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The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA (MBGAF) was launched in Rome yesterday, a surprising site for a German automaker. Mercedes said a launch of this magnitude deserves a backdrop of equal prestige…, which is why it chose Rome – a metropolis defined by timeless elegance, flair and progressive vision. Amidst the hype and hoopla some details of what is and has been a significant Mercedes car emerged.*
“The premiere of the new CLA in Rome – a city just as iconic and timeless as Mercedes-Benz – was more than just another car launch. It marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz and for our customers: The CLA will be the most efficient and the most intelligent Mercedes we’ve ever made. It’s the one-liter car for the electric age – and at the same time will also be available as a highly efficient hybrid version. It is the first in a series of new models we’re adding to the Mercedes-Benz family,” said Ola Kaellenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
The new CLA is the first vehicle to fully operate on the proprietary AI-enhanced Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). The new generation MBUX opens up a new world of personalized experiences and intuitive interaction between the vehicle and occupants. It is the first system in the automotive industry to integrate both AI from Microsoft and Google.
The 800-volt electric architecture and new battery chemistry in the all-electric CLA significantly reduce charging times. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology can charge up to 325 km of range in 10 minutes [footnote 1]. It has up to 792 km of range [2]. The new CLA will also be available as a 48-volt hybrid.
The launch of the all-new CLA is said to be the beginning of a new design era for Mercedes-Benz. It is defined by several elements, including an illuminated radiator grille and star-shaped daytime running light. The interior design is claimed to be inspired by the design principle of a Zen garden – the art of reducing everything down to the essentials. The optional MBUX Superscreen has driver, center and passenger displays behind a large glass surface.
Mercedes said the all-electric CLA was designed with sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint by 40% across the entire value chain compared to its non-electrified predecessor. It uses four times as much recycled content in the thermoplastics, with 50% post-consumer recycled materials. The seats contain recycled material throughout, including the seat foam, substructure and select upholsteries. The interior carpet is made from Econyl yarn produced from 100% recycled material. By implementing further CO2 measures in the supply chain and when charging the battery, the savings can increase to up to two-thirds.
AutoInformed on
Inevitable CLA Footnotes
- At DC fast-charging stations with 500 amps based on the WLTP range.
- The specified values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement method. The ranges given refer to the European market. The energy consumption and CO2 emissions of a car depend not only on the efficient utilization of the fuel or energy source by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Mercedes-Benz Debuts New CLA in Rome?
Click for more.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA (MBGAF) was launched in Rome yesterday, a surprising site for a German automaker. Mercedes said a launch of this magnitude deserves a backdrop of equal prestige…, which is why it chose Rome – a metropolis defined by timeless elegance, flair and progressive vision. Amidst the hype and hoopla some details of what is and has been a significant Mercedes car emerged.*
“The premiere of the new CLA in Rome – a city just as iconic and timeless as Mercedes-Benz – was more than just another car launch. It marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz and for our customers: The CLA will be the most efficient and the most intelligent Mercedes we’ve ever made. It’s the one-liter car for the electric age – and at the same time will also be available as a highly efficient hybrid version. It is the first in a series of new models we’re adding to the Mercedes-Benz family,” said Ola Kaellenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
The new CLA is the first vehicle to fully operate on the proprietary AI-enhanced Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). The new generation MBUX opens up a new world of personalized experiences and intuitive interaction between the vehicle and occupants. It is the first system in the automotive industry to integrate both AI from Microsoft and Google.
The 800-volt electric architecture and new battery chemistry in the all-electric CLA significantly reduce charging times. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology can charge up to 325 km of range in 10 minutes [footnote 1]. It has up to 792 km of range [2]. The new CLA will also be available as a 48-volt hybrid.
The launch of the all-new CLA is said to be the beginning of a new design era for Mercedes-Benz. It is defined by several elements, including an illuminated radiator grille and star-shaped daytime running light. The interior design is claimed to be inspired by the design principle of a Zen garden – the art of reducing everything down to the essentials. The optional MBUX Superscreen has driver, center and passenger displays behind a large glass surface.
Mercedes said the all-electric CLA was designed with sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint by 40% across the entire value chain compared to its non-electrified predecessor. It uses four times as much recycled content in the thermoplastics, with 50% post-consumer recycled materials. The seats contain recycled material throughout, including the seat foam, substructure and select upholsteries. The interior carpet is made from Econyl yarn produced from 100% recycled material. By implementing further CO2 measures in the supply chain and when charging the battery, the savings can increase to up to two-thirds.
AutoInformed on
Inevitable CLA Footnotes
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.