The Concept CLA Class is the forerunner for an entirely new all-electric segment of entry-level vehicles at Mercedes-Benz. The range will comprise a total of four new models—a four-door coupe, a shooting brake and two stunning SUVs—each with significantly elevated product substance.
This new model family is inspired by a generation of car buyers who want that unmistakable Mercedes-Benz feel, with more features, even greater comfort and safety and the most advanced technology. They also seek a sustainable choice that is a cut above the rest. This hypermiler is the one-liter car of the electric age, with a range of more than 750 kilometers (466 miles) in the WLTP and energy consumption of just 12 kWh/100 km (5.2 mi/kWh).
Based on the MMA platform, it provides an insight into the first complete family of Mercedes-Benz electric cars developed from scratch to put our Ambition 2039 on the road, whereby we aim to achieve net carbon neutrality along the entire value chain in our fleet of new vehicles in 2039.
—Ola Källenius, CEOr, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
The Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) is an electric-first platform engineered for a family of four vehicles covering a range of body styles. It is set to play a major role in accelerating the ramp-up of the Mercedes-Benz electric fleet. All vehicles on the MMA platform are being developed in accordance with the Mercedes-Benz “real life safety” philosophy.
The new operating system MB.OS is the basis for the user interface and user experience (UI/UX) via the MBUX Superscreen derived from the innovative display in the VISION EQXX incorporating advanced real-time graphics. The Concept CLA Class showcases the use of sustainable materials throughout its structure and interior. This ranges from almost CO2-free steel and CO2-reduced aluminum to sustainably produced and processed leather upholstery as well as trim made from paper.
The technology that provides the foundation for the Concept CLA Class represents an entirely new approach for Mercedes-Benz and incorporates many learnings from our groundbreaking VISION EQXX technology program. For instance, our engineers have maximized efficiency by driving down losses in its 800 V electric-drive system. It also features innovative battery cell chemistry as well as a high level of integration enabling excellent energy density. I am certain that our MMA platform will enable us to offer our customers in this market segment a class-defining combination of performance, sustainability, safety and comfort paired with an outstanding digital experience.
—Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer
MMA electric-drive system – engineered for electric efficiency Next-generation in-house developed drivetrain for outstanding efficiency Electric hypermiler redefines the one-liter car with consumption of around 12 kWh/100 kilometers (5.2 mi/kWh) Two advanced cell chemistries – incl. silicon-oxide based anode design for excellent energy density 800 V system maximizes efficiency and performance while reducing charge time
As the first car to be developed on the all-new electric-first Mercedes-Benz MMA platform, the Concept CLA Class points the way for the next-generation electric-drive technology underpinning the series-production model. With an anticipated range of more than 750 kilometers (466 miles) (WLTP), the electric drive leads by a considerable margin. This represents energy consumption of around 12 kWh/100 kilometers (5.2 mi/kWh).
Directly derived from the electric-drive system in the VISION EQXX, the new in-house developed drivetrain comprises an 800 V electric architecture combined with a battery with exceptional energy density and a highly efficient electric drive unit. In the Concept CLA Class it is configured for sporty rear-wheel drive. However, the modular design means it is also suitable for 4x4 vehicle applications. The advanced next-generation drivetrain, which is making its debut in the Concept CLA Class, is scalable to fit other use cases, including in other vehicle segments.
High-voltage battery. The innovative battery system under development for the MMA platform is based on a highly modular architecture whereby customers can choose from two different cell chemistries. The top-level variant features an anode design with silicon-oxide content for excellent energy density. Meanwhile, the entry variant leads the way in the segment with its use of lithium-iron phosphate.
The battery itself has a remarkably small overall volume. For the first time, its cell modules are held in place using adhesive rather than screws. The resulting structure is not only lighter than a conventional battery configuration; it is also stiffer, which offers benefits in crash safety.
Likewise, the 800 V configuration facilitates a high level of electric endurance in a compact package and with lower cooling requirements. The high-voltage configuration also enables high-power 250 kW DC charging, delivering up to 400 kilometers (248 miles) of range in 15 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz Electric Drive Unit (MB.EDU). The new highly efficient MB.EDU, comprising motor, transmission and power electronics, was developed entirely in-house. Based on a modular concept, this unit is the first in a family of drive units engineered to meet a wide range of performance demands across a number of model lines.
The 175 kW permanently excited synchronous machine is paired with a two-speed transmission. The high-performance power electronics incorporate control of motor and transmission in a single processor and feature a silicon carbide inverter for exceptionally efficient power usage. This reflects the high degree of functional integration throughout the MB.EDU that results in a compact overall package weighing less than 243 pounds. Its extremely high energy efficiency of up to 93% from battery to wheel in long distance driving is due to minimization of losses throughout the system.
Sustainability advances in the MMA electric-drive system. The permanent magnet synchronous motor in the Mercedes-Benz Electric Drive Unit (MB.EDU) features a significantly lower share of heavy rare earths than previous generations—close to 0%. When it comes to batteries, the new MMA electric-drive system takes a major step forward in net carbon-neutral manufacturing. Not only is cell production net carbon-neutral but also cathode production. This will allow the company to reduce the carbon footprint of the cells by 40%. Further emissions reductions will be achieved through using renewable energy in the production and refinement of raw materials.
Bidirectional charging. When connected to a compatible bidirectional DC charging station, the vehicle becomes an energy storage device that could, for example, store solar power for use later. It can also serve as an electricity supply, either Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) or Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). The use of bidirectional charging may be subject to market-specific conditions in respect of legislation and the requirements of energy suppliers.
Production. Production of MMA vehicles will initially begin in Rastatt (Germany), Keckskemet (Hungary) and Beijing (China). With the MMA platform, Mercedes-Benz is pioneering new production techniques to incorporate its electrified new product portfolio. Due to an updated MO360 digital production system, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt, Germany, will introduce MMA vehicles virtually, with the help of digital twins.
Using a “digital first” approach, Mercedes-Benz can ensure that the new production line can be retooled, configured and optimized at the brownfield site using high-precision digital simulation techniques. The exact location of robots, supply routes and production lines can be determined without having to disrupt the production of current compact models, which include the A-Class and B-Class, the GLA and EQA. The digital first approach enables a faster ramp-up, creates cost savings and opens up new opportunities for improving efficiency and quality.
The MO360 production system allows Mercedes-Benz to produce electric, hybrid and petrol models on the same production line and to scale the manufacturing of electric vehicles in line with market demand. Also, due to the introduction of MB.OS in production, cars will roll off the production line with the most up-to-date versions of vehicle software. Furthermore, an update of MO360 allows for the roll out of artificial intelligence in new areas. Already in May this year, Mercedes-Benz started a ChatGPT project within the MO360 digital production ecosystem to help optimize production processes and accelerate error identification.
Through “Data Democratization”, vital production data can be accessed by a broader range of employees. They can use it to evaluate processes and errors in real time. The new hall in Rastatt for the MMA platform is also a pilot for AI-based energy savings of up to 20%.
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