Mercedes has introduced
the GLA, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake plug-in hybrids under its expanding EQ Power
label. The latest EQ models are equipped a third-generation plug-in hybrid
powertrain that consists of a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder petrol
engine, a 101 hp electric motor and an approximately 15.6 kWh
lithium-ion battery pack. This setup gives the vehicles a combined output of
215 hp and 450 Nm of torque.
Performance varies by model, but the CLA
250 e can run from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, before hitting a top
speed of 240 km/h. The model also has an electric-only range of
between 60-69 km in the WLTP cycle.
The plug-in hybrid CLA Shooting Brake is
slightly slower as the dash to 100 km/h takes 6.9 seconds and the top
speed is 235 km/h. The electric-only range also drops to 58-68 km. The GLA 250 e, on the other hand, requires 7.1 seconds to hit 100 km/h. The crossover also tops out at 220 km/h and has an
electric-only WLTP range between 53-61 km.
When the battery has a 10% charge, it can
be fully replenished in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes using a 7.4 kW AC
wallbox. With a 24 kW DC fast charger, the models can go from a 10% to 80%
charge in roughly 25 minutes. Despite the new powertrain components, there is a
“minimal reduction in boot capacity.” Mercedes chalks this up to clever
packaging including a shortened exhaust and a fuel tank which has been
integrated into the axle installation space. The latter change creates room
beneath the rear seats for the high-voltage battery.
The plug-in hybrids will go up for order
this spring and be launched a few weeks later. However, there’s no word on
pricing at this point.
