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Mercedes-Benz CLA (2025): First ride in the beacon of hope

Up close and personal with the new Mercedes saloon, which is powered by a Chinese engine

Neuer Mercedes CLA (2025) erste Mitfahrt

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

By: Alberto Carmone

Published by: Brian Potter

Dec 17, 2024 at 3:32am ET

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Oh Mercedes. Things are no longer running smoothly at the three-pointed star. The "all about luxury" strategy doesn't seem to be working, electric vehicles aren't really taking off and now many jobs are at risk due to a radical cost-cutting programme. This makes the upcoming CLA all the more important for the Stuttgart-based company. The third generation of the mid-size saloon will be the first model on the MMA platform. And it is the first model with an engine built in China.

With the new architecture, Mercedes is able to install both electric and hybrid drives. The new CLA will also be the first Mercedes to be equipped with the new MB.OS operating system developed by the brand itself. In short, there's plenty to get excited about. To find out what this new-generation Mercedes feels like, we were allowed to take a ride in a camouflaged prototype.

Gallery: New Mercedes CLA, the passenger test

New Mercedes CLA, the passenger test

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New Mercedes CLA, the passenger test New Mercedes CLA, the passenger test New Mercedes CLA, the passenger test New Mercedes CLA, the passenger test New Mercedes CLA, the passenger test New Mercedes CLA, the passenger test

Source: Mercedes-Benz

First contact

Visually, little can be said about the final design as the prototype is still heavily camouflaged. Nevertheless, the proportions and dimensions of the vehicle have remained recognisably similar to the previous CLA, with a length of around 4.6 to 4.7 metres and a roofline that is still drawn back in a sporty manner.

The front end of the new CLA has been completely redesigned, with slim LED headlights in the striking star design, which is not entirely uncontroversial among fans and can also be found on the rear lights. A generous hexagonal radiator grille can be glimpsed beneath the camouflage.

New Mercedes CLA, the passenger test

Photos by: Mercedes-Benz

Interior

The dashboard layout differs significantly from current Mercedes models. Despite the camouflage of all elements, a digital overhanging panel and an integrated infotainment display can be recognised in the centre of the dashboard. This horizontal display appears to be at least 12-14 inches in size and is positioned lower than in the current CLA.

Technical basis

The MMA platform of the new CLA can accommodate both electric and hybrid engines. Mercedes plans for the CLA to be available with both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. The 800-volt architecture of the electric versions finally enables fast charging with up to 320 kW, which enables a range of around 250 miles in 15 minutes. The Long Range model with rear-wheel drive should be able to cover up to 466 miles on a single charge.

The batteries have a capacity of 58 kWh and 85 kWh, with Mercedes aiming for a consumption of 5.2 mi/kWh in the best case scenario.

New Mercedes CLA, the passenger test

Photos by: Mercedes-Benz

China cracker in the engine compartment

The mild hybrid is particularly interesting. This uses a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with outputs of 136 PS, 163 PS and 190 PS as well as a 27 PS electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The electric motor, which is charged by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.3 kWh, enables the car to drive emission-free in the city. The CLA will therefore be positioned between a mild hybrid and a full hybrid.

The new petrol engine no longer comes from Renault. MB fans will no doubt be gasping for breath: The new petrol engine is not being built in Mercedes' German engine plants, but by the Chinese company Aurobay - a joint venture between the Chinese Geely Holding and Volvo Cars (also a Geely subsidiary).

Developed in Germany, built in China - only the margin counts. The tradition as an engine manufacturer is quickly thrown overboard. Only time will tell whether Mercedes is doing itself a favour with this decision in the long term, but it is certainly not a good sign for the German car industry.

New Mercedes CLA, the passenger test

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

Driving impression

Unfortunately, we were unable to get behind the wheel of the prototype ourselves during the test on the Passo del Rombo on the border between Italy and Austria. However, the drive as co-driver offered first impressions. The test vehicle, a 4Matic version with all-wheel drive, handled difficult conditions with fresh snow, ice and temperatures below 0°C very well.

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Particularly impressive was the hill start from a standstill, where the car transferred its power to the ground without hesitation. In the hairpin bends, the Mercedes test driver also demonstrated some light drifting, with the car's electronics allowing for plenty of driving fun (aka drift angles).

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Price

Mercedes has not yet announced any official prices, so we are in the realm of speculation here. However, several media outlets suggest that the base price of the mild hybrid will be around £40,000, while the electric version could start at around £50,000.

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