Automakers often show off concept cars as design exercises to give the public a feel for their vision of future models. While Mercedes certainly does that, its latest concept is very close to the vehicle that will take its place in production. The new Concept CLA-Class is an all-electric take on Mercedes’ smallest 4-door car, bringing an exceptional estimated range, high-end electric charging tech, and cutting-edge safety features.
It’s important to note that we’re talking about a concept car, so some of the features and tech Mercedes outlined may change before the CLA reaches the final production stages. The 4-door coupe is the first in a line of entry-level electric vehicles (EVs) from the automaker that will include a wagon and two SUVs. Pricing isn’t yet available for the car, but Mercedes calls it the “one-liter car” of the future, meaning it will be the brand’s budget leader with fantastic efficiency going forward.
Mercedes pioneered the “coupe-but-not-a-coupe” body style, and the CLA is its smallest model in that format. The electric concept car follows its gas predecessor’s shape but brings a striking front fascia with an illuminated Mercedes logo and star-pattern headlights. Light bands wrap around the front and rear of the vehicle, bringing animated light functions as the driver approaches or leaves the car. Mercedes made a point to mention the car’s build quality, emphasizing “precise joints and shut lines,” and funky 21-inch wheels aid the Concept CLA’s hunkered-down look.
The Concept CLA has an interior that blends digital and analog features with luxury design. Mercedes says it’s a minimalist space with unique materials, including paper trim, and Nappa leather is available. The automaker uses vegetable-based tanning agents and notes sustainable materials throughout the cabin. A panoramic glass roof and hidden ambient interior lighting are standard.
Concept car interiors are often totally wild, and that’s what we see in the CLA. It’s unlikely that all design elements make it to production, but the concept’s look is stunning. The front seats feature sculpted backs, 3-dimensional-looking stitching, and sustainable Nappa leather upholstery. A unique floating center console extends above a lower platform area between the front seats, and two more buckets replace the rear bench seat.
The Concept CLA-Class is Mercedes’ first EV using its dedicated electric MMA platform, and the German automaker promises a 466-mile range measured using the WLTP standard. While impressive, it’s worth noting that the EPA’s range estimates are often much more conservative, so the car will likely land in the United States with closer to a 350-mile range estimate.
Mercedes promises an energy consumption of just 12 kWh/100 km, around 5.2 miles per kilowatt-hour, making it one of the most efficient EVs on the market. The car also features an 800-volt electrical architecture, which enables fast charging. According to Mercedes, the Concept CLA can recover up to 248 miles of range in just 15 minutes of charging on a 250-kW DC fast charger.
A single electric motor powers the CLA. Called MB.EDU, or Mercedes-Benz electric drive unit, the motor produces 175 kW (around 235 horsepower) and weighs less than 243 pounds. The automaker says its high energy efficiency means that 93 percent of its power reaches the wheels. Mercedes also makes it with far fewer rare-earth metals than previous drive units, and the automaker says it produces the CLA’s batteries in a way that cuts their carbon footprint by 40 percent. In addition, the CLA features bidirectional charging, which allows it to power a home, charge other EVs, and act as a backup generator in limited situations.
In addition to more traditional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like forward-collision warning and blind-spot warning, the Concept CLA gets a few novel features, including a Level 2 autonomous driving system. Using lidar, the tech works on almost all roads and can assist in lane changes or maneuvering in tight parking lots. Mercedes says it will add new functionality to the tech over time using over-the-air updates.
Another new feature is the CLA’s child-presence detection system, which, according to Mercedes, uses sensors so sensitive they can detect a child’s breathing patterns and warn the adult that they’ve left them in the car. They also monitor the car’s interior temperature and can alert outside passersby that a child is stuck inside.
While Mercedes has relied on its MBUX infotainment interface for years, the CLA will be its first car to use the new MB.OS operating system. The automaker says it designed its new software to speed development and updates and notes that it uses NVIDIA chips for powerful graphics and data processing. According to the automaker, artificial intelligence helps the system learn user behavior to respond more quickly and provide more intuitive functionality.
Mercedes will also offer its stunning Superscreen system in the car, which uses three display screens across the dash. It works with the CLA’s ambient interior lighting to produce an immersive audio experience, and the powerful graphics enable 3D navigation and customizable displays.
When it makes it to production, the new CLA-Class will compete against a range of plush electric vehicles when it lands, including the BMW i4, which offers a more spacious interior and more hard-core performance. The Tesla Model 3 is another excellent alternative, and it’s getting a much-needed update in the next few months. Buyers may also eye the Polestar 2 or even the larger, more expensive Mercedes-Benz EQE.
Mercedes-Benz is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of September 6, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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