German legacy automaker Mercedes-Benz has finally uncovered its all-electric Concept CLA-Class at the IAA Mobility in Munich today. What’s interesting about this new base model is its industry-leading driving range of 466 miles between charges, beating any Tesla model to date.
“We’re taking it to the next level. This car is extremely important for innovation reasons and to push the limits for what we can do with a series car.”
Mercedes Chief Technology Officer Markus Schäfer told the media on Sunday before the IAA Mobility (via Fortune)
What’s currently known about the Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class EV?
The new CLA EV concept will be the first model to ride on the latest Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. It will enable a WLTC-estimated range of more than 466 miles (750 km), Electrek reported.
Mercedes boasts that this base model only has a consumption rate of approximately 12 kWh/100 km. Furthermore, it will apparently have a battery system that can support a 15-minute charging time for another 400 km of driving range.
More excitingly, Board of Management Chairman Ola Källenius claims that the concept will be the “forerunner for an entirely new portfolio of electric-first vehicles that will serve as the gateway into the world of Mercedes‑Benz.”
Chairman Källenius further emphasized that the model reflects the company’s goal of surpassing customers’ expectations.
“We will massively elevate our offering in this segment – developed from scratch on our new dedicated MMA platform. All of these models are designed to fulfil one mission: Redefining every aspect of what customers can expect in this format.”
Board of Management Chairman Ola Källenius
According to the report, the new concept does not feature the iconic bowed roof line of the popular EQS and EQE models. It has a long-slung roof that improves aerodynamics and range.
The recently released teaser video also revealed that the entry-level CLA concept has a new front-end design, headlights, and grille.
It also sports Mercedes’ three-point star in the LED headlights. The brand claims the model signifies its goal to “elevate the segment through aesthetic and extraordinary design, long-range efficiency, pioneering innovation, sustainable materials, and an entirely new operating system, MB.OS.”
Why is it necessary?
Mercedes struggles to increase its sales and delivery figures amid the intensifying competition in the Chinese electric vehicle market.
With its aggressive pricing strategy, Tesla has been igniting the price war in the world’s largest auto market. In effect, Mercedes and other brands also decided to cut prices to sell their offerings.
Tesla-led price war put significant pressure on foreign and local brands in the country, affecting their quarterly performance and revenue.
That said, the new model is part of the German automaker’s strategy to compete with Tesla models.
Mercedes expects the new Concept CLA Class EV to bolster its sales as soon as it arrives in the market. It will demonstrate how the brand will compete with volume automakers like VW and Toyota in the entry-level premium category.
Targets and schedule
Mercedes aims to beat local brands like BYD and NIO in the Chinese automotive market by only selling all-electric models by the end of the decade, Clayton Country Register reported.
In addition, Mercedes is also apparently working to establish eight power battery factories with its partners.
It is also worth noting that Mercedes expects the new CLA concept to attract rich Chinese buyers with personal drivers and prefer rear-seating comfort.
The brand also now aims to accelerate margins by significantly allocating resources on top-end models like G-Wagon offroader, Maybach limousines, and AMG performance units to strategically budget funds.
Car and Driver reported that Mercedes aims to begin the production of the new luxury model in late 2024. That said, the first unit may arrive as the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA in the United States.
See Also:
- Mercedes-Benz to launch its first EV charging stations by late 2023
- Mercedes-Benz to launch an all-electric portfolio in Malaysia by 2030
- Mercedes’ new EVs stimulate demand as it aims to “grow fast” in the industry
- Mercedes-Benz becomes the first German automaker to adopt Tesla’s NACS
- Mercedes-Benz bests Tesla for California’s approval of self-driving tech
Mercedes will exhibit the new Mercedes CLA concept at the IAA Mobility from September 5 to 10. Interested customers can personally witness the company’s full EV portfolio, which consists of the new EQB, EQA, and EQV. It will also display the previous models, including the EQE, EQS, EQS SUV, and Vision One-Eleven show EV.
