{"id":118300,"date":"2023-09-04T03:51:04","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T03:51:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cottontailsonline.com\/?p=118300"},"modified":"2023-09-04T03:51:04","modified_gmt":"2023-09-04T03:51:04","slug":"new-mercedes-concept-cla-class-previews-future-tesla-model-3-rival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cottontailsonline.com\/auto-news\/new-mercedes-concept-cla-class-previews-future-tesla-model-3-rival\/","title":{"rendered":"New Mercedes Concept CLA Class previews future Tesla Model 3 rival"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The newest addition to Mercedes\u2019 all-electric range of EQ cars will be a compact executive saloon and our best look yet comes courtesy of the Concept CLA Class – debuting at this year\u2019s Munich Motor Show.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve spotted the production model undergoing testing several times already and we expect it won\u2019t stray too far from the bold design seen on this concept. The Concept CLA Class has quite a different front end to other Mercedes EQ cars, although the array of Mercedes three-pointed stars illuminating the grill has become a bit of a staple. The headlights also incorporate the brand\u2019s logo and there\u2019s a full-width LED light bar connecting the two for an aggressive look.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The leading bonnet line wraps around the front wings almost connecting to the line that extends from the rear lights. The rear lights also include the Mercedes logo, but overall it's an understated exterior design that shouldn\u2019t be too far removed from the production-spec car.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Underpinning the Concept CLA Class is Mercedes\u2019 new MMA platform, which will be used on four electric Mercedes models with a range of bodystyles. Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius said, \u201cThe Concept CLA Class is the forerunner for an entirely new all-electric segment of entry-level vehicles at Mercedes-Benz. The range will comprise a total of four new models \u2013 a four-door coup\u00e9, a shooting brake and two stunning SUVs.\u201d Mercedes claims MMA will allow for up to 466 miles of range and we expect the sleek Concept CLA Class to get pretty close to this number if not match it.<\/p>\n
Although the production version of the Concept CLA Class will be positioned as Mercedes\u2019 entry-level EV, rivalling the likes of Tesla\u2019s newly-updated Model 3 and the all-electric BMW 3 Series, it should still gain some of the EQXX concept\u2019s impressive powertrain technology. Mercedes says it has decreased losses in its 800V system and the Concept CLA Class features \u201cexcellent energy density\u201d.<\/p>\n
The interior of the concept certainly is a little more eccentric than the exterior. The futuristic slender seats look like they offer up plenty of support but don\u2019t expect these to reach production. The steering wheel looks like an adaption of the current design, with the twin spokes and button integration, although the illuminated centre and mirror finish might be a step too far.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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A translucent smartphone charging pad on the centre console draws the eye, but not quite as much as the expansive panoramic roof that extends all the way behind the heads of the rear passengers, including dozens of light-up stars.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Concept CLA Class also represents the first time we\u2019ve seen the upcoming \u201cMB.OS\u201d in action. It\u2019s Mercedes\u2019 own operating system and will be rolled out on all-new models in the next few years. Mercedes says MB.OS \u201cis the basis for an unparalleled user experience\u201d allowing artificial intelligence to help provide a new level of personalisation. The triple-screen set up on the dash is a new layout, different to the three screens of the \u2018Hyperscreen\u2019 and \u2018Superscreen\u2019. Sitting beside the screens is a new climate control function which incorporates the temperature readout within the vent.<\/p>\n
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Pricing for the production car should be announced by early 2024, sitting around the \u00a345,000 mark.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Click here for our list of the best electric cars on sale right now…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n