The all-new CLA should improve Mercedes-Benz overall sales results once available in quantity next year. Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – April 17, 2025 2026 Mercedes CLA Beautiful AND efficient, what more could one hope for! At a gala in NY just after the NY Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its all-new CLA. With the U.S. debut, Mercedes-Benz reinforced its legacy of setting benchmarks and redefining standards. This all-new model ushers in a new era of all-electric efficiency and the consumers in car digital experience. At launch, the US CLA model lineup will be comprised of the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC. With approximately 385 miles of all-electric range (WLTP * .78) from the 268 hp CLA 250+. With a new Li-Ion battery and 800V architecture, DCFCing the CLA should add approximately 160 miles in less than ten minutes. The new CLA will also be available with a 48V mild hybrid system although I do not expect that variant to sell as well. The all-new CLA is the first Mercedes-Benz to operate on the in-house developed Mercedes-Benz Operating System. It is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. later this year - depending on tariff negotiations obviously and will usher in a new era of the three-pointed stars brand strategy in the North American market. US Pricing and trim breakouts will be revealed this summer. Despite the US’ self-inflicted economic uncertainty, this is one I cannot wait to drive later this year. Mercedes Q1 2025 US Sales Overview Mercedes reported Q1 2025 sales of cars and vans of 75,100 vehicles, down 9.1% below the 82,623 sold in Q1 of 2024. Mercedes EV sales of 3,472 vehicles were down 58.3% below the 8,336 sold during Q1 of 2024. PHEV sales on the other hand were up 400% vs the same period of 2024. One highlight was the Mercedes EQB which experienced sales of 1,622 vehicles, up 141.7% over the 671 sold in Q1 of 2024. US Q1 2025 Automotive Sales Overview A recap of the overall sales results can be found here: US Q1 2025 Automobile Sales: 3.91 million Vehicles Sold, up 5.7%
Hi All: In other non-CLA related MB news, the company's Passenger vehicle and Formula 1 R&D teams are not sitting still in the quest for a safer and lighter (energy and volumetric density), Solid-state battery solution. Mercedes-Benz, together with Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) based in Brixworth UK, developed and patented a new innovative lithium metal, solid-state battery pack with cells sourced from U.S.-based solid-state battery leader Factorial Energy. They have already integrated them into slightly modified EQS Sedan in late 2024 since February of this year, it is driving around the US. The solid-state battery features an innovative floating cell carrier - a patent has already been granted. When the battery charges, the materials expand, and when it discharges, it contracts. The volume change in solid-state cells refers to the expansion and contraction of the materials inside the battery during charging and discharging. To support the cells during these volume changes, the Mercedes-Benz solid-state battery is equipped with pneumatic actuators that interact with the cell volume change during charging and discharging, which improves the battery's performance and lifespan. Solid-state batteries are a promising technology as the use of a solid electrolyte instead of liquid enhances cell safety and allows for the use of new anodes like lithium-metal, significantly outperforming conventional lithium-ion cells and enabling next-level energy densities. The solid-state technology reduces battery weight and has the potential to increase the gravimetric energy density for vehicle batteries up to 450 Wh/kg at the cell level, thereby increasing electric range. Gravimetric energy density refers to the amount of energy stored in a battery cell per unit mass and is crucial for evaluating the efficiency and performance of battery cells, especially in applications like electric vehicles where weight is a critical factor. The solid-state battery in the EQS test vehicle allows for up to 25 percent more electric range compared to the same battery weight and size of a corresponding standard EQS battery. Additional weight and energy efficiency is achieved through passive battery cooling. The development vehicle is expected to have a range of over 621 miles. Over the next few months, Mercedes-Benz will continue its evaluation of the solid-state battery with extensive laboratory and road tests, noting its overall performance in an electric vehicle. Wayne
