Mercedes-Benz CLA concept is the long-range entry-level EV we’ve been waiting for
The Tesla Model 3 is getting a new rival. After teasing us for the past few months, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its highly-anticipated CLA electric sedan concept at IAA Mobility on Sunday. The Mercedes CLA concept is the new “one-liter car” thanks to its advanced efficiency, enabling over 466 miles (750 km) WLTP range. It will be the first of the brand’s new entry-level EV class.
Mercedes has been teasing a new class of entry-level EVs for several months now. Last month, we learned it would be a high-tech replacement for the gas-powered CLA, sidestepping the brand’s “EQ” branding.
The electric CLA will be the first to use Mercedes’ next-gen Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. Mercedes expects the new EV drive system to produce over 466 miles (750 km) WLTP range.
This would represent energy consumption of around 5.2 mi/kWh (12 kWh/ 100 km), giving the CLA its “one-liter car” nickname.
The new in-house drivetrain is derived from the ultra-efficient VISION EQXX, consisting of an 800V platform, battery with “exceptional energy density,” and highly efficient electric drive unit.
Two different battery chemistries will be offered. The top level features an anode design with silicon-oxide content, while the entry variant uses lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP).
As a first, Mercedes uses adhesive, rather than screws, to hold its cell modules in place. The result is a lighter, smaller conventional battery.
The electric Mercedes CLA concept is the brand’s first production car to feature an 800V system, enabling up to 250 kW DC charging. Mercedes claims this will deliver 248 miles (400 km) in 15 minutes. It will also include bidirectional charging to allow the vehicle to be used as a backup energy source.
Meet the new entry-level electric Mercedes CLA concept
The new CLA concept “marks a new era” and the next step in the brand’s unique design evolution. From the first look, the model looks similar to the gas-powered version but with a distinctive style.
Mercedes says it has incorporated design elements that “have become icons in their own right,” reimagining them for the electric age. Mercedes designers applied the brand’s signature three-pointed star throughout the concept.
One of the first things you will notice is the new headlights and front face. The front end features a shark-nose design with a seamless “grille” panel. Light bands wrap around the front and rear with star-shaped headlamp clusters.
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, explained, “The Concept CLA Class marks the start of a new era.” He added, “It reinterprets iconic elements of the brand’s rich design heritage to craft a whole new face of Mercedes-Benz.”
The Mercedes CLA concept sporty design is shown in its athletic shoulders extending from the front light band to the GT rear end.
Meanwhile, powerful wheel arches house 21-inch wheels, displaying a distinctive star pattern. The GT line and rear-end proportions extend the silhouette while offering rear passengers more headroom than the previous generation.
On the inside
The interior features a tech-focused minimalist that “sets the tone for the segment.” As such, the electric Mercedes CLA concept includes a full-width MBUX Superscreen with features derived from the VISION EQXX.
Digitally visualized on the left and right of the screen are turbine-like virtual air vents, a reinterpretation of the brand’s iconic form.
Meanwhile, the physical air vents are placed discreetly behind the screen, which doubles as a source of ambient lightning.
The front bucket seats are “purist mono-swing shells derived from a spherical whole.” In a first for Mercedes-Benz, the trim element includes an illuminated surface for charging your smartphone.
The new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) will be the “digital brain” behind the vehicle. The company says its proprietary chip-to-cloud architecture represents a new approach.
Mercedes says every vehicle on the MMA platform comes with a supercomputer with AI and machine learning.
The MB.OS software is “generally ready” for an SAE Level 3 autonomy system upgrade, according to Mercedes, but the model will initially launch with Level 2 capabilities.
A further benefit of the software is its new Child Presence Detection (CPD) system, designed to lessen the chances of a child being left in the car on a hot day. The system detects changes in breathing patterns that alert the driver. If the driver doesn’t respond, it will flash the exterior lights before eventually calling emergency services.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
The Stripe logo on a smartphone with U.S. dollar banknotes in the background.
Budrul Chukrut | SOPA Images | LightRocket via Getty Images
Stripe cut 300 jobs, representing about 3.5% of its workforce, mostly in product, engineering and operations, CNBC has confirmed.
The payments company, valued at about $70 billion in the private markets, still expects to increase headcount by 10,000 by the end of the year, which would be a 17% increase, and is “not slowing down hiring,” according to a memo to staff from Chief People Office Rob McIntosh. Business Insider reported earlier on the cuts and the memo.
A Stripe spokesperson also confirmed to CNBC that a cartoon image of a duck with text that read, “US-Non-California Duck,” was accidentally attached as a PDF to emails sent to some of the employees who were laid off. Some of the emails mistakenly provided affected employees with an incorrect termination date, the spokesperson said.
McIntosh sent a follow-up email to staffers apologizing for the “notification error” and “any confusion it caused.”
“Corrected and full notifications have since been sent to all impacted Stripes,” he wrote.
In 2022, Stripe cut roughly 1,100 jobs, or 14% of its workers, downsizing alongside most of the tech industry, as soaring inflation and rising interest rates forced companies to focus on profits over growth. The Information reported that Stripe had a few dozen layoffs in its recruiting department in 2023.
Stripe’s valuation sank from a peak of $95 billion in 2021 to $50 billion in 2023, before reportedly rebounding to $70 billion last year as part of a secondary share sale. The company ranked third on last year’s CNBC Disruptor 50 list.
In October, Stripe agreed to pay $1.1 billion for crypto startup Bridge Network, whose technology is focused on making it easy for businesses to transact using digital currencies.
Brothers Patrick and John Collison, who founded Stripe in 2010, have intentionally steered clear of the public markets and have given no indication that an offering is on the near-term horizon. Total payment volume at the company surpassed $1 trillion in 2023.
WATCH: Early Bridge investor weighs in on $1.1 billion Stripe deal
Thinking about upgrading your EV? Rivian (RIVN) launched a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1S or R1T. Here’s how you can snag some savings.
Rivian R1S and R1T upgrade deal offers up to $6,000
Rivian delivered over 51,500 vehicles last year as the EV maker gains momentum. Although it was only slightly higher than the ~50,100 delivered in 2023, Rivian is expected to see even more growth this year.
After shutting down its Normal, IL manufacturing plant last April and renegotiating supplier contracts, Rivian has seen “significant cost improvements,” according to CEO RJ Scaringe.
Rivian also began delivering its next-gen R1S and R1T models last year. The new Large and Max battery packs have redesigned modules and more efficient packaging, “making them easier to manufacture and service.” For example, Rivian’s new EVs use seven ECUs, down from 17 in the first-generation R1T and R1S.
With new plant upgrades, reworked supplier contracts, and more efficient vehicles, Rivian is now passing the savings on to customers.
Rivian introduced a new promo on Tuesday, offering up to $6,000 to upgrade your R1T or R1S. The bonus amount varies by trim:
- Tri with Max battery: $6,000 USD / CAD 8,600
- Dual with Max battery and Performance upgrade: $4,500 USD / CAD 6,500
- Dual with Max battery: $3,000 USD / CAD 4,300
The offer is for current R1T or R1S owners or lessees in the US and Canada. Rivian launched the new promo on January 21, and it runs through March 31, 2025.
After you purchase or lease a qualifying vehicle, Rivian will apply a discount toward the MSRP. You must take delivery by March 31, 2025. In the fine print, Rivian stated, “You must request a trade-in estimate to qualify for this offer, but trade-in of a vehicle is not required.”
Any other models are excluded from the offer. These include Dual Standard configurations, Dual with Large battery configurations, custom builds, demo vehicles, and pre-owned vehicles.
The new offer follows Rivian’s previous upgrade promo introduced last October, giving qualifying gas-powered vehicle owners or lessees up to $3,000.
Check out the Rivian R1 Shop to view eligible models. You can see eligible Rivian R1S here and R1T models here.
Electrek’s Take
Rivian’s R1S was already the tenth best-selling electric vehicle in the US last year, with nearly 27,000 models sold. With more driving range and power at a lower cost, the electric SUV could see even more demand in 2025.
Then again, with the arrival of new luxury electric SUVs, like the Jeep Wagoneer S and Volvo EX90, Rivian will face more competition in the US.
Rivian’s latest promo comes as the Company looks to carry the momentum from the end of 2024 into the new year. The EV maker is offering other deals, including 1.99% APR for 60 months on the R1 Dual with a Max Battery and Performance upgrade.
Even if you are not eligible for the promo, we can still help you find deals on Rivian’s electric SUV in your area. You can use our links below to view offers on the Rivian R1S and R1T near you today.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports10 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports3 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business2 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway