The Chinese Have Seized Power Of Mercedes’ Smallest Sedan

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is getting its engine from an unlikely source. Chinese automaker Geely will be building that 2.0-liter turbo through a subsidiary called Horse. The engine is a new design that was developed by both companies together, with hybrid and range-extender versions coming to the car down the road.

According to the report, the new engine will produce 250 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Both figures are an upgrade from the current CLA 250, which produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft. Fast Technology says the engines will be built in China, but the catalytic converter will be added in Germany because of emissions standards.

New Engine A First In Geely Benz Partnership

This new engine is the first fruit of a partnership that was announced in November 2020. Mercedes-Benz announced that its next-generation four-cylinder engines would come from a joint project with Geely, with development shared between the two, but fabrication handled by Geely. Horse Powertrain, the other company involved, was formed in May 2024 as a joint venture between Geely and Renault. It took over internal combustion and hybrid power systems development from both automakers.

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Horse is expected to supply a number of automakers including Volvo, Nissan, and Mitsubishi as well as this Mercedes-Benz engine.​ Benz and Geely seem like a strange tie-up, but the two automakers have behind-the-scenes ties. Geely founder Li Shufu owns just under 10 percent of Mercedes-Benz. When the partnership was announced, he was reportedly looking for closer synergies between Geely, which also owns Volvo Cars, and Mercedes.

Fully Electric CLA Targeting 466 Mile Range

A fully electric CLA is coming, according to the report. It will get a 238-hp motor powering the rear wheels. An 89.6 kWh battery will supply electricity to the motor, and it suggests a range of up to 466 miles. Though that’s on the generous WLTC test, so expect that to translate to under 400 when the EPA tests are run. The new CLA will be based on Benz’s MMA platform. That will come with an 800V electrical architecture, allowing for much faster charging. The report says it will be able to add 250 miles in 15 minutes of charging.

We’ve already seen the Concept CLA Class that previews this model. It wore the curvy shape Benz debuted with the EQS, but also came with a very angry face wearing a total of four Mercedes star logos on the nose. The interior featured three screens together in one giant glass housing. It used a new-generation operating system for the infotainment system and was full of the sustainable materials you expect to find in a modern concept car. The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is expected to debut in 2025.

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Source:
Fast Technology