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The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV may 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 following-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 yr, 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 underneath one door.Â
For shoppers not prepared to leap absolutely into the EV future with each ft, a hybrid mannequin might be supplied 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 Models 2.0), use silicon-carbide inverters. Rear-wheel-drive CLA fashions may 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’s going to solely have interaction 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 imagine just about each Mercedes EV to come back after it’s going to 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 allows a high 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 might 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 is able to sit subsequent to one another underneath a single cost port door. Mercedes engineers mentioned nobody desires to cope with adapters and this sidesteps that equation.
The cost ports are linked to a future-proofed 800-volt electrical structure that permits 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, in accordance with Mercedes.
An 11.0-kwh onboard charger is supplied for Degree 2 AC charging, however Mercedes wouldn’t focus on charging instances but. Anticipate 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 might be engaged till the system’s situations are now not met (battery is just too full, too chilly, too scorching, and many others). Then the friction brakes might be engaged. If these situations aren’t met, Mercedes mentioned the regenerative braking is able to as much as 200 kw of recuperation, then the friction brakes must take over.
When recuperating power by means of regenerative braking the brake pedal gained’t transfer by itself prefer it does within the EQE and EQS.
One-pedal driving might be a part of the system, which consists of 4 ranges of regenerative braking: D-, D, D+, and D Auto. The automobile will keep in mind which degree 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 as we speak’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 might be paired with a 27-hp electrical motor sandwiched into an 8-speed dual-clutch computerized gearbox. Complete system output is 187 hp. A 1.3-kwh lithium-ion battery pack mounted underneath the driving force’s seat will feed the motor. Energy will go to the entrance wheels as customary, however all-wheel drive might 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 taking place the highway.
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t introduced costs, gear, or full specs for the 2026 CLA EV and Hybrid. Search for that data nearer to launch.
Mercedes-Benz paid for journey and lodging together with some German pretzels for Motor Authority to convey you this background data.
