Mercedes Ditches the Sizzle for the Steak with the Electric Concept CLA-Class!
Mercedes-Benz is that one brand that's been trying to make the rich feel richer for ages. But now they want to make the green feel greener, too. They've rolled out the Concept CLA-Class at IAA 2023 in Munich, and I had the, er, pleasure of feasting my ever-judging eyes on it.
Now, don't get me wrong, electric is the future. But like a child growing a mustache, it’s awkward, patchy, and we aren't sure we're ready for it. Yet, here we are.
The Concept CLA-Class promises a mighty 466 miles of range. Halleluyah! Go on a cross-state road trip and only stop once - preferably at a place that serves decent pretzels. No word on its exact powertrain, but if we are to believe Mercedes-Benz's nudges and winks, it’s inspired by the Vision EQXX concept. In layman's terms: it’s fancy and it’s fast-ish.
Visually, this "four-door coupe" (because why not make naming more confusing) sports a sportier look. A longer hood and a shorter rear. Very “chic”, as the French would say. Or is it "schnell"? I get my languages mixed up. Dressed in a flamboyant Pomegranate Red, it's like a sports car went on a date with a disco ball. That grille? They’ve adorned it with illuminated stars, making it look like Liberace's brooch collection.
Inside, there’s the luxury you'd expect. And then some more. Sustainable Nappa leather – apparently tanned with coffee husks. I wonder if it comes with a caffeine kick? There’s also accent fabric made from recycled . Let's not even start on the bamboo-based floor mats. Truly a car for those who enjoy their morning yoga.
The tech inside is, of course, suitably impressive, with a dash-spanning Superscreen, split into three separate displays. All run by the new MB.OS, which promises a snappier user experience. I’d like to see that keeping up with my erratic music tastes.
But here's where the rubber meets the autobahn: The Concept CLA-Class has an 800-volt electrical architecture which supports up to 250-kilowatt DC fast charging. This means around 248 miles of range in a mere 15 minutes - in ideal conditions, that is. It's like grabbing a coffee while your car does... well, the same, sort of. The drive unit weighs in at a relatively dainty 243 pounds and punches out 235 horsepower. And with an energy consumption rate of 5.2 miles per kWh, the battery packs a solid 89.6 kWh punch - no official confirmation yet, though.
Mercedes is offering two battery types, catering to both the penny pinchers and the tech aficionados. And guess what? They’ve ditched screws for glue. Yes, German engineers discovered that glue saves weight and adds integrity. I just hope it doesn’t come apart like my last IKEA bookshelf.
And this Concept CLA-Class isn't a lone wolf. Mercedes has plans for two crossovers and a station wagon. While they're playing coy with the price tags, I'm already rummaging through my couch cushions, hopeful but skeptical.
Mercedes seems to be on to something here. Whether it's the beginning of a bright electric future or just another flash in the pan - ask me in a few years time. At the very least, the Concept CLA-Class sure is something to chat about at your next garden party.
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
