The Mercedes-Benz Idea CLA Class unveiled at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, Germany, presents a close-to-production perception into the upcoming household of automobiles that stands on the gateway to the model.
On the cusp of a brand new electrical and digital age, this represents the corporate’s imaginative and prescient to raise this essential automobile class, primarily based on the long-term portfolio technique.
Designed on the forthcoming Mercedes‑Benz Modular Structure (MMA) platform, the outside aesthetics of the Idea CLA Class stand for iconic design and dynamic efficiency. In the meantime, its inside focuses on the client expertise with distinctive consolation and comfort for an electrical and digital future.
“The Idea CLA Class is the forerunner for a completely new all-electric phase of entry-level automobiles at Mercedes-Benz. The vary will comprise a complete of 4 new fashions – a four-door coupé, a capturing brake and two gorgeous SUVs – every with considerably elevated product substance. This new mannequin household is impressed by a technology of automotive consumers who need that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz really feel, with extra options, even larger consolation and security and essentially the most superior expertise. In addition they search a sustainable alternative that could be a minimize above the remainder. This hypermiler is the one-litre automotive of the electrical age, with a spread of greater than 750 kilometres (466 miles) within the WLTP and vitality consumption of simply 12 kWh/100 km. Primarily based on the MMA platform, it offers an perception into the primary full household of Mercedes-Benz electrical vehicles developed from scratch to place our Ambition 2039 on the highway, whereby we purpose to realize web carbon neutrality alongside the whole worth chain in our fleet of recent automobiles in 2039.” Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Administration of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Know-how management is clear within the MMA platform underpinnings such because the next-generation electric-drive system aiming for a spread of greater than 750 kilometres (466 miles) (WLTP). The Mercedes-Benz Modular Structure (MMA) is an electric-first platform engineered for a household of 4 automobiles protecting a spread of physique types. It’s set to play a significant position in accelerating the ramp-up of the Mercedes-Benz electrical fleet. As a elementary a part of the broader electrical technique, it can assist the corporate attain its formidable targets. All automobiles on the MMA platform are being developed in accordance with the Mercedes-Benz “actual life security” philosophy. Mercedes-Benz has set security requirements for many years, pursuing a imaginative and prescient of accident-free driving.
The revolutionary battery system beneath growth for the MMA platform is predicated on a extremely modular structure whereby prospects can select from two totally different cell chemistries. The highest-level variant options an anode design with silicon-oxide content material for wonderful vitality density. In the meantime, the entry variant leads the way in which within the phase with its use of lithium-iron phosphate. The battery itself has a remarkably small total quantity. In a primary, its cell modules are held in place utilizing adhesive fairly than screws. The ensuing construction is just not solely lighter than a standard battery configuration; additionally it is stiffer, which presents advantages in crash security. Likewise, the 800 V configuration facilitates a excessive degree of electrical endurance in a compact bundle and with decrease cooling necessities. The high-voltage configuration additionally permits high-power 250 kW DC charging, delivering as much as 400 kilometres (248 miles) of vary in quarter-hour.
In the meantime, the brand new working system “MB.OS” is the idea for an unparalleled person interface and person expertise (UI/UX) by way of the MBUX Superscreen derived from the revolutionary show within the VISION EQXX incorporating superior real-time graphics. The Idea CLA Class showcases the usage of sustainable supplies all through its construction and inside. This ranges from virtually CO₂-free metal and CO₂-reduced aluminium to sustainably produced and processed leather-based upholstery in addition to trim made out of paper. Total, the present automotive represents the approachable interpretation of want for a youthful and dynamic world market phase.
The Idea CLA Class additionally presents a glimpse into the way forward for networking between electrical automobiles and the vitality grid. Software program- and hardware-based bidirectional charging exhibits how class-defining expertise management opens up new potential for purchasers and vitality suppliers alike. When linked to a appropriate bidirectional DC charging station, the automobile turns into an vitality storage machine that would, for example, retailer solar energy to be used later. Most significantly, it will possibly additionally function an electrical energy provide, both Automobile-to-House (V2H) or Automobile-to-Grid (V2G). The usage of bidirectional charging could also be topic to market-specific circumstances in respect of laws and the necessities of vitality suppliers.
One instance of V2H is the availability of back-up provide within the occasion of an influence outage, whereas V2G purposes embody serving to to steadiness peaks and troughs on the facility grid and even the buying and selling of inexperienced electrical energy on the open market. In all conditions, the clever bidirectional charging system ensures the automobile has enough cost to satisfy buyer wants at specified departure occasions. By way of the choice of bidirectional charging at dwelling, Mercedes-Benz is fulfilling the will of many purchasers to mix their very own particular person mobility with a extra sustainable way of life.
“The expertise that gives the inspiration for the Idea CLA Class represents a completely new strategy for Mercedes-Benz and incorporates many learnings from our groundbreaking VISION EQXX expertise programme. As an illustration, our engineers have maximised effectivity by driving down losses in its 800 V electric-drive system. It additionally options revolutionary battery cell chemistry in addition to a excessive degree of integration enabling wonderful vitality density. I’m sure that our MMA platform will allow us to supply our prospects on this market phase a class-defining mixture of efficiency, sustainability, security and luxury paired with an impressive digital expertise.” Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Administration of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Know-how Officer.
Sep 3, 2023