CLA will debut a new styling language set to be adopted by Benz's next generation of small models. Image: Mercedes-Benz
Having started teasing the all-new CLA two months ago, Mercedes-Benz has continued with the reveal of select details, this time of the powertrain choices that will consist of full electric or hybrid motivation.
The first model to use the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform that will underpin the three-pointed star’s next generation of small models, the coupe-styled CLA will put efficiency first as evident by the pair of powerplants that will debut with it next year.
Despite reports of the combustion engine being co-developed with Geely through its partnership with Renault, who supplies Benz with its 1.5-litre turbodiesel and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engines, the CLA’s new M 252 mill has been designed in-house with a displacement of 1.5-litres.
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Said to use technology from the bigger M 256 four-pot, the new turbocharged four-cylinder will be paired to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system consisting of a 1.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack powering a 20 kW electric motor integrated into the brand-new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox called 8F-eDCT.
Available in three states of tune; 100 kW, 120 kW and 140 kW, the setup will drive the front wheels as standard, with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system being optional.
While no fuel consumption figures were revealed, specifications for the electric variant suggest a claimed range of 750 km and as little as 12 kWh/100 km.
The result of Benz’s new Electric Drive Unit 2.0, the 800-volt electrified platform consists of a single electric motor on rear-wheel-drive models producing as much as 200 kW, and a secondary 80 kW module on 4Matic equipped variants.
Powered by an 85-kWh battery with a more affordable 58-kWh debuting later, the entire system supports DC charging up to 320 kW and is paired to a newly developed two-speed transmission.
According to Mercedes-Benz, as much as 200 kW can be recouped using regenerative braking, with the overall wheel-to-wheel efficiency standing at 93%.
Still to be hinted at inside as only imagery of the CLA Concept currently prevails, expectations are that more information will be released before the end of 2024.
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