At the IAA Munich Motor Show, Mercedes is currently showcasing the new concept car, the Concept CLA Class. This concept serves as a preview of the brand’s upcoming electric vehicle family, consisting of four entry-level models: this one, a shooting brake, and two SUVs.
The production version of this concept will be based on the new MMA platform and is projected to achieve a range of up to 750 km and an energy consumption of around 1.2 kWh/mile. Mercedes states that the car is nearly production-ready, with some technology under the hood derived from the Vision EQXX concept car.
Compared to previous electric vehicles from Mercedes, the new MMA models are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 40 percent. They will feature an 800-volt system and batteries with high energy density, offering a choice between two types of cobalt-free batteries. The entry-level version’s batteries are based on lithium iron phosphate, while the top model employs an anode technology with silicon dioxide. Charging up to 250 kW will be possible, and bidirectional charging will also be available.
The motor, transmission, and electronics will be manufactured by Mercedes themselves. The motor delivers 234 horsepower and is paired with a two-stage gearbox. In the concept we see here, it powers the rear wheels, but due to its modular nature, it can also function in all-wheel drive models. Additionally, a new feature under the hood is the proprietary operating system MB.OS, which aims to provide new possibilities for personalizing the car experience. It is also designed to enhance safety, comfort, and improve autonomous driving capabilities.
The interior instrumentation will display real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine. There is also a function where 20 different systems collaborate to detect if a child has been left alone in the car. The system can identify a child’s distinct breathing pattern and can determine whether a newborn is present in the car and if an adult is nearby. If the child is alone, the driver will be notified via mobile device. If the temperature inside the car becomes too high, an alarm will sound while the AC is activated. If no action is taken, emergency services will be contacted.
