Mercedes has revealed the technical secrets of the third-generation Mercedes CLA which will be offered in electric and mild hybrid versions capable of short-distance electric.
The wait is over. Mercedes has revealed all the technical secrets of the third-generation Mercedes CLA, which will be offered for the first time in electric and mild hybrid versions on 48V that are capable of traveling short distances electrically.
800V MMA platform
The MMA platform underpinning the new generation of compact models from Mercedes is a skateboard-like architecture with a floor assembly designed primarily for electric cars, including the corresponding drive and chassis components.
Mercedes CLA electric
The Mercedes CLA will be powered by a new generation of electric drive systems called EDU 2.0 (Electric Drive unit). Base versions have a permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM) on the rear axle of 200 kW (272 PS) developed entirely in-house by Mercedes-Benz. The engine is mated to a two-speed transmission that ensures not only excellent efficiency but also exceptional driving dynamics. The first gear has a short ratio of 11:1 and the second 5:1. The second gear allows a top speed of 210 kph. The shift points depend on the driving situation and the selected driving program.
4Matic versions have a second 80 kW (109 PS) permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM) at the front axle that acts as a “boost” drive. It only kicks in when more traction or power is needed and is controlled by a Disconnect Unit (DCU) that Mercedes-Benz is using for the first time in the entry-level segment. Both motors are coupled with a silicon carbide (SiC) inverter for particularly efficient energy utilization.
The MMA platform uses 800V technology and promises a fast charging speed of up to 320 kW. This means that the 36 kWh of energy needed for a range of 300 km can be charged in just 10 minutes (WLTP consumption 12 kWh/100 km).
In a test on the Nardo circuit in southern Italy, the Mercedes CLA covered 3,717 km in 24 hours thanks in particular to the high charging speed. It needed 40 stops for 10 minutes each to charge the battery.
If Electric Intelligence navigation is activated, the battery is preheated during the journey if necessary. This preconditioning allows it to reach the optimum temperature for fast DC charging at the charging point.
In the future, entry-level models will also be available with bidirectional charging and can serve as an electricity supplier, either vehicle-to-home (V2H) or vehicle-to-grid (V2G). The air-to-air heat pump will also be standard. It no longer takes the indirect route via a water circuit. As a multi-source model, it can also utilize three energy sources in parallel: the EDU 2.0 waste heat, the waste heat from the battery, and the ambient air.
As with other Mercedes electric models, there will be four degrees of recovery utilizing the selector level behind the steering wheel: D Car (intelligent recuperation), D+ (no recuperation, sailing), D (standard recuperation up to 1 m/s2), and D- (strong recuperation up to 3 m/s2)
Mercedes CLA electric will be available with two batteries:
– Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) with a net capacity of 58 kWh (energy density 450 Wh/l).
– Lithium-ion with a net capacity of 85 kWh with anodes in which silicon oxide is added to the graphite. Compared to the predecessor battery with conventional graphite anodes, the volumetric energy density is 680 Wh/l.
The batteries are produced at the Mercedes plant in Kamenz, while the motors are developed in-house by Mercedes.
Mercedes CLA hybrid
The 48V mild hybrid version has a 20 KW (27 PS) electric motor integrated into the new electrified eight-speed electrified double-clutch gearbox (8F-eDCT) with an inverter. It benefits from a 1.3 kWh Li-ion battery with a flat-pack design.
The 1.5-liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine codenamed M252 is from the new FAME (Family of Modular Engines) family produced in China by Mercedes and Geely that will initially be available in three power levels: 100 (136 PS), 120 (163 PS), and 140 kW (190 PS). The engines run on the Miller cycle and feature a high compression ratio of 12:1.
The main features of the new generation FAME engines are an all-aluminum crankcase with Nanoslide technology, a cylinder head with a partially integrated manifold, a turbocharger with a segment turbine with switchable scroll connection, a compact charge air duct and the exhaust system close to the engine in one-box design, which is prepared for future exhaust emission standards.
The Mercedes CLA hybrid can coast at speeds up to 100 kph and the engine can recover energy in all eight gears of the gearbox, recovering up to 25 kW. As with the electric version, buyers will be able to choose between front- or all-wheel drive 4Matic versions.
At the unveiling of the new Mercedes CLA, Mercedes confirmed that the new compact range would have only four models: the four-door coupe (CLA), the shooting brake, and two SUVs (GLA and GLB). This officially confirms that the Mercedes A-Class and B-Class will not have successors.
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