Mercedes-Benz will launch a shooting brake version of the forthcoming new CLA, as well as electric-focused successors to the GLA and GLB SUVs, as part of a renewed attack on the compact vehicle class.
The three new models will follow the production version of the sleek Concept CLA, due to arrive in late 2024 as a saloon with an electric range of up to 466 miles thanks to a prevailing development focus on efficiency.
Mercedes boss Ola Källenius has said the new CLA will be one of four compact models to use the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform.
The MMA replaces the firm’s MFA architecture, which was developed for combustion-engined cars and then adapted for EVs.
The new platform was created with a focus on electric powertrains and has the ability to accept differing motor types and drive layouts.
It also uses an 800V architecture that can allow for faster charging and different battery chemistries. Although it is an EV-first platform, MMA can still support combustion engines and the CLA will be launched with a choice of both powertrains.
That will give Mercedes what Källenius refers to as “strategic flexibility” while it moves towards a fully zero-emission line-up.
The four new models will mark a major revamp of the firm’s compact line-up in which the current A-Class and B-Class will not be directly replaced – with the new CLA becoming Mercedes’ entry-level machine.
Despite this, sales boss Britta Seeger confirmed the company is committed to the compact segment, saying “we will adapt our offering”. She added: “It’s about finding the right customers in all segments.
As we have from A[-Class] to S, and in the future from CLA to S, we want to have the best products in each segment.” Notably, the Concept CLA features a number of elements that will be used across not just the four new compact models but all of Mercedes’ future EV line-up.
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P. S. China has at least 3092 coal fired power stations.
"Sorry, but in 2023 if you say things like "hippy save the trees" you either live in a cave with no windows, or have an agenda.
Take a look around you - the environment is collapsing, future generations will inherit a hellish world"
Best thing for you to do is go out to Tienaman Square and don't leave it until the last Chinese coal fired power station has been scrapped.
The UK no longer has a coal fired power station.
Like many other latest model Mercs, I expect other markets will have this car with loads of options and features but Mercedes UK product managers will decided that we are not worthy of it over here!! Example, latest GLC/C/GLE class get all sort of extra seat options, heat packs, air suspension, off road packs, remote heating etc. But Mercedes UK decide not to offer these! I wanted the latest GLC but live in a cold area of Scotland. They don't offer heated rear seats and steering wheels, remote heating in the UK but every other cold area market does! (I ordered a Volvo instead, had it all as standard!)
Another example that the UK buyers only go for the badge, not the substance.