Latest news with #CLA-class
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Don't Cry Because the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Is Dead. Celebrate What Killed It.
While U.S. markets lost the Mercedes A-Class in 2022, the German automaker recently announced it wouldn't renew the A-Class lineup—full stop—after its lifecycle expires in 2026. The move is likely to refocus the brand's portfolio toward more popular vehicles like SUVs and crossovers. To many, the A-Class was just an average five-door hatchback made slightly nicer by the Germans. For car enthusiasts, though, the compact car rapidly evolved into one of the best hot hatchbacks on the market: the A45 AMG. The CLA-Class will now be the entry point into the Mercedes brand. Instead of mourning the loss of the A-Class, let's look at the clever engineering that brought the CLA-class into the modern era. In 2024, Mercedes forecasted EVs would make up 50 percent of its total shipments by 2030. Things have since changed dramatically, as the German automaker is experiencing a much weaker and slower response to EVs from customers. Along with ditching its 'EQ' line of electric vehicles, the brand is sticking to electrifying existing models in its portfolio, starting with the CLA-Class. I'm pleased to report that the new third-generation CLA-Class—likely launching for the 2026 model year—will retain an internal combustion variant. In fact, expect the new lineup to arrive with three powertrain configurations: a 1.5-liter mild hybrid, single-motor electric, and dual-motor electric. Mercedes-Benz ditched the 'electric or bust' approach that many automakers were opting for previously. In covering all the bases, the new third-generation CLA-class will be available with battery electric and hybrid powertrains. It might sound fairly easy to tick that box, but the engineering muscle behind the new CLA would likely tell you otherwise. For context, Mercedes designed a whole new platform from the ground up with the flexibility to accommodate EV and hybrid powertrains. The Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform features a 'skateboard' layout with affordances for a long and thin battery under the passenger compartment; the full electric version will be available with a single-motor rear-wheel drive configuration (producing 268 horsepower) or a dual-motor all-wheel drive variant with an additional motor at the front adding another 107 hp. Mercedes' claim that the CLA is its cleverest car yet rings true for a lot more than just the electric variant. The MMA architecture will also be able to accept an internal-combustion engine under the hood; the gas-burning spec will feature a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine up front, paired to a 48-volt hybrid system. And you might recognize that Mercedes built a whole new engine from the ground up just for this car. Dreaming up a powerplant that runs a 12:1 compression ratio and can accept 26 pounds of boost, you'd probably think the new CLA could be a bit of a firebreather. Unfortunately, thanks to lambda 1 regulations requiring a constant 1:1 air-fuel ratio, the four-cylinder can only cough up 188 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Thankfully, the mild hybrid system can recuperate some of these losses—27 horsepower to be exact. That might not sound like a lot, but the return from many of these hybrid systems is worth more than the sum of their parts; the Mercedes unit provides assistance through all eight gears to give the engine some extra pep. The electric motor is mounted within the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to seamlessly step in when the internal combustion engine isn't at its best. For context, these mild hybrid systems fill in the gaps between gear changes and are able to muscle through low-speed acceleration. While the third-generation CLA can accommodate piston power up front, Mercedes-Benz mentioned an 'electric-first' approach with its new MMA platform, which will likely need to last well into 2030 and beyond. Customers can expect Mercedes' latest electric vehicle to start at $55,000 and max out around $65,000. It hasn't been confirmed if the CLA EV will qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, but all signs point to yes. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mercedes-Benz's New CLA-Class Debuts, Packing Astounding Range for a Small EV
Back in 2023, Mercedes-Benz promised its next massive leap forward would come in an unlikely place: the small CLA-class sedan. A concept shown in 2023 promised that a new electric version of the smallest Mercedes sedan would bring the efficiency lessons of the EQXX concept to a road-going EV — and now the production equivalent is finally here. This is the new CLA-Class, a subcompact electric sedan with a 492-mile driving range on the WLTP test cycle. That claimed number is the result of a claimed 93% battery-to-wheel efficiency, a two-speed transmission, and a drag coefficient as low as 0.21. Those three elements give the 2026 CLA strong mile-per-kWh efficiency, and when coupled with a dense battery pack that has 85 kWh of usable energy, that efficiency becomes impressive range. Plus, thanks to a 320-kW charging capacity, Mercedes also claims that the car can add around 200 miles of WLTP-measured range in just 10 minutes of fast charging. Those numbers represent range for the (rather awkwardly named) CLA250+ with EQ Technology, which is the single-motor variant of the CLA. That variant is notably rear-wheel drive, unlike the outgoing FWD internal-combustion version, powered by a 268-hp permanently excited synchronous motor equipped with a silicon carbide inverter. On the also-awkwardly-named CLA350 4Matic with EQ Technology, a second permanently excited synchronous motor that also features a silicon carbide inverter produces an additional 107 hp sent to the front wheels. The quicker model's combined output is 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, enough to get the CLA from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a claimed 4.8 seconds. Because the CLA is being revealed only with a WLTP test cycle number and not an EPA one, these range numbers should be seen as fairly optimistic; American range results are typically more stringent. Still, our back-of-the-napkin math suggests the range officially advertised in the U.S. should be close to 400 miles. Ultimately, it's a difference of measurement rather than any variation in actual efficiency, so American buyers are still getting the same impressive performance as their EU counterparts. Buyers who suffer from truly severe range anxiety, however, will be able to buy the car with a more conventional hybrid setup, complete with a four-cylinder from the brand's new FAME modular engine family. These models are 48-volt mild hybrids, with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 1.3-kWh lithium-ion battery. Mercedes says that the car can drive under electric power only at low speeds and "glide" by coasting with a decoupled drivetrain at speeds up to 60 mph. Performance numbers for the internal combustion model have not been shared yet. The new CLA is slightly bigger than its predecessor, standing 1.6 inches longer end-to-end and packing 2.4 inches of extra length in the wheelbase. This takes the car further from its subcompact roots, but the difference translates to extra space in the front row and additional headroom for both rows. Electric CLAs also get a frunk, a notable omission on the brand's previous EQ-branded EVs. A fixed single-pane panoramic roof is standard across the lineup. The steering wheel unfortunately still features irritating capacitive buttons, but Mercedes claims that controls have been simplified and refined from the brand's frustrating current-generation offering. The huge central screen can be replaced by an optional dashboard-length "Superscreen," which is made up of three different displays along one single element. If a buyer doesn't opt for the "Superscreen," star-shaped lights fill the space along the passenger dashboard. On some models, the stars on the passenger dashboard are backlit. Other prominent lighting features involving the brand's three-pointed stars can be seen in the headlights and tail lights, similar to a design first previewed in the 2023 concept. Stars surrounding the central logo also light up on EV versions, creating a more 3-D look on the black front panel where a grille would go on internal combustion CLA models. Electric CLA variants will lead the lineup into showrooms, followed by hybrid models. Given that the last-generation CLA was offered as an AMG model with a ridiculous 416 hp from a four-cylinder engine, we fully expect that performance versions of the next CLA should follow shortly after the more conventional variants launch. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mercedes-Benz Confirms Smaller G-Wagen, Announces Design Changes
has confirmed that a smaller, more affordable is on the way. The automaker also confirmed plans to overhaul its design language, bringing future EVs and combustion cars under a shared appearance. The announcements were made as part of a recent investor-relations presentation held by the automaker. After years of speculation and rumors, Mercedes-Benz has finally confirmed that a smaller version of the G-class (colloquially known as the G-wagen) will be built. The announcement came as part of an investor-relations presentation from Mercedes-Benz. Any details beyond the new G-class's existence remain a mystery, but just try to stop our imaginations from running wild. The latest rumors suggest that the baby G will be sold exclusively as an EV. Considering Merc is already selling an electric version of the G-class, we don't see any reason to doubt that. This isn't the first time Mercedes has tried to embody the spirit of the G-wagen in a smaller frame. Remember the Concept GLB? We don't think this new SUV will miss the G's spirit in the same way the eventual GLB production car did, but we also don't expect it to be as brawny as the original. As part of the same announcement, Mercedes confirmed plans to drastically shift its design language. As things stand now, Merc's entire fleet of EVs sets itself apart from the gas-burning side of the lineup with a design language that wouldn't be out of place on your bathroom counter. That's set to change. In the future, Mercedes will take a similar approach to BMW with a single model that offers internal-combustion, hybrid, and battery-electric powertrain options. The move is a 180-degree turn from Merc's current strategy, which has separate combustion and EV models. The upcoming CLA-class will be the first model to make the change—the existing G-class and G-class EV notwithstanding. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
