The vehicle's aerodynamic design is highlighted by a sloping windscreen that blends into a slightly curved roofline. The body is streamlined, the cabin area is minimalist, and a lengthier wheelbase aims to offer more space in the rear seats. As for lighting, slim glowing strips almost encircle the entire car. When off, these strips take on a "stylish mirrored chrome look.”
Flush-fitted door handles add to the aerodynamic appeal, and the eye-catching 21-inch wheels are another design highlight. Further features include a sculpted rear and a lit-up glass roof that projects animated stars.
Inside, the car features a high-tech yet minimalist dashboard, dominated by five display screens. Though Mercedes was not overly detailed, the central three screens operate on the new MB.OS system, and are reportedly powered by a water-cooled NVIDIA chip.
Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class
According to Mercedes, this new OS can be fully customized to individual preferences and includes advanced features like a virtual assistant and a digital art gallery that can display images from your NFT wallet.
Additional interior details include circular digital displays integrated into turbine-inspired air vents. Mercedes explains that the "physical vents are subtly placed behind the screens and designed to give the impression of cooling fins—ingeniously doubling as an ambient lighting source.”
The vehicle also sports two-tone nappa leather seats, aluminum trimmings, and a hovering center console that includes a backlit cup holder and a wireless phone charger with a light-up transparent surface.
Built on Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), the vehicle will come with two different battery options. The basic version will feature a lithium-iron phosphate chemistry, whereas the high-end model will boast a "silicon-oxide anode design for superior energy density.”
Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class - Interior
While not providing specifics, Mercedes indicated the battery is "unusually compact" and lighter since "adhesive is used instead of screws to secure its cell modules." Although exact details are scarce, the car is expected to consume energy at a rate of 12 kWh/100 km (5.2 mi/kWh) and will exceed a WLTP range of 750 km (466 miles).
The vehicle comes with an 800V electrical system and 250 kW DC rapid charging, allowing for up to 400 km (248 miles) of range in just 15 minutes. The car will also support bidirectional charging, enabling Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities.
The concept is powered by a 238 hp (175 kW) electric motor that weighs under 110 kg (243 lbs) and utilizes "far fewer heavy rare earth materials than prior models." The electric motor's energy efficiency is cited as "exceptionally high at up to 93 percent from battery to wheel during long drives, owing to careful loss minimization.”
Additionally, the car is equipped with a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, supported by LiDAR and multiple cameras.
Details about the production version are yet to be revealed, but Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius mentioned, “The CLA Concept serves as a precursor to a completely new lineup of all-electric entry-level vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. This will include a total of four new models: a four-door fastback, a shooting brake, and two impressive SUVs, each offering significantly enhanced features.”
Source: Mercedes-Benz
