- Rising Demand for the New CLA
- Supply Chain Challenges
- Waiting Times and Customer Impact
- Future CLA Variants
- Advanced Design and Features
- MMA Electric Platform and Mercedes’ Future
Amid significant shifts in the automotive market, especially with the declining popularity of sedans in favor of SUVs, the new Mercedes CLA seems to have bucked this trend by experiencing strong demand since its launch. This surge has prompted the company to increase production lines to meet the unexpected high interest.
Rising Demand for the New CLA
Just three months after unveiling the third generation of the CLA, Mercedes announced adding a third shift at its Stuttgart-Untertürkheim plant to ramp up production. This move reflects the strong demand for the vehicle, which for the first time offers a fully electric version alongside internal combustion engine variants.
The electric CLA features two lithium-ion battery packs with a capacity of 85 kWh and an 800-volt electrical architecture that supports fast charging up to 320 kW, enabling the car to gain approximately 325 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes.
Supply Chain Challenges
Despite the strong demand, Mercedes faces challenges securing rare materials, especially from China, needed for manufacturing electric motors. However, the company confirmed it has secured these components to ensure uninterrupted production.
Mercedes production chief Jörg Burzer described the demand as "very encouraging" and confirmed that the production increase is proceeding smoothly, with the plant capable of manufacturing hundreds of thousands of vehicles annually, especially as it also produces other models on the new MMA electric platform.
Waiting Times and Customer Impact
The high demand for the new CLA has led to delivery delays, with some customers expected to wait until next year to receive their vehicles, despite reservations opening in April. This situation has led the company to consider freezing employee orders to prioritize loyal customers.
Future CLA Variants
Mercedes plans to begin producing internal combustion engine versions of the CLA in the coming months and will launch a sporty Shooting Brake variant before the end of the year. The two currently available electric versions are the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic, both equipped with the same battery.
The CLA 250+ features a rear electric motor producing 268 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque.
The CLA 350 4Matic has two electric motors generating a combined 349 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque.
Internal combustion variants will use 1.5-liter four-cylinder engines with a 48-volt mild hybrid system.
Advanced Design and Features
The new CLA boasts a design inspired by the Vision EQXX concept, featuring a low front grille, advanced LED headlights, and a full-width digital display on the dashboard. Standard equipment includes high-performance lighting, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, and comfortable heated seats with lumbar support.
MMA Electric Platform and Mercedes’ Future
The CLA is built on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, designed specifically for electric vehicles. It supports an 800-volt electrical system and synchronous electric motors paired with a two-speed transmission. The platform is flexible enough to accommodate mild hybrid internal combustion engines, allowing Mercedes to offer a wide range of models within the same family.
The new Mercedes CLA proves that sedans still hold significant appeal for a segment of customers, especially with advanced electric versions that combine performance and modern design. The strong demand has pushed Mercedes to increase production despite supply chain challenges, confirming market confidence in this segment.
With plans to launch additional internal combustion variants and a sporty Shooting Brake, Mercedes is set to strengthen its position in the compact sedan category while maintaining innovation and cutting-edge technology.
