The electric CLA concept from Mercedes was presented just before the Munich Motor Show.
The idea is a sleek four-door coupe with a shark-nose front end intended to preview the impending production model. It has a striking grille that is totally covered and lit, as well as headlamps that display the Mercedes star insignia.
Speaking of lighting, the car is almost completely covered with thin, lighted strips. The strips are a dubious addition, yet they give a "stylish mirrored chrome look when unilluminated."
The design has a rakish windshield that flows into a softly sloping roof, lights aside. Additionally, the car's designers gave it a streamlined body, a simple greenhouse, and a larger wheelbase that should result in a more accommodating rear passenger area.
Flush-mounted door handles add to the sleek appearance, and the 21-inch wheels are sure to draw notice. Other notable features include a curved back end and a light glass roof that displays moving stars.
The five dashboard displays command attention amid the "tech-infused minimalist elegance" of the interior. Mercedes didn't provide many details, but it appears that a water-cooled NVIDIA processor powers the three centre screens, which run the brand-new MB.OS operating system.
According to Mercedes, the operating system is highly customizable and can be adjusted to your own needs. Additionally, it features a virtual assistant and a private art gallery that displays pictures from your NFT wallet to serve as a constant reminder of the money you spent on a trend that swiftly lost steam.
There are other circular screens that are built inside air vents that resemble turbines in other places. According to Mercedes, "physical air vents are discreetly positioned behind the screen and [are] designed to convey the impression of cooling ribs - an ingenious configuration that doubles as a source of ambient lighting."
The concept car boasts two-tone Nappa leather seats, metal accents, and a floating central console in addition to a variety of displays. The latter has a wireless smartphone charger with an illuminated glass surface and a cup holder that is lit.
The automobile will be available with two different batteries and is built on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). The entry-level battery uses a chemistry of lithium-iron phosphate, but the "top-level variant features an anode design with silicon-oxide content for excellent energy density."
Without going into detail, Mercedes stated that the battery is "remarkably small" and "lighter" because "its cell modules are held in place using adhesive rather than screws." No information has been released about capacity. However, the vehicle is anticipated to have a WLTP range of more than 466 miles (750 km) and an energy consumption of 5.2 mi/kWh (12 kWh/100 km).
The automobile features an 800V design and a 250 kW DC rapid charging capacity, while many unanswered concerns remain. As a result, the vehicle will be able to reach a range of up to 248 miles (400 km) in as little as 15 minutes. The manufacturer also suggested a market-specific bidirectional charging feature that will enable capabilities for vehicles to connect to homes and power grids (V2H and V2G).
A 235 horsepower (175 kW / 238 PS) electric motor with a "significantly lower share of heavy rare earths than previous generations" powers the vehicle. It weighs less than 243 lbs (110 kg). In long-distance travel, the electric drive unit has a "very high energy efficiency of up to 93 percent thanks to the thorough reduction of losses.
The prototype incorporates an effective powertrain in addition to a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system that is supported by a LiDAR sensor and other cameras.
Although Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius stated that "The Concept CLA Class is the forerunner for an entirely new all-electric segment of entry-level vehicles at Mercedes-Benz," further information regarding the production model will be revealed in the upcoming months. The lineup will include a total of four new models with greatly improved product substance: a four-door coupe, a shooting brake, and two gorgeous SUVs.
