The newest electrical providing from Mercedes, the third-generation CLA-Class, showcases vital engineering developments, but it surely comes with notable compromises. Though constructed on a devoted electrical car (EV) platform, the electrical variant compromises rear passenger area. The battery situated within the ground raises the car’s top, leading to a bulkier, much less smooth design in comparison with its predecessor. Moreover, it weighs as a lot as an S-Class, which is tough to justify for a relatively smaller car.
The CLA-Class is now out there as a totally electrical mannequin in addition to a hybrid, that includes a smooth exterior that maintains a transparent Mercedes id. Its 800-volt electrical structure permits for fast charging and spectacular effectivity, boasting a WLTP vary of almost 500 miles (roughly 800 kilometers), although it’s anticipated to be round 400 miles (643 kilometers) within the EPA’s extra conservative testing.
Upon seeing the CLA in particular person, the design didn’t instantly elicit pleasure. It’s a step up from fashions just like the EQS SUV, but it nonetheless lacks the smooth class of earlier iterations. Whereas it’s only barely taller than its predecessor, the brand new design visually conveys a better top, notably as a result of high-set entrance lights and total facet profile.
Mercedes has tried to boost the automotive’s aesthetic by including creases on the fenders, giving it a extra muscular look, though these options are considerably deceptive because the automotive seems bigger than it truly is. The rear design stands out, with taillights linked by small vertical LED bars enhancing the presence of the fastback silhouette.
Inside, the CLA incorporates a fashionable, screen-focused design, providing as much as three shows within the entrance cabin. Nevertheless, in contrast to opponents such because the Tesla Mannequin 3, there isn’t a display screen for rear passengers, and the again seat area is notably decreased in comparison with the earlier mannequin. The location of the battery beneath the automotive has additional diminished rear legroom and luxury, creating shallow footwells that prohibit motion.
On the plus facet, the hybrid model of the CLA avoids these spatial limitations, and the addition of a panoramic glass roof contributes positively to the rear ambiance. Nevertheless, the general passenger expertise within the again fails to match that of the Mannequin 3, notably by way of perceived high quality.
Regardless of previous criticisms of Tesla’s inside high quality, the most recent Mannequin 3 incorporates a stable construct with soft-touch supplies all through, whereas the CLA’s inside primarily makes use of laborious plastics, with padding current solely in restricted areas. This distinction raises questions on how a Mercedes might fall behind Tesla by way of inside high quality.
Essentially the most regarding challenge is the CLA’s weight. The bottom single-motor model exceeds 4,400 kilos (2 metric tons), whereas the dual-motor variant weighs over 4,600 kilos (2.1 tons). This heft is particularly troubling when in comparison with the Tesla Mannequin 3, which weighs underneath 3,968 kilos (1.8 tons), emphasizing the numerous weight distinction of over 660 kilos (300 kilograms). The implications of such weight lengthen to impression dealing with, braking, and tire put on.
It’s shocking that Mercedes allowed the CLA to hold such additional weight with out addressing the difficulty, notably when shopper suggestions is vocal about this concern. There are considerations that even the smaller LFP battery possibility received’t considerably scale back the general weight, probably nonetheless leaving it heavier than opponents just like the Hyundai Ioniq 6.
Although I’ve loved earlier iterations of the CLA for his or her fashion and driving expertise, I’m now skeptical of this shift towards a bespoke EV mannequin being weighed down by extra weight and confined passenger area. Mercedes is evolving away from parallel ICE and EV lineups, aiming for a extra unified method just like these of BMW and Genesis. Whereas this will mirror a strategic pivot in response to rising EV demand, I hope the ultimate driving expertise doesn’t undergo because of these drawbacks.
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