Combustion engine from China

Fuel and electricity: this is what the Mercedes CLA will be like

(Bild: Larson via Autoren-Union Mobilität)

The Mercedes CLA - which the manufacturer likes to call a "four-door coupé" - is entering its third generation. The first model is due to be unveiled this spring. We show what the car is likely to look like: elongated, sporty - and surprisingly flat.

Like so many new cars, the CLA is adorned with horizontal light strips at the front and rear. At least the implied Mercedes star in the headlights and rear lights provides a distinctive signature, and there is also a front mask with a light frame on the electrically powered variants.

Mercedes-Benz has defined the new MMA platform in terms of technology: The CLA will not only be available with electric drive, but also as a classic combustion engine. The electric variants will be launched first, presumably with outputs ranging from 150 kW/204 hp to 400 kW/544 hp and coupled to a two-speed gearbox. The batteries will offer a charging capacity of up to 90 kWh, while an 800-volt architecture will ensure short charging times.

The combustion engine comes from China
In the combustion engine variants, there is basically a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood, which will be offered in three power levels: 136 hp, 163 hp and 190 hp. The power unit is coupled to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a 20 kW/27 hp electric motor powered by a 48-volt battery is integrated into this transmission. There will be front-wheel and all-wheel drive, but the diesel is history.

(Bild: Larson via Autoren-Union Mobilität)

Remarkable: although the extremely frugal and clean petrol engine was largely developed by Mercedes-Benz, it will be built by the Chinese company Aurobay, which will also supply manufacturers such as Geely, Volvo, Nissan and Renault in the future. Apparently, Mercedes-Benz believed that the era of the combustion engine was coming to an end, which is why it accepted the loss of expertise to China.

It will be interesting to see how the sales figures for the CLA develop with the different drive concepts. The fact that the combustion engine is not due to arrive until next year is certainly a headache for the sales department; from a sales perspective, however, they could have taken their time with the electric version.

One thing is clear: there will once again be AMG variants in the third CLA generation. However, an electric version will mark the pinnacle of performance in the future. If you still want to experience the pure driving pleasure of the 421 hp four-cylinder petrol engine or if you want to stick with the diesel, you still have to go for the current model generation. (Jens Meiners, aum)