Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its first long-wheelbase electric vehicle, the CLA L, at the Auto Shanghai 2025. The CLA electric vehicle is a new addition to the China-only long-wheelbase lineup, which was centered around the existing C-Class and E-Class.
For the CLA L, the wheelbase has been extended by 4 cm (1.6 inches) compared to the European CLA to 2.83 m (111.4 inches), the length has been extended to 4.76 m (187.4 inches), and the expanded space has been used to improve rear seat comfort. The width and height are the same as the European model.
In the case of this CLA L, it is the first mass-produced model to apply Mercedes-Benz next-generation modular electric vehicle platform, MMA (Modular Mercedes Architecture). It is a Chinese derivative model of the CLA, which was first globally revealed in Rome last March and is evaluated as a key model in Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicle conversion strategy following the EQ series.
The Chinese CLA L electric car is designed as a rear-wheel drive with a two-speed transmission based on an 800V electric architecture and records a maximum driving range of 866 km (538 miles) according to the CLTC standard. This is longer than the 792 km (492 miles) according to the European WLTP standard.
In terms of body design, the design identity of the existing CLA was naturally inherited as an electric car while maintaining the long bonnet and flowing roofline. For the front and rear, horizontal LED light strips were applied to emphasize the future-oriented sense. However, the mild hybrid gasoline model to be introduced in China does not have a frunk (front trunk).
The technical core is the 800V high-voltage system. This not only improves the charging speed but also increases the efficiency of the entire system, thereby enhancing competitiveness in the premium electric vehicle market. The MMA platform is equipped with a 58kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery for the basic model and an 85kWh NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) battery for the advanced model. The advanced battery is characterized by increased energy density due to the inclusion of silicon oxide additives.
It is known that the CLA electric vehicle has already begun production at the Rastatt plant in Germany, and the possibility of local production of the Chinese CLA L is also raised.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz also presented the Vision V concept based on the commercial electric vehicle platform VAN.EA at this auto show, and presented its electrification vision for the electric commercial vehicle market.
