Mercedes reveals smartest 'The New CLA' in history
Mar 14, 2025
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The New CLA features a 4th generation MBUX based on the ▲ vehicle and MB.OS and artificial intelligence, an internal and external design that emotionally unlocks the ▲ dynamic presence, a new electric drive system and aerodynamic elements that improve ▲ driving efficiency, and a modular architecture that enables flexible application of ▲ pure electric or 48V hybrids.
The New CLA will be launched first in two pure electric models: 'Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ With EQ Technology' and 'Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 With EQ Technology', and hybrid models will also be launched globally at the end of the year.
The smartest vehicle in Mercedes-Benz history
The New CLA is the first vehicle to be equipped with Mercedes-Benz's own operating system, MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System), with a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. This enables regular radio updates (OTAs) for key vehicle functions, including driving assistance systems.
The 4th generation MBUX based on MB.OS is the first in-vehicle infotainment system to integrate Microsoft and Google's artificial intelligence into one system, presenting new personalization as well as intuitive interactions between drivers and vehicles. On the MBUX superscreen, you can also configure the screen to suit your taste, such as grouping apps into individually named folders like smartphones.
The MBUX Virtual Assistant function installed in the vehicle revolutionizes the relationship between the vehicle and the driver through Generative AI. It is complex and enables short-term memory as well as complex and multiple conversations, providing an experience similar to talking to real people. Based on Internet searches through 'Chat GPT4.0' and 'Microsoft Bing', "Hey Mercedes, what's a black hole? You can answer questions such as "Please explain it so that even a young child can understand it." In addition, navigation-related questions utilize information on "Google Gemini" and Google Maps, which can answer questions such as "Hey Mercedes, I have a date today, is there anything special I can do around here?"
MBUX virtual assistants can intuitively communicate with drivers by recognizing emotions during conversations and changing the color, brightness, and movement of animations accordingly.
Driving efficiency completed with new electric drive system and aerodynamics
The CLA electric model, which will be released first, is equipped with a new lithium-ion battery with an available energy capacity of 85 kWh. This increased the energy density by 20% compared to the previous one, reducing the carbon footprint per cell by about 30%. Through this, the CLA 250+ With EQ Technology provides a driving distance of up to 792 kilometers per charge with a total cost of up to 12.5 kWh/100 kilometers based on WLTP, bringing electric mobility in everyday life to a new level.
A particularly notable technique is the 800V electrical architecture, which can maximize efficiency and performance and significantly reduce charging time. Both CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and CLA 3504MATIC with EQ Technology have high-speed DC charging of up to 320 kW, and the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology model can secure a driving distance of up to 325 km on a 10-minute charge.
A two-speed transmission fitted to the main drive unit of the vehicle rear axle provides dynamism and high efficiency in all situations. The first gear provides excellent acceleration and high traction from the start, and is efficient when driving in the city. The second gear is designed to deliver power at high speeds and ensures excellent driving range and comfort when traveling long distances.
In addition, the ▲ vehicle achieved an amazing aerodynamic coefficient of 0.21Cd with aerodynamically optimized wheels, wheel spoilers, and underbody finishes, and the ▲4MATIC model was equipped with a DCU (disconnect unit) to increase the driving efficiency of the vehicle.
Flexible application of pure electric vehicles and hybrids
CLA's modular architecture maximizes drive application and production flexibility. Mercedes-Benz will first introduce a pure electric vehicle with an NCM battery with a usable capacity of 85 kWh, and at the end of the year, it will launch a hybrid model with improved 48V technology and a pure electric vehicle with an LFP battery with a usable capacity of 58 kWh.
The CLA hybrid model with the latest internal combustion engine combines an electric motor with the transmission, which provides intelligent support over the entire speed range. In particular, if less than 20 kW of power is required, such as in urban areas, the hybrid model can be driven only with electric power, and electricity can be driven at a maximum speed of about 100 km/h. In addition, energy can be recovered up to 25 kW through regenerative braking in all areas of the eight-speed transmission.
Designing the interior and exterior with sensuous purity
The New CLA stands out for its sporty ratio by adding a long wheelbase, a short overhang, a low greenhouse, a bonnet decorated with a power dome, and a large wheel. The muscular, dynamic shoulder line, which begins at the front wheel arch, leads to a sculptural backside, highlighting a smooth body made up of crisp lines and precise seams. On top of that, the iconic and sporty A-shaped grill has been reinterpreted to suit the era of electric vehicles.
The front panel is the first Mercedes-Benz mass-produced vehicle to be illuminated, and a total of 142 individually moving LED stars create an emotional atmosphere. The daytime running lights with optional multi-beam LED headlights also have the shape of a Mercedes-Benz star, and taillights also embody it.
The vehicle comes with a wide panoramic roof as standard. This integral stationary glass roof has no central support and runs seamlessly from the windscreen frame to the rear, providing a new indoor experience with an open view. The panoramic roof is equipped with insulation bonding safety glass, infrared film and low-radiation (LowE) coating to protect riders from sunlight and heat.
The interior of The New CLA has a minimal design that focuses only on essential elements. The most visible element indoors is the optional floating MBUX superscreen across the full width of the room, which blends a 10.25-inch driver display with a 14-inch center display and a companion magnet display. On top of that, the center console further highlights the sporty feel thanks to its high position, which appears to be floating in the air.
The New CLA's wheelbase is 6cm longer than the existing model, which increases the legroom of the front seat passengers. It also has increased headroom for all passengers thanks to the higher roofline and panoramic roof, providing a more relaxed sense of openness. In addition, CLA With EQ Technology will be equipped with a prunk (vehicle front trunk) to provide an additional 101L of storage space.
Editor Kim Tae-jin, tj.kim@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
