Mercedes CEO Takes The Next-Gen CLA For A Test Drive
Giancarlo Perlas November 7, 2024- Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius and Sarah Harman teased some features of the upcoming CLA EV during a test drive.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius recently took the upcoming CLA for a spin to tease what it has to offer once it hits the market. With Sarah Harman riding shotgun, the two rode the heavily camouflaged electric vehicle (EV) around the three-pointed star marque’s Immendingen test facility in Germany.
Key Features of the New Mercedes CLA
Design
Besides its recognizable contours that resembled the Concept CLA, there’s really not much to see with the car due to its zebra-patterned wraps. However, Källenius and Harman were kind enough to satisfy a bit of our cravings with a slight reveal of the upcoming car’s redefined headlamps.
The most distinctive feature of this part is its star-shaped LED cluster that takes inspiration from Mercedes’ iconic logo. Although the presenters didn’t provide a glimpse of the taillights, they are expected to carry the same theme.
The same lighting system will likely trickle down to the non-EV version of the CLA.
Performance
The CLA is actually the realization of the EQXX concept. It carries a two-speed transmission and benefits from Mercedes’ new MMA compact car platform. According to the rumor mill, the luxury automaker will also use the same architecture for its new compact SUVs, namely the next-gen GLA and GLB.
Following the CLA EV, Mercedes plans to bring the same platform over to the hybrid variants of the range. The EV and the hybrid models would probably share the styling elements. Of course, that’s except for the front grille and the badges indicating their version.
Along the way, Källenius confessed that he was a petrolhead but that he preferred the EV version of the CLA. Among his key talking points included positive comments on the smooth and quiet cabin of the car as well as its superb handling.
In addition, the CEO boasted the “high-powered charging system” of the new CLA EV that makes charging “almost [becoming] like fueling,” which is “very, very, very fast.” Nonetheless, he fell short of disclosing the exact charging speed of the car.
Mercedes earlier stated that the Concept CLA could rack up a driving range of 250 miles in just 15 minutes under a fast charger. Meanwhile, its maximum could be over 450 miles based on the WLTP cycle. The production model won’t possibly deviate much from the said numbers.
Technology
Another first that will arrive with the next-gen CLA is the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). The new technology imbues the car with an artificial intelligence (AI) powered MBUX Virtual Assistant.
The system offers access to an enhanced car-driver relationship. It comes with natural, intuitive, and proactive support for users.
The revolutionary MB.OS is equipped with a purpose-built chip-to-cloud architecture. This helps manage all aspects of the vehicle, including its automated driving systems, infotainment system, comfort features, charging, and driving dynamics.
What’s more, MB.OS is adaptive to the needs or preferences of its users. For example, users could customize it to adjust to the interior lighting theme, change the infotainment system layout, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and more.
Launch of the New Mercedes CLA
Mercedes has no official confirmation yet about the next-gen CLA launch. However, considering the heavy hype the brand’s CEO and marketing team are giving the car right now, its world premiere may not be long.
The most likely unveiling of the EV could be at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (CES) event in January next year.
