Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled the all-new CLA series at the Shanghai Auto Show. This isn’t just a redesigned sedan; it also marks the debut of the fully electric CLA. According to the official announcement, this model will be the most intelligent production car in the brand’s history. For the Hong Kong market, the new model is set to launch in the second half of the year, so those interested in purchasing should stay tuned for the latest updates.
The brand-new CLA boasts a strikingly sporty exterior design, adopting GT proportions combined with a long wheelbase and short overhangs. Every detail, from the sleek body lines to the GT-style rear, exudes a dynamic aesthetic. The lighting elements include standout star-shaped daytime running lights paired with a continuous light band, ensuring that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are instantly recognizable even during nighttime drives. For the electric version, the newly designed front panel featuring 142 animated LED stars brings a futuristic edge, while the hybrid version retains the classic grille design, maintaining an air of elegance.
The interior design of the new CLA embraces a minimalist aesthetic, with the standout feature being the MB.Superscreen. This full-glass panel integrates a 10.25-inch driver display and a 14-inch central control screen, with the option to add a passenger display as well. Powered by the Unity game engine, the interface is intuitive, offering app categorization and customizable folders for a seamlessly smooth user experience.
The all-new MB.OS system serves as the core of this vehicle model, integrating ChatGPT 4.0, Google Gemini, and the Bing search engine. It enables natural language conversations, understanding the driver’s emotions and habits, making the car's interface system more humanized.
The all-new CLA also comes equipped with a navigation system developed in collaboration with Google, offering 3D dynamic visual navigation. The MBUX Surround Navigation provides real-time displays of the surrounding environment along with autonomous driving assistance features, allowing drivers to better grasp road conditions. The site's MB.DRIVE system supports SAE Level 2 autonomous driving technology, featuring the DISTRONIC distance-control system and steering assistance, making the driving experience seamless and intelligent.
Another highlight is the use of an all-new high-density lithium battery, creating a more compact structure and reducing the carbon footprint by 30%. Paired with a dual-speed gearbox and tri-source heat pump technology, it delivers impressive energy efficiency, whether driving in the city or on the highway.
In addition, although the focus this time is on the all-electric version, Mercedes-Benz is also considering market demand and will launch three CLA hybrid models equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system by the end of the year. This offers a diverse range of power options to cater to the needs of different consumers.
The all-new CLA speaks to a remarkably broad audience. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a long-distance commuter, a style-savvy trendsetter, or a family buyer, this car delivers on every need. A masterpiece uniting technology and artistry, the all-new CLA seamlessly blends innovative design with cutting-edge intelligence, embodying Mercedes-Benz’s groundbreaking strides in the electric smart era. It marks a bold new chapter for the brand, transforming this entry-level model into a significant symbol of its evolution toward the era of electric intelligence.
