In 2019 Porsche’s Taycan set a new 24-hour record of travelling 3405km at the Nardo test track. Now Mercedes has eclipsed that during testing of its third-generation CLA. A prototype of the new saloon covered 3695km in 24-hours at the same Italian track.
The CLA is the first of four new compact electric models the German car maker plans to launch by the end of 2026. It uses the MMA architecture which will underpin replacements for EQA and EQB as well. They all feature 800V electric architecture in combination with new-generation electric motors, heat pumps and the MB:OS operating system. CLA will launch early next year.
Key to the record was a smart charging strategy, “plug and dash”, used to maximise driving time. Instead of long driving stints between recharges, Mercedes opted for shorter periods and more frequent charging stops. The CLA prototype underwent a total of 40 recharges during the 24-hour attempt, each around 10 minutes in duration.
It was at rest for six hours and 40 minutes, or 28 per cent of the 24-hour record attempt. These short but regular stops enabled a high initial charging rate on a DC system.
The new CLA will likely be able to charge at around 250kW, and 300kW for short periods. This enables a 400km top up in 15 minutes. Its battery pack is likely to be 89.6kWh, though this is unconfirmed. Mercedes reckons the new CLA has an average energy consumption of around 11.9kWh/100km and an overall range of just under 750km, making it one of the most efficient and extended-range EVs on sale.
A lithium-ion-phosphate battery will be used in a base model CLA.
Mercedes has said its drivetrains for the CLA will range from 151kW to 400kW, the latter as an AMG dual-motor, four-wheel-drive performance variant.
New CLA will also be sold with a 2.0-litre turbopetrol paired with a gearbox-mounted motor. The Chinese-made motor is evidently good for 186kW and 360Nm.
Mercedes-Benz boss, Ola Källenius, is talking up the CLA, saying it has a “state-of-the-art electric drivetrain” and is “the most intelligent car we’ve ever built.”
Expect a reveal next year, and deliveries beginning before the end of 2025. Initial models will be electric only.
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