This coming month of September Mercedes-Benz will present a version close to production of the third generation CLA. This model, whose serial version will be released in 2024, will be a key launch for the star’s firm and promises to offer design, and quality, but also one of the longest range in the sector.
The electric version of the Mercedes CLA will continue the design of the current EQ family and will be based on the Vision EQXX and Vision AMG concepts, with the grille, the headlights connected in a unified form, and a C-pillar that adopts the design of a fastback sports coupe.
In the spy photos, we can see that the CLA’s line will be more conventional than the EQE and EQS, forgoing its arched profile to embrace much more traditional proportions, with a horizontal bonnet and a rear topped by a small spoiler integrated into the trunk lid.
Many of the technical solutions that will debut in the renewed CLA will come from the Vision EQXX prototype, with which Mercedes-Benz managed to complete a trip from Stuttgart to Silverstone (1,202 km)… on a single charge. Although its aerodynamics will not be as radical as that of the concept, the EQS coefficient may improve (0.20).
But one of the strengths of this model will be the installation of an extremely efficient propulsion system, which promises low consumption, combined with a high-capacity battery. Something that will result in one of the most autonomous electric cars on the market.
According to the German press, the electric CLA will offer in its highest capacity variant a maximum range of 850 km WLTP. There will also be access versions, which will mount lithium-fluorophosphate packs, and which are estimated to be around 650 km WLTP.
How could it be otherwise, there will be high-performance variants with all-wheel drive and two engines signed by AMG. Among the main rivals of the Mercedes-Benz CLA will be the BMW i4, the Polestar 2, and the Tesla Model 3. We cannot fail to mention proposals such as the BYD Seal, the Hyundai IONIQ 6, the NIO ET5, and the Volkswagen ID.7.
In this way, Mercedes will put up for sale a true rival for the Tesla Model 3, which it will surpass in range, and from which it will take as an example the offer of two different chemicals for the most economical and most capable version.
It remains of course to know the price. But if we take into account that the cheapest EQA starts at 55,533 euros in Europe, it is to be expected that the CLA will not drop below 60,000 euros in its most accessible version. So we can think of more than 70,000 euros in the variant with greater range.
