Spyshots: 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Pre-production Prototype Shows up in Sweden

We caught up with a couple of pre-production prototypes of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA while there were being cold weather tested in Northern Sweden. 

Keeping the ‘four-door coupe’ term alive in the compact segment for two generations now, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is heading toward a much stranger future. 

To be based on an all-new platform called MMA, the third-generation CLA will signal a more streamlined compact lineup for Mercedes-Benz, with the Germans expected to kill nameplates like the A-Class and B-Class. 

While not all-electric, the future Mercedes compact strategy includes the terms ‘Electric First,’ meaning that every model built on the upcoming MMA platform will be offered in either purely electric or mild hybrid configuration, with no hybrid or plug-in hybrid in-betweens. 

The mild-hybrid models will all be Euro 7 ready and use a highly modified version of the current 1.33-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, developed initially in cooperation with Renault.  

The first new compact Mercedes to be unveiled is the third-generation CLA, set to be first introduced in its fully electric iteration sometime in the second half of 2024. 

Using an 800V architecture and new motors developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz, the new model is expected to offer a range of up to 528 miles (850 km) on a single charge thanks to a new generation of Li-ion batteries that require up to 50% less volume and weigh 30% less. 

The highly efficient (95%) electric motors will also benefit from a SIC Inverter, with 5% less heat emission and higher energy efficiency and a two-speed gearbox, like the Porsche Taycan. 

While the current Mercedes-Benz CLA has a drag coefficient of 0.23 on certain versions, the new one is expected to be even more aerodynamic to aid in delivering an impressive range and fuel economy. 

Its interior will be Inspired by the EQXX concept car, with Mercedes-Benz to introduce a new type of curved ‘Hyperscreen’ that stretches the entire width of the cockpit and uses ‘Local Dimming’ technology to save on energy consumption. 

A likely electric ‘Vision’ concept car will preview the overall design of the 2025 CLA in the fall of 2023, at the Munich Motor Show in Germany.

Written by: Alex Oagana
Edited by: Horia Cimpean
Graphics: Horia Cimpean/Andra Irimia

#mercedes #mercedesbenz #electricvehicle
----------------------------------------------------------------
Follow more #autoevolution updates via our official channels:

• Homepage: https://www.autoevolution.com/
• Facebook:   / autoevolution  
• Instagram:   / theautoevolution  
• Twitter:   / _autoevolution_  

----------------------------------------------------------------