Upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA Powertrain Details Revealed

Mercedes-Benz has revealed crucial information about its upcoming CLA-Class. The new entry-level sedan from Mercedes-Benz will be based on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) and this platform will accommodate electric and hybrid powertrains. 

Primarily designed to be electric vehicles (EVs), the MMA-based models will get the Electric Drive Unit 2.0 (EDU 2.0) which is based on an 800-volt architecture and also get a silicon carbide (SiC) inverter from the Vision EQXX. It will also get a permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) on the rear axle which will produce 268 bhp and 4Matic (all-wheel drive) models will get an additional 107 bhp electric motor on the front axle, coupled to a SiC motor.

The front motor also acts as a “boost” drive and engages only when the front wheels require power or traction. This is undertaken by a Disconnect Unit (DCU) which Mercedes-Benz will employ for the first time in its small cars. 

Mercedes-Benz claims the CLA-Class will have a range of more than 700 km (WLTP cycle) with a battery capacity of around 85 kWh. It will support up to 320 kW DC fast charging and with it, the CLA-Class can gain a range of up to 300 km with a 10 min charge. 

The CLA-Class won’t only be an electric vehicle. It will also get a hybrid powertrain with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 48-volt hybrid assist system. The 1.5-litre unit will be from Mercedes’ FAME (Family of Modular Engines) line-up and the hybrid system will have a combined output of 188 bhp. It will also get a 27 bhp electric motor integrated into the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The hybrid models will pack a tiny 1.3 kWh battery.