The Newest CLA Class Concept Strengthens Mercedes-Benz's Commitment In The Electrification Era

Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA-Class (Source: Mercedes-Benz Group)

JAKARTA - Mercedes-Benz, a premium car manufacturer from Germany, has officially revealed the latest concept from CLA-Class. This preview model is also the first step in Mercedes' journey towards an era of electric car renewal or a major milestone for Mercedes to penetrate the electric vehicle segment in the future.

Ola Kallenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, explained that the CLA-Class concept will be the basis of a series of new entry-level models from Mercedes-Benz. The series will include four models, including four-door coupe, shooting brake, and two luxury SUVs with significant performance improvements.

"The family of this new model is inspired by a generation of car buyers who want the quality of Mercedes-Benz, with increased features, comfort, security, and advanced technology. They are also looking for sustainable options that excel in their class," Kallenius said in a statement, Monday, September 4.

The CLA-Class concept retains a front design that characterizes this brand, with a prominent Mercedes-Benz stellar emblem and comes with an LED light and a three-point DRL.

The side of the vehicle is elegantly designed, making a four-door sedan with a red color that is touched with white accent, revealing the uniqueness of the design.

Mercedes' "Sensual Palace" design philosophy is clearly emitted on the curved back, with a wide spatbor design integrated with the headlights and back through a sharp chrom strip.

Entering the vehicle, the CLA-Class concept takes inspiration from Vision EQXX, with the use of environmentally friendly materials and is equipped with advanced Superscreen screens.

The silver and white Jok is made of Nappa skin which is processed with coffee husks, unused beverage industry waste, while purple scintillating cloth uses recycled PET plastic.

Like other new Mercedes models, the CLA-Class concept is equipped with a Superscreen screen as an infotainment system run by MB.OS, the latest operating system from Mercedes-Benz which is supported by advanced processors.

The Superscreen screen on the dashboard consists of three separate displays, namely an instrument cluster, a touch screen in the middle, and a sophisticated display in front of the passenger seat.

The CLA concept is the first model to use the latest platform from Mercedes, namely the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA).

Because this is a conceptual version, Mercedes provides little information about the CLA-Class specifications. However, they will provide two types of batteries, namely lithium-ion phosphate batteries for the entry-level and silicon-oxide anode models for the highest quality models. Battery cells will be installed using adhesive, instead of screws, to reduce weight, cost, and improve structural integrity.

According to Mercedes-Benz claims, the CLA-Class concept is referred to as "Hypermier" because it can reach a distance of more than 750 km according to the WLTP cycle with an energy consumption of about 12 kWh/100 km. With this calculation, the capacity of the CLA-Class battery is estimated at 89.6 kWh.

With a 800V voltage platform, the CLA-Class concept can face DC fast charging of up to 250 kW. For propulsion, CLA will use an MB.EDU electric motor that is integrated with electric motors, two acceleration transmissions, inverters, and other electric components. With this, this drive is capable of reducing the weight by about 110 kg and producing up to 235 hp of power, thanks to the reduction in metal use compared to previous Mercedes drivers.