ROMA (ITALPRESS) – The new CLA offers more in every direction: greater refinement, greater comfort, greater intelligence, greater efficiency and greater flexibility than its predecessor. With its athletic proportions and the illuminated radiator grill, it transmits an emotional message. Thanks to the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and the fourth generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with artificial intelligence (AI) of Microsoft and Google, the CLA is smarter, more intuitive and customizable than any other car in its segment.
The new CLA, equipped with a brand-new 1.5 litre line four-cylinder engine, can be ordered from three levels of power and with the possibility to choose between front or integral traction. In Germany, prices start at EUR 47,296. Visually, the hybrid CLA looks a lot like its electric counterpart. One of the few distinctive features is the front grill. The CLA hybrid features the classic radiator grill with central star and Mercedes-Benz chrome pattern. It is framed by a LED light guide, whose edges light when the lights are lit.
Even the internal values are almost identical. Thanks to the MB.OS and the fourth generation of the MBUX, the CLA hybrid is just as smart, intuitive and comfortable as the fully electric vehicle. It also combines advanced technology with high efficiency. With a consumption of about five litres per 100 km or less, CLA 180 (combined fuel consumption: 5.4-4.9 l/100 km | combined CO2 emissions: 123-111 g/km | CO2 class: D-C) is the Mercedes-Benz vehicle with the most efficient internal combustion engine in the segment. At urban speeds and when a power of less than 22 kW is required, typical of the city’s sweet guide, hybrid models can travel exclusively using electricity.
The so-called “electrical vision”, that is the gear for efficient inertia with the unmatched propulsor group, is possible up to a speed of about 100 km/h. A special feature of the engine is its ability to recover energy in all eight gears, regenerating up to 25 kW of power. As the torque supplied by the combustion engine and the electric one is added, the maximum torque is available on a wide speed range.
In addition, the combustion engine can be completely started by the electric motor and the clutch of disconnection, thus eliminating the need for a traditional pinion starter. For greater comfort, the start-stop function and the switch between the two engines are almost imperceptible to the driver.
The new CLA hybrid features a very compact design of the engine and transmission. The electric motor and its components are integrated directly into the new eight-speed double clutch transmission (8F-eDCT), making the entire system efficient and space saving.
A new 48 volt battery with lithium-ion technology and an energy content of up to 1.3 kWh fuels the electric motor, while being compact and lightweight. The new petrol engine, developed by Mercedes-Benz, is a four-cylinder turbo unit with a capacity of 1.5 liters, designed to offer power and efficiency. It uses a combustion process based on the Miller cycle, which helps reduce fuel consumption, particularly in partial load conditions – a very common driving situation in everyday life. The Miller cycle works slightly differently than a traditional 4-stroke Otto engine: the relatively early closure of the suction valves reduces pumping losses and allows a high compression ratio of 12:1.
This engine (M 252) belongs to the Modular Engine Family (FAME) and is suitable for a variety of automotive applications. The common features of FAME engines include an all-aluminum base with NANOSLIDE® coating of cylinder rods, a headboard with partially integrated exhaust manifold and a turbocharger with segmented turbine and switchable spiral duct. Other highlights are the compact air flow and the exhaust system mounted near the engine.
Its “one-box” design has been developed to meet future emissions standards. The concept of the 48 volt electric cooler compressor, derived from the M 256 engine, reduces friction and allows to climateize the vehicle even when it is still or while driving in electric mode. Today customers can choose from three levels of power. Each version receives an additional 22 kW drive from the electric motor. Both front traction and 4MATIC integral traction are available.
The MB.OS operating system, developed internally and based on artificial intelligence, brings mobility to a completely new level. Each vehicle is equipped with supercomputers connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. This allows “over-the-air” software updates of the entire vehicle system, including driving assistance systems. In this way, CLA is always updated and interesting for years, just like a smartphone that regularly receives new apps and additional functions.
Thanks to MB.OS, CLA offers customers a new world of personalized experiences and an intuitive interaction between man and vehicle. The fourth generation of the MBUX infotainment system integrates the artificial intelligence (AI) of Microsoft and Google. The MBUX Virtual Assistant uses the so-called “multi-agent approach”, integrating the artificial intelligence tools of both companies. Select the best source for each task – even during an ongoing conversation – by drawing on the collective knowledge of the Internet. For the customer, dialogue with the MBUX Virtual Assistant is like conversing with a friend: can provide answers and insights without the need to repeat the context.
photo: Mercedes-Benz printing office Italy
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