Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz CLA Prototype Breaks EV 24-Hour Distance Record

The upcoming new generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has set a new EV distance record.

The three-point star has been busy developing its next generation CLA model. In fact, the sports sedan recently broke the EV 24-hour distance record, and latest teasers see it shed a little more of its camouflage.

Previewed last year as the Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA-Class, the new generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is set to debut with both electric (EV) and combustion (ICE) flavours concurrently. The model will underpin the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform.

Notable too is the fact that the model’s ICE-powered variants are set to adopt new 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mills from Geely-Renault’s Horse Powertrain joint-venture. EV variants, on the other hand, are set to harness a new 800-volt electric architecture too.

The record attempt saw the prototype Mercedes-Benz cover 3,716.9 KM over a 24-hour period at the Nardo test track in Italy.

Building on benchmarks set by the firm’s sleek EQXX engineering concept, a prototype of the CLA recently covered 2,309.6 miles (3,716.9 KM) within a 24-hour period at the renowned Nardò test track in Italy.

Said feat saw the new CLA prototype surpassed the previous record of 2,128.2 miles (3,425 KM) set is 2019 at the same course by the Porsche Taycan. The three-point star’s efforts marks a rather respectable 181.4 miles (291.9 KM) improvement.

The CLA prototype used for this record attempt was taken from a fleet of production-based engineering mules already undergoing durability tests ahead of the model's planned launch early next year. Additionally, it ran alongside a back-up prototype.

Both cars also featured a driver and a front passenger plus data loggers and other test equipment.

Mercedes-Benz also took off a little more camouflage to reveal the CLA's novel new star-shaped headlamps.

A key driver behind this record run was a clever “plug and dash” strategy devised to maximise driving time. Instead of dipping into the energy reserves on long periods of driving before recharging, Mercedes-Benz instead chose shorter driving stints paired with frequent charging stops.

This saw the record-setting prototype perform a total of 40 recharges – presumably DC fast-charging – during its 24-hour run, and each charging stop lasted around 10 minutes. The prototype only stood stationary for close to 28%, or 6 hours and 40 minutes.

Mercedes-Benz has not reveal charging speed and battery capacity, but did previously hinted the ability to draw in 250 kW DC fast-charging inputs with an additional 50 KW boost for peak charging speeds of 300 kW over short periods, whilst battery size is thought to be at 89.6 kWh.

EV distance record run aside, Mercedes-Benz also released a new promotional video online detailing some of the new CLA’s exciting tech. Also revealed, albeit briefly, were the headlights, and these feature a new star-shaped motif in their design.

Present too is a new AI voice assistant that comes as part of the new MB.OS software debuting in the CLA. Additionally, the electric CLA variants will also be primed with a two-speed transmission that promises incredible efficiency.

More details are expected to surface leading up to the model’s official launch, which is set to take place early next year.