Why is the new Mercedes-Benz CLA so important for the carmaker right now? Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius provides answers.
Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ technology AMG Line Plus
Mercedes-Benz AG
Mercedes-Benz is pinning its hopes on the new CLA. The entry-level sedan is 4,723 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,468 mm high. The wheelbase is 2,790 mm. The Swabians urgently need a sense of achievement. Last year, Mercedes suffered a sharp drop in profits, mainly due to a decline in business in China, and subsequently launched a cost-cutting program. Most recently, Mercedes announced the largest product and technology offensive in the company's history. Dozens of new or redesigned models are to be launched by 2027. This should also have a positive impact on sales, which have been declining of late.
The new CLA, which the Stuttgart-based carmaker presented in Rome, is the first of these. The CLA is the first model in a completely new family of vehicles on the MMA platform, which marks the beginning of a new chapter for the entry-level segment, according to the company. If it is a success, it could be the starting signal for a comeback. If, on the other hand, it does not strike a chord with customers, Mercedes is likely to be put further on the back foot.
Mercedes CLA Initially with Two E-Versions
The new CLA is important because it is the carrier of two completely new technology platforms, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius told the German Press Agency. One of these is an 800-V electric architecture that has been developed from scratch, with Källenius emphasizing its efficiency. In addition, there is the new operating system (MB.OS) developed in-house. "The entire vehicle is software-defined", said Källenius. It can be reached "over the air". This means that updates can be carried out wirelessly, including for the driver assistance systems. The car does not age digitally, it just gets better with time, said Källenius. In addition, a new MBUX infotainment system is being launched that integrates artificial intelligence from Microsoft and Google. The optional "MBUX Superscreen" extends across the entire dashboard and is formed from the 10.25" driver display and the 14" infotainment touchscreen.
Initially, the CLA will be available as a purely electric car in two versions: The 200 kW (272 hp) CLA 250+ with EQ technology comes with a two-speed transmission on the main drive at the rear axle and offers a range of up to 792 km. The CLA 350 4Matic with EQ technology delivers 260 kW (354 hp) of power and all-wheel drive. Fast charging of the 85 kWh lithium-ion battery is possible at up to 320 kW. An air-to-air heat pump is standard. The battery-electric CLA will soon be available to order, with the market launch coming in the summer, said Källenius. Production of the 48V hybrid version will start towards the end of the year, so that it will be available – in three power levels – around the beginning of next year.
Källenius did not give a specific price. "We want to stay in the segment", he said. It has always been the case that Mercedes has tended to be at the upper end of the respective segment. You pay a little more for a Mercedes, but it also offers more. "The logic remains", said Källenius.
For comparison: According to the company's website, the previous CLA is available to buy in Germany with a base gasoline engine starting at just over €40,000. The A and B classes start at around €35,000. The electric EQA starts at around €46,000. However, it can quickly become more expensive. Customers don't buy the car naked, but with optional extras, Källenius said.
Plunge in Profits and Decline in Sales
The group's earnings fell by a good 28 % year-on-year to 10.4 billion euros. Revenues for the year as a whole fell by 4.5 % to 145.6 billion euros. For this year, the carmaker expects an even stronger headwind and lower earnings overall. The Stuttgart-based company also expects a slight decline in passenger car sales. In 2024, it sold 1.98 million units.
This is a partly automated translation of this German article, written in part by dpa.
