Mercedes-Benz Launches CLA Plug-In-Hybrid Variant

Mercedes has introduced hybrid versions of the third-generation CLA compact sedan, all featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 48-volt system. The base CLA 180 Hybrid starts at 46,243 euros in Germany, similar to the price of the EQ electric model.

The world premiere of the third-generation Mercedes CLA on the MMA platform took place in March this year. Until now, only electric versions were available, which Mercedes claims are selling so well that production has even been increased at the plant in Rastatt, Germany.

The range now features hybrid versions of the CLA 180, CLA 200, and CLA 220, all with standard front-wheel drive. The CLA 200 and CLA 220 also offer 4Matic all-wheel drive. These plug-in hybrids have a 1.3 kWh battery and a 48-volt system, similar to technology already used by Stellantis in its European models.

The 22 kW (30 hp) electric motor is integrated into the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It allows the sedan to operate solely on electric power for short periods at low speeds, with the engine being switched off in idling mode at speeds of up to 100 km/h. The result is low fuel consumption, which ranges from 4.9 liters (CLA 180) to 5.6 liters per 100 km (CLA 220 4Matic).

The internal combustion engine is a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with the factory index M252, which operates on the economical Miller cycle and has a compression ratio of 12:1. In the CLA 180 version, the engine has 136 hp and 200 Nm; the more powerful CLA 200 develops 163 hp and 250 Nm; and the most powerful CLA 220 has 190 hp and 300 Nm. The fuel tank capacity is 43 liters (front-wheel drive versions) or 51 liters (4Matic).

The maximum combined power and torque of the drive system is 156 hp and 280 Nm (CLA 180), 184 hp and 330 Nm (CLA 200), and 211 hp and 380 Nm (CLA 220). The base CLA 200 with front-wheel drive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds (top speed is 218 km/h), and the fastest in the range, the CLA 220 4Matic, does so in 7.1 seconds (top speed is 237 km/h).

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