Mercedes-Benz opens reservations for the new electric CLA in China

Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch sales of the electric CLA in China, a key market for the German brand. The company has taken into account Chinese customers’ preference for saloons with a long wheelbase and, for this reason, has extended the wheelbase of the CLA sold in the Chinese market by 40 millimetres, in order to offer more interior space to passengers in the rear seats.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA will initially be available in China in two versions: the CLA 300 L Ultra Long Range Edition, with a starting price of 259,000 yuan (around 31,000 euros at current exchange rates), and the CLA 300 L Ultra Long Range Intelligent Edition, which starts at 299,000 yuan (just under 36,000 euros at current exchange rates).

The German manufacturer announced the availability of a version with a longer wheelbase of the CLA for the Chinese market last April, during the Shanghai Motor Show.

Technical specifications to consider

Both versions available on the Chinese market feature a rear-mounted motor with 200 kW of power, similar to that of the European CLA 250+, and also come with a two-speed transmission, along with an NMC battery pack with an 85 kWh capacity, with which, according to the manufacturer, it is possible to travel up to 866 km under the CLTC homologation cycle. It should also be noted that, thanks to its 800V architecture, the CLA destined for the Chinese market supports a maximum charging power of 320 kW in direct current.

Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce later a version with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive of 260 kW, equivalent to the European CLA 350 4MATIC, although its official name and selling price have not yet been revealed. Nor is it known, for the time being, whether a more affordable version with a 58 kWh LFP battery pack will be marketed in China in the future, as is expected to happen in Europe.

As far as its external appearance is concerned, the Chinese CLA L is basically the same as the European model, although slightly longer. The total length of the vehicle is 4.76 metres, compared with 4.72 metres for the European model, and the wheelbase extends to 2.83 metres, versus 2.79 metres for the European model. These modifications, as we have already mentioned, prioritise the comfort of passengers occupying the rear seats, an aspect highly valued in China.

The CLA L is likewise based on Mercedes-Benz’s MMA platform, although in this case it is produced in China, unlike the European model, which is manufactured in Rastatt, Germany. Mercedes-Benz has also introduced some technological adaptations specific to the Chinese market, developed at Mercedes-Benz’s digital research centre in Shanghai. Among them, it is worth mentioning a distinct autonomous driving system and an intelligent cockpit, developed in collaboration with the Chinese company Momenta.