission. It has a claimed weight of 110kg and energy efficiency of up to 93 percent from battery to wheel in long distance driving. The concept CLA Class is configured for rear-wheel drive, however, the modular design of the powertrain means it is also suitable for all-wheel drive applications.
Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class exterior design
As with all concepts, the new Concept CLA looks futuristic and striking. Its low-slung, has a shark nose-like front end and a GT-like rear end with flared wheel arches and a wide track. The front-end is particularly distinctive characterized by a massive ‘grille’ that’s actually a screen, much like kidney screens on BMW’s new Vision Neue Klasse. It’s also completely different from any other Mercedes seen so far.