Latest news with #CLA250+
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Mercedes CLA sees strong demand as production scales for EV and petrol models
Mercedes-Benz has already started boosting production of the new CLA just a few months after its world premiere due to strong demand. Notify me As SUVs remain the best-selling vehicle type in the world, Mercedes-Benz is doubling down on the sedan bodystyle with its completely new, third-generation CLA. The German luxury marque has already started boosting production of the new CLA just a few months after its world premiere due to strong demand. A third production shift has been added at the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim facility to keep pace, a report by Carscoops stated. This resurgence of interest comes at a time when most rivals have trimmed sedan offerings in favour of high-riding crossovers. But the CLA bucks the trend—especially with the introduction of its first-ever all-electric variants alongside traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) options. Also Read : Mercedes-Benz cars in India to be dearer by 1.5% in September, third price hike in 2025 Electric CLA sees strong early orders According to Mercedes' production chief Jorg Burzer, the company has received a 'very encouraging" number of orders for the new CLA, particularly for the electric versions. Speaking at a recent event at the automaker's headquarters, Burzer confirmed that supply chains remain stable and production is scaling up as planned. Around 200 units are currently being built each day, which translates to roughly 50,000 cars annually, assuming a 250-day work calendar. However, the plant's flexible production line, based on Mercedes' Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, is capable of scaling further to accommodate 'hundreds of thousands" of units, including other future EV models. Long wait times reflect global enthusiasm Despite the increased output, Mercedes may face challenges in meeting short-term demand. Many customers who placed early orders in April may not receive their cars until 2026. According to a report by Automobilwoche, Mercedes is even considering pausing employee orders to prioritise retail customers. This is seen as a positive challenge—proof that the CLA nameplate still commands strong brand equity, even in a market shifting towards SUVs and electric crossovers. Also watch: Mercedes Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series | Launched at ₹ 4.20 crore | Most expensive Merc in India? New variants, new tech, new identity Two fully electric variants are on offer: the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology. They are both driven by an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery and powered on an 800V electric architecture. The CLA 250+ provides 268 hp and 335 Nm of torque on a rear-mounted motor, whereas the more powerful CLA 350 comes in a dual-motor variant with 349 hp and 515 Nm of torque. ICE variants are also on the cards, with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Though performance numbers on these petrol CLAs are yet to be announced, the emphasis seems to be more on fuel economy and smoothness. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 06 Jul 2025, 13:00 PM IST
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Is 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ coming to India soon? Gets listed on India website
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA will be offered in new colours like aqua mint and clear blue metallic. Mercedes-Benz has listed the 2025 CLA Electric on the Indian website shortly after launching it globally, pointing towards an imminent India-specific launch soon. The new-gen CLA from Mercedes-Benz comes forward with EQ Technology, showcasing a blended emphasis on sustainability and luxury. The maker claims the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric as the cleverest car they've ever made. Internationally, the CLA is being offered with both electric and high-tech hybrid drivetrain options. The Mercedes-Benz CLA is the first offering in a new family of vehicles built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture, offering a blend of performance, innovation and practicality for a range of users. Mercedes-Benz CLA: Design and interior The CLA features a contemporary and athletic exterior, characterised by gently contoured surfaces. Its new illuminated grille, adorned with 142 LED stars, enhances its modern aesthetic, while the distinct star-shaped headlights and taillights amplify its presence on the road. Inside, the cabin boasts a minimalist design centred around three high-tech elements: the optional MBUX Superscreen, a floating centre console, and leather-wrapped door panels. The panoramic roof, standard on all models, contributes to an airy feel and offers increased headroom. New material choices, such as open-pore wood and anodised finishes, elevate the vehicle's ambience. Also watch: Mercedes Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series | Launched at ₹ 4.20 crore | Most expensive Merc in India? Mercedes-Benz CLA: Powertrain and Range The all-electric CLA variants available internationally, including the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC, are powered by an 85 kWh battery pack. The CLA 250+ model boasts a range of up to 792 kilometres (WLTP), while the CLA 350 4MATIC features a 260 kW motor, making it the performance-oriented option. These electric models achieve a claimed 40 per cent reduction in carbon emissions during production compared to previous versions. Thanks to the 800-volt charging system, drivers can replenish their vehicle's range by 325 kilometres in just 10 minutes. The new CLA is equipped with a two-speed gearbox at the rear axle for primary drive. The first gear facilitates immediate acceleration, while the second gear enhances efficiency for greater range, enabling the car to reach its maximum speed. In addition to electric models, Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce hybrid variants with advanced 48-volt technology later this year. These hybrids will offer electric-only driving modes and energy recovery systems, providing flexibility tailored to each driver's needs. Also Read : Mercedes-Benz GLB 7-seater SUV discontinued in India Mercedes-Benz CLA: Safety and Driving Assistance The new CLA is fitted with an array of safety and driving assistance technologies. Standard features include DISTRONIC Distance Assist, while optional comfort-oriented systems are part of the Assist package. These features encompass Lane Change Assist and Steering Assist, promoting advanced levels of autonomous driving with SAE Level 2 capabilities. Mercedes-Benz CLA: and MBUX Central to the new CLA is the cutting-edge operating system, designed for a more intelligent and seamless driving experience. It connects vehicles to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, enabling over-the-air updates for critical functions, including driving assistance systems. This ensures the CLA remains up to date with new features and enhancements throughout its lifespan. The sedan also debuts Mercedes' fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system, which incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google. This collaboration allows for a more personalised and responsive user experience, capable of understanding complex voice commands and adapting to individual preferences. Furthermore, the AI-enhanced MBUX Virtual Assistant enables more nuanced and conversational interactions, assisting drivers with tasks ranging from navigation to various vehicle functions. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 23 Apr 2025, 16:44 PM IST
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA packs a punch
With a profile that renders the larger CLS-Class in miniature, the Mercedes-Benz CLA gets a more curvaceous look come fall when it goes on sale. Looking much like the 2023 Concept CLA-class, the entry-level 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is still as sexy as ever. But what's it packing under that pretty package? In a departure from its usual practice, the all-new third generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, announced Thursday, will be an EV for the 2026 model year, with other powertrain variants to follow. Initially, Mercedes-Benz will offer the 268-horsepower CLA 250+ with rear-wheel drive and the performance-oriented 349-horsepower CLA 350 4MATIC with all-wheel drive. That's far more potent than the 221-horsepower four-cylinder mild hybrid driveline offered for 2025. This pair packs a punch, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the CLA 250+ and 4.8 seconds for the CLA 350 4MATIC. Both CLA grades employ an 85-kWh battery with anodes that mix silicon oxide with graphite, which Mercedes-Benz says increases energy density by 20 percent compared with previous batteries. This provides a range of up to 792 kilometers (492 miles) in the European-based WLTP testing cycle for the base model and 771 kilometers (479 miles) for the upper trim. Expect a driving range closer to 430 miles and 422 miles respectively in EPA testing. Those are pretty impressive numbers for a small electric sedan, and ones that easily surpass the Tesla Model 3. They're set in an 800-volt architecture, allowing for DC fast charging up to 320 kW. In as little as ten minutes, the CLA 250+ can add 325 kilometers (202 miles) of range, and the CLA 350 4MATIC can reach 315 kilometers (197 miles) in the same time frame. Uniquely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA will be fitted with a two-speed transmission on the rear-axle electric drive unit, with first gear used for initial acceleration and second gear reserved for higher speeds. It will also be the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to feature an air-to-air heat pump that uses waste heat from the electric drivetrain, the battery, and the ambient air. This reduces energy usage to one-third of that required by a comparable auxiliary heater, allowing for more efficient pre-conditioning. Size-wise, the 2026 CLA measures 185.9 inches, making it 1.6 inches longer than the previous model year. The 14.3 cubic foot trunk in the back is augmented by a 2.5 cubic-foot frunk that takes the place of a regular internal combustion engine. The new CLA continues its achievements by being the first vehicle to use the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System ( Developed in-house, the AI-enhanced OS is supported by a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud that enables regular over-the-air updates. It also supports the new the fourth generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system which integrates Microsoft and Google artificial intelligence. There's also a ChatGPT-based MBUX Virtual Assistant that can be used through an optional MBUX Superscreen. The screen also supplies Google Maps that incorporates Google Cloud's new Automotive AI Agent for in-vehicle conversation services with Google. Mercedes-Benz will follow the introduction of the new electric CLA with a hybrid model that will use an electric motor integrated into the transmission to funnel its power to the front wheels or all four. While Mercedes-Benz didn't call it a plug-in hybrid, the company did say it would provide all-electric driving in city traffic. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA should go on sale in the fall, and its pricing will likely be announced closer to that date.
The Independent
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
New Mercedes CLA is a game changer for electric cars
SPONSORED BY NEXT The Independent's Electric Vehicles Channel is sponsored by Next. Mercedes has leapfrogged its EV rivals with the launch of Europe's longest-range new EV – the CLA saloon. The new CLA also marks a change in strategy for Mercedes. Rather than have different line-ups for electric cars – badged EQ – the CLA is available as an EV with two versions and a full hybrid with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and small battery. In a further twist, Mercedes has said that both petrol and EV models should be priced similarly. Mercedes says the new CLA is the first in a new family of vehicles that will offer electric and hybrid versions and says it's the cleverest car the brand has ever made – it comes with a new in-house operating system powering an in-car supercomputer, linked to Mercedes' Intelligent Cloud. The star of the show is the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology, which promises hugely impressive energy efficiency figures of 5 miles per kWh of power used. That means a potential range of just under 500 miles, which should make it the longest-range car on sale when it arrives in showrooms later this year. The new model's efficiency means a relatively small battery of 85kWh can be fitted, while 800v technology also means fast charging at speeds up to 320kW allowing the CLA 250+ to add over 200 miles of range in just ten minutes. The lithium-ion batteries have the latest technology to improve energy density, while the usual single-speed automatic gearbox is replaced by a two-speed unit – again allowing for greater efficiency at higher speeds and in urban traffic. A new form of heat pump also improves efficiency in cold weather. The new Mercedes-Benz operating system features over-the-air updates that can improve the entire car, including the vehicle software and driver assistance systems. Mercedes has also worked with Google and Microsoft on AI support as part of the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), with a new MBUX Virtual Assistant said to be easier to talk to and even empathetic. It'll not only activate car functions but also answer random questions. The Mercedes Superscreen extends across the entire width of the cabin, with a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central infotainment screen and an optional 14-inch screen in front of the passenger with streaming apps built in for entertainment. MBUX is said to offer a new level of personalisation in the car, while Surround Navigation – based on Google Maps – can provide a 3D representation of the car in its surroundings and also show other road users. The very latest driver assistance features are on board, too, including Assist at different levels with the latest autonomous driving and parking technology, which can be updated over the air. As well as the CLA 250+ with its potential 492-mile range and 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds, a CLA 350 4Matic with four-wheel drive will also be available, cutting the 0-62mph time to 4.9 seconds and the range down to a still impressive 479 miles. Although the CLA 350 comes with four-wheel drive, it runs in two-wheel drive mode for most of the time, activating the motor on the front axle when more grip or more performance is needed. A new brake-by-wire system with different levels of energy recuperation also helps to boost efficiency. Bi-directional charging will also become available, enabling the CLA to put power back into the home if needed. The slippery shape of the new CLA has an ultra-low drag efficient of just 0.21 with particular work done to make the wheels more aerodynamic, both in terms of their shape and the air flow around them. Similarly joints around the headlights and grille have been partially sealed, while the underbody is almost completely closed. The grille itself does without harmful chrome, using lighting to gently illuminate the Mercedes-Benz star pattern with 142 separate stars to reinterpret a traditional grille. Mercedes is also promising new levels of safety with the first centre airbag in this size of car, a new high-voltage protection system with additional structural protection for the battery, plus the expected plethora of advanced driver safety systems. Inside the new CLA there's more room than before despite the slippery fastback shape, while there's a 405-litre boot and an additional 'frunk' under the bonnet with 101 litres of space. And as you'd expect, the interior is packed full of sustainable materials, including seats made from recycled fabrics. As usual, there will be plenty of options, including a 3D Burmester audio system with 16-speakers and Dolby Atmos. The 'Sound Experience' offers a number of different noise themes to cover everything from starting to driving and parking. There's no word yet on pricing or exact on-sale dates, but we'd expect the CLA to have to be competitive with its biggest rival – the Tesla Model 3 – with a price starting somewhere in the mid £40,000s.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mercedes rethinks electric cars with game-changing 492-mile CLA
New motor, new battery and great aero yield 492 miles and 5.0mpkWh The new Mercedes-Benz CLA has been revealed as Europe's longest-range and most efficient electric car. Arriving later this year, the entry-level CLA 250+ with EQ Technology will be capable of driving up to 492 miles between charges, Mercedes claims, and will still manage 431 miles if driven exclusively atmotorway speeds. Although pending homologation, these figures should mean the CLA EV leapfrogs all other electric cars available in the UK. That includes Mercedes' own flagship EQS 450+, which manages 481 miles per charge from a 118kWh battery. That's priced at a whopping £112,610 – some £70,000 more than the CLA EV's expected starting price. That remarkable range figure is thanks to Mercedes' efforts to minimise the CLA EV's energy consumption: it has a nickel-managanese-cobalt (NMC) battery of just 85kWh in capacity. This means the CLA EV achieves an efficiency figure north of 5.0mpkWh – which many manufacturers consider the key to taking EVs to the next level. The CLA EV's impressive range figure is in no small part thanks to its aerodynamic design. Although the car is larger than its predecessor in every dimension (25mm wider, 25mm taller and 30mm longer), much work went into minimising its frontal area, and smoothing the flow of air around it. For example, the wheels are set further in-board of the arches than its predecessor. Small inlets on the front bumper (and corresponding outlets at the rear) guide the flow of air around each corner, relatively undisturbed by the alloy wheels' flush-faced designs. The efforts net a slippery drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.21, just behind that of the EQS (0.20) and ahead that of the Tesla Model 3 (0.22). The CLA EV's new rear-mounted permanent magnet motor is also significant to its efficiency. It uses a new silicon-carbide inverter that brings greater output in a smaller package, reducing weight, while the engineers claim its torque density is boosted by the magnets being inserted in a double-V formation, concentrating their field. The motor also gets a Porsche Taycan-style two-speed gearbox, rather than the usual single-speed reduction gearing. This has a short (11:1) first ratio for improved off-the-mark acceleration and better efficiency at town speeds and a significantly longer (5:1) second ratio for less consumption at a cruise. The powertrain puts out 268bhp, which allows the CLA 250+ to complete the 0-62mph dash in 6.7sec. The four-wheel-drive CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology gets an additional 107bhp motor with a single-speed gearbox on its front axle, giving a combined output of 349bhp. This cuts its 0-62mph sprint time down to 4.9sec, making it quicker in a straight line than the V8-engined C55 AMG of 20 years ago. This additional motor is decoupled from the front axle when it isn't needed, reducing energy losses to friction by 90%. This means the four-wheel-drive CLA EV can still manage 478 miles per charge – a smaller disparity compared with the rear-driven version than is typical of most other EVs. Braking primarily relies on the motors' regenerative effect (which can provide up to 200kW of stopping power), helping to keep the battery topped up. The CLA EV can be rapid-charged at rates of up to 320kW, thanks to its 800V electrical architecture, allowing for a 186-mile top-up in just 10 minutes. In addition to the 85kWh battery, a 58kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) pack will be added to the line- up shortly after launch. This will almost certainly bring a significant price cut but also reduce the CLA EV's range to around 300 miles. Autocar can reveal that a hot AMG CLA 45 EV is inbound, too, with a pair of Yasa-developed axial flux motors providing more than 500bhp and a raft of extensive modifications aimed at bolstering its performance and dynamics. The new CLA will also be offered in hybrid form. Specifically designed to fit in the same space as the EV's front motor, its powertrain pairs a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a small, 1.3kWh battery and a 27bhp electric motor. These combine to send either 134bhp or 161bhp through the front wheels or, in the range-topping 4Matic model, 188bhp to all four wheels. According to Mercedes, the engine achieves 'diesel levels of fuel efficiency', suggesting an MPG figure comfortably north of 50. As part of a push for parity from Mercedes, the hybrid CLA will be priced on a par with the CLA EV, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius recently announced. This is thanks to cost savings of some 30% in battery production bringing the EV's overall price down by around 15%. To that end, pricing is expected to start in the low-to-mid £40,000 range. The EV will go on sale first, around October, with the hybrid following a few months later. Joining the saloon will be a new CLA Shooting Brake. This estate car is earmarked to arrive in the UK early next year with both powertrain options, so its unveiling will most likely take place at September's Munichmotor show. In a first for Mercedes, the CLA hybrid and CLA EV will look almost identical inside and out, as well as sharing a model name. This marks an end to Mercedes' strategy of entirely bespoke EVs being developed to sit alongside their combustion-engined equivalents, such as with the E-Class and EQE. The CLA also ushers in a dramatic new look for future Mercedes models, emphasising the brand's three-pointed star logo. The motif features in the CLA's headlights and rear brake lights, and the EV also gets a flush front grille with no fewer than 142 backlit stars. They surround the main front badge, which is also backlit. In the US, the outer ring of the badge itself is lit, but EU legislation prevents this. The CLA hybrid is differentiated by a traditional open grille, needed to provide cooling airflow to the engine. Inside, the new CLA takes on a sportier character than its more luxurious stablemates. The front seats have chunky side bolsters, for example, and there are more exuberant material choices, such as a combination of black and white Alcantara and faux leather with red stitching. The dashboard is designed around the latest iteration of Mercedes' Superscreen, whose three digital displays (a 10.25in one for the instruments in front of the driver; a 14.6in infotainment one centrally; and, optionally, a 14in one for the front passenger) span its entire width. Thanks to Mercedes' latest operating system, the screens can be used to play video games such as Fortnite while on the move or stream shows and films via Netflix and other such services. The system also features the latest iteration of Mercedes' virtual assistant, which blends various artificial intelligence functions (ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing) to provide more accurate answers to questions. In cars without the Superscreen, the passenger screen will be replaced with a glass panel with LED-backlit star logos, which match the interior's ambient lighting. Boot space is rated at 405 litres, which is 55 litres down in the old CLA's but, in a first for a modern Mercedes, the EV gets a frunk that adds another 101 litres of storage space. ]]>
