Mercedes Unveils Concept CLA: A Tesla Model 3 Rival with Impressive Features
Mercedes has recently showcased its highly advanced Concept CLA at the 2023 Munich Motor Show, providing a glimpse into the future of electric vehicles. The Concept CLA is set to replace the current CLA model and is expected to arrive in UK showrooms within the next year. With its cutting-edge technology and impressive performance, this electric vehicle aims to rival the popular Tesla Model 3.
Variants and Drivetrains
The Concept CLA will be available in both pure electric and combustion engine drivetrains, offering customers a range of options. It will also come with rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The showcased electric variant boasts 223bhp, rear-wheel drive, and a two-speed transmission. Other variants include a base level 201bhp model and an AMG version with dual-motor four-wheel drive, set to launch in 2025.
MMA-Based Models
Mercedes has confirmed that the Concept CLA will be the first in a series of models based on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). This includes upcoming models like the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake, Mercedes EQA, and Mercedes EQB. These models will feature a new type of electric motor developed and produced in-house by Mercedes.
Impressive Battery Options
The Concept CLA will offer customers a choice between two battery options: lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and Lithium-Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt-Oxide (NMC). The energy capacity of these batteries will range from 58kWh to 85kWh, providing ample power for long-distance travel. The LFP battery pioneers a new construction technique that reduces weight and allows for more compact packaging.
Rapid Charging Capability
One of the standout features of the Concept CLA is its support for an 800-volt electric architecture, making it the first production car from Mercedes-Benz to offer this capability. This enables rapid charging at up to 250kW on a DC charger, allowing for a 248-mile top-up in just 15 minutes. Additionally, the Concept CLA has bi-directional charging capability, suggesting that the production version will be capable of vehicle-to-home, vehicle-to-grid, and vehicle-to-appliance tasks.
Phenomenal Efficiency
The Concept CLA incorporates the latest advancements in electric vehicle technology, resulting in what Mercedes’s chief technology officer Markus Schäfer describes as “phenomenal efficiency.” The electric motor and transmission are integrated into one unit weighing less than 110kg, contributing to an energy efficiency of up to 93% from battery to wheel at a constant cruising speed. In pure-electric mode, the most efficient CLA achieves an average energy consumption of 5.2 mi/kWh on the WLTP test cycle, providing a range of up to 466 miles.
Sleek Design and Advanced Features
The Concept CLA features a sleek and contemporary design, with a lower-set black panel grille and newly shaped headlamps connected by an LED light bar. The frameless doors and coupé-like roofline maintain the signature CLA aesthetic, while the heavily angled rear screen adds to its sporty profile. At the rear, a full-width wraparound light bar with tube-style LED graphics gives the car a distinctive look.
Inside, the Concept CLA boasts a full-width MBUX Superscreen, similar to the one used in the Vision EQXX concept car. This screen runs Mercedes-Benz’s new MB.OS operating system, which supports Google Maps navigation and other embedded apps. The Concept CLA also introduces a Level 3 Lidar-based autonomous driving assistance system and a Child Presence Detection (CPD) system designed to ensure child safety.
Conclusion
With its advanced technology, impressive performance, and sleek design, the Concept CLA from Mercedes is set to be a strong competitor in the electric vehicle market. Offering a range of drivetrains, rapid charging capability, and phenomenal efficiency, this Tesla Model 3 rival is poised to attract both eco-conscious consumers and performance enthusiasts. As Mercedes continues to innovate in the electric vehicle space, the Concept CLA represents a significant step forward in their commitment to sustainable mobility.