Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to launch its new, third-generation CLA-Class and to give a preview of what to expect, the company produced a new YouTube video featuring CEO, Ola Källenius, who takes the company’s prototype, for a detailed test drive. The German automaker posted the video to give prospective customers a closer look at some of the latest tech and features in the model, which is expected to arrive in three versions featuring internal combustion power, gas-electric hybrid power, and all-electric propulsion.
The current, second-generation “C118” CLA-Class has been with us since around February 2019, meaning next year, it will turn about five years old. That makes it about due for replacement as the previous, first-gen CLA-Class lasted about six years before being replaced by the new model.
Nex-Gen CLA On Track To Come With ICE-, Hybrid, And Electric Power
From what we currently know, the next third-generation CLA will arrive in a total of three forms depending on their propulsion types. It’s a part of Benz’s reworked electrification strategy that not only pushes back its all-electric initiative from completely taking over, but is also a part of the automaker’s renewed focus on improving internal combustion and gas-hybrid propulsion tech.
Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz backtracked on its aggressive electrification initiative amid slow sales and demand that wasn’t as strong as anticipated. Instead, the company reinstated its investments in internal combustion engines and gas-electric hybrid systems. However, it hasn’t fully abandoned its electrification plans either.
As a result, the new CLA will come with the option of either internal combustion power, gas-electric hybrid power, or all-electric propulsion. The premise being that all these options allow customers to choose their powertrain of choice, rather than forcing them to adopt a new technology that still remains as a work in progress. Today, while EVs are a proven concept and do work as cars, unreliable and inconvenient charging infrastructure, long charging times, and range-anxiety still prevent EVs from truly becoming mainstream.
The new CLA uses Mercedes’ next-gen Modular Architecture, internally dubbed “MMA.” One of the main highlights about this platform is that it provides Mercedes engineers with greater flexibility, enabling these powertrain options without requiring too much complicated and costly reengineering.
The Next-Gen CLA Debuts AI-Based MB.OS And New Hybrid Powertrain
Another highlight confirmed in the video is the launch of MB.OS, or Mercedes-Benz’s latest AI-based in-car infotainment software. The new CLA will be the first to utilize this technology, which will eventually make its way into future Benz models.
As previously reported, Mercedes engineers cooperatively developed the new software with Chinese-based artificial intelligence firm, Momenta. On top of providing a backbone and basis for in-car tech, such as the infotainment controls, the new MB.OS will supposedly take the company’s in-car digital driver assistant, which debuted on the outgoing MBUX system (Mercedes-Benz User eXperience), to the next level.
MB.OS is said to also incorporate and provide a more adaptable and intelligent experience for driver assist and active safety systems, which is enabled thanks to the use of Nvidia’s latest and advanced Orin X super microprocessors.
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