The Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class has been unveiled at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich. This concept car is a preview of the company's new compact car platform, designed with an electric-first approach and built upon the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA).

The concept's exterior modernizes the current CLA design, showcasing a lower black panel grille with an illuminated Mercedes emblem that is reminiscent of a starry night sky.

The sides feature frameless doors, a subtler lower window line, and minimal surface detailing. Towards the rear, the car maintains its coupe-like roofline and angled rear window while adding pronounced rear wheel contours for a more prominent stance.

Inside the cabin, Mercedes continues its commitment to sustainability, using materials like Nappa leather tanned with coffee husks and recycled PET plastic for seat upholstery. Lab-grown silk and bamboo contribute to the eco-friendly ambiance, and even the door pulls and armrest trim are crafted from recyclable paper.

Functionality meets innovation with the Concept CLA's Superscreen infotainment system, spanning the entire dashboard and featuring three separate displays. It's powered by MB.OS, Mercedes' new operating system with liquid-cooled processor to ensure seamless performance.

The Concept CLA run on an 800-Volt architecture, enabling rapid 250 kW DC fast charging that can add an estimated 400 km of range in just 15 minutes. It also boasts an efficiency rating of 12 kWh/100 km and has a range of up to 750 km on a single charge.

It’s equipped with what the company calls Mercedes-Benz Electric Drive Unit (MB.EDU), combining a 238 PS electric motor, two-speed transmission, inverters, and electronics, all designed for improved sustainability with fewer rare-earth metals.

The Concept CLA also has bidirectional charging capability for vehicle-to-home (V2H), vehicle-to-grid (V2G), and vehicle-to-appliance (V2A) functions.

The MMA platform boasts an extensive sensor array, including cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. Future plans involve LiDAR technology for urban traffic complexities, enabling SAE Level 2 features that can be upgraded over-the-air (OTA).

Mercedes-Benz also anticipates SAE Level 3 capabilities with comprehensive sensor sets and system redundancies.

Production of MMA vehicles will initially begin in Rastatt (Germany), Kecskemét (Hungary) and Beijing (China), which is expected by the end of 2024 before hitting the roads the following year.

Also read: Will there still be an Mercedes-Benz A-Class in 2024? CEO to announce new compact car this year, to cut 3 entry-level models