Mercedes-Benz has been noticed testing a compact electrical sedan with coupe-like styling.
The automobile is probably going a deliberate electrical model of the next-generation CLA-Class, which in keeping with Autocar might be previewed in idea kind on the 2023 Munich auto present in September forward of a market launch in early 2025. The timing factors to a U.S. launch for the 2025 or 2026 mannequin yr.
The subsequent CLA-Class, and different members of Mercedes’ next-generation compact household, will trip on a newly developed platform referred to as the MMA (Mercedes Modular Structure). The platform will assist each hybrid and totally electrical powertrains, and might be Mercedes’ final designed for gasoline engines. All future platforms from Mercedes might be electric-only, because the automaker prepares to go the full-electric route by 2030.
Mercedes has stated the MMA platform will spawn its first mannequin round 2025, more likely to be the subsequent CLA-Class. The platform will finally be used for all Mercedes fashions ranging as much as and together with the C-Class phase. Above this, Mercedes may have the MB.EA platform for medium and enormous fashions, the AMG.EA for high-performance fashions from AMG, and the Van.EA for mild business autos.
In accordance with Autocar, the subsequent CLA-Class will supply the selection of electrical or mild-hybrid powertrains. There apparently will not be a plug-in hybrid.
The prototypes are closely camouflaged, however the styling cues seem much like present Mercedes themes, although maybe the automobile will get some influences from final yr’s Imaginative and prescient EQXX idea automobile, notably the facet glass. A few of the applied sciences of the Imaginative and prescient EQXX must also make it into the brand new sedan, just like the extremely environment friendly vitality restoration programs.
Mercedes-Benz Imaginative and prescient EQXX
EVs primarily based on the MMA platform are anticipated to characteristic 800-volt electrical programs, which means high-speed charging might be doable. Battery capability is predicted to achieve as much as 100 kwh in capability.
It is not clear what the electrical CLA-Class might be referred to as, but when Mercedes sticks to its present naming apply the sedan could be referred to as the EQA. If that occurs, the present EQA compact electrical crossover bought abroad would should be rebranded because the EQA SUV, one thing we may even see later this yr when the present EQA is up to date. Nonetheless, Autocar posits the CLA identify will possible be retained for the electrical mannequin, versus an EQ-branded identify. This ties in with rumors Mercedes plans to drop the EQ branding shortly.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV spy pictures – Photograph credit score: Baldauf
The subsequent CLA-Class might be a part of a slimmed-down compact vary Mercedes refers to as Entry Luxurious (additional up are Core Luxurious and Prime-Finish Luxurious). Different fashions within the Entry Luxurious group are anticipated to incorporate the CLA-Class Capturing Brake, GLA-Class, and GLB-Class, all of which may have an electrical choice.
In an effort to concentrate on extra worthwhile, high-end autos, the present A-Class and B-Class are anticipated to be phased out. The A-Class has already been dropped within the U.S.
