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The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV could have a hybrid sibling
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The CLA EV will be capable to add 186 miles of vary in 10 minutes
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CLA EVs will characteristic each CCS and NACS cost ports
The subsequent-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA gained’t simply be a redesigned automobile. It’ll mark the introduction of a brand new period for Mercedes.
Arriving late subsequent 12 months, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV will set the trail ahead for the Three-Pointed Star with in-house developed electrical powertrains for its new MMA skateboard chassis, a future-proofed electrical structure, and even twin cost ports beneath one door.Â
For shoppers not prepared to leap totally into the EV future with each toes, a hybrid mannequin will probably be provided to ease the transition.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV options new electrical motors and a 2-speed transmission
Each electrical Mercedes-Benz going ahead will use the CLA’s new scalable powertrain.
Developed in-house, the brand new electrical motors, dubbed EDU 2.0 (Electrical Drive Items 2.0), use silicon-carbide inverters. Rear-wheel-drive CLA fashions could have a 268-hp completely synchronous motor (PSM) mounted within the rear. All-wheel drive 4Matic fashions will add a 107-hp motor up entrance, however it should solely interact when accelerating, driving dynamically, in Sport mode, or when slip is detected.
Each new Mercedes EV will characteristic a warmth pump within the identify of effectivity.
The CLA EV would be the first, however engineers consider just about each Mercedes EV to return after it should characteristic the automaker’s new in-house designed 2-speed transmission.
In contrast to the 2-speed within the Porsche Taycan, which is used to extend efficiency, Mercedes has designed this transmission within the identify of smoothness and effectivity.
First gear makes use of an 11:1 ratio and maxes out at 68 mph. Second gear steps right down to a 5:1 ratio and permits a prime pace of 130 mph. Mercedes engineers mentioned second gear, which is engaged with a canine clutch, is programmed for freeway cruising, whereas first gear, which makes use of a friction clutch, is for dynamic and low-speed driving. The automobile can begin in second gear off the road although. Mercedes claims shifts will probably be clear to the occupants.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
CLA to have CCS and NACS cost ports
The CLA would be the first Mercedes automobile to launch with each CCS and NACS (Tesla) charging ports, each of which can sit subsequent to one another beneath a single cost port door. Mercedes engineers mentioned nobody needs to cope with adapters and this sidesteps that equation.
The cost ports are linked to a future-proofed 800-volt electrical structure that allows fast-charging at speeds of as much as 320 kw. At a ten% state of cost, Mercedes mentioned the CLA can add 186 miles of vary, or roughly 36 kwh, to its 85.0-kwh (usable) battery pack in 10 minutes. Charging from 10-80% will take lower than 22 minutes, based on Mercedes.
An 11.0-kwh onboard charger is supplied for Degree 2 AC charging, however Mercedes wouldn’t focus on charging instances but. Count on about eight hours.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
CLA debuts Mercedes’ next-generation regenerative braking
Mercedes engineers acknowledged the EQS’s shortcomings by way of regenerative braking. The CLA’s system has been redeveloped and shares little in idea.
Nonetheless a two-stage blended system, the regenerative braking within the CLA EV will probably be engaged till the system’s circumstances are not met (battery is simply too full, too chilly, too scorching, and so forth). Then the friction brakes will probably be engaged. If these circumstances aren’t met, Mercedes mentioned the regenerative braking is able to as much as 200 kw of recuperation, then the friction brakes should take over.
When recuperating power by way of regenerative braking the brake pedal gained’t transfer by itself prefer it does within the EQE and EQS.
One-pedal driving will probably be a part of the system, which consists of 4 ranges of regenerative braking: D-, D, D+, and D Auto. The automobile will bear in mind which stage of regenerative braking was final chosen upon every new key cycle and persist with the setting till the person adjustments it, in contrast to present Mercedes EVs, which default to at the moment’s D mode.
Mercedes-Benz CLA powertrain
The CLA hybrid will reside alongside the EV
The brand new MMA skateboard chassis was designed for EVs, however a hybrid powertrain was developed to make sure an straightforward transition for consumers.
Within the hybrid, a brand new 1.5-liter turbo-4 will probably be paired with a 27-hp electrical motor sandwiched into an 8-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox. Whole system output is 187 hp. A 1.3-kwh lithium-ion battery pack mounted beneath the driving force’s seat will feed the motor. Energy will go to the entrance wheels as normal, however all-wheel drive will probably be out there.
Mercedes mentioned the electrical motor is highly effective sufficient to drive on electrical energy alone as much as 62 mph, and the engine can disconnect from the motor and transmission to sail whereas happening the highway.
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t introduced costs, tools, or full specs for the 2026 CLA EV and Hybrid. Search for that info nearer to launch.
Mercedes-Benz paid for journey and lodging together with some German pretzels for Motor Authority to deliver you this background info.
