Mercedes-Benz unveils Concept CLA Class

This is what a future compact model from Mercedes-Benz could look like.

Called the Concept CLA Class, the concept car is said to be based on the forthcoming Mercedes‑Benz Modular Architecture which will underpin a total of four Mercedes models - a four-door coupe, a shooting brake and two SUVs.

The dramatically sloping roof of the Concept CLA Class gets an illuminated animated star pattern, while its corners get light bands that connect to the head and taillights

This new architecture is promising new levels of energy efficiency thanks to the adoption of technologies adopted from the record-breaking Vision EQXX concept. This Concept CLA is promising figures including a WLTP range more than 750km, alongside an energy consumption rate of 8.3km/kWh.

But that's enough of the numbers, after all, what you're really here for is that design aren't you?

Up front of the Concept CLA Class is the shark-nose front we are familiar with from the current CLA. But the grille of this Concept CLA Class has now been converted into a panel that displays an animated star pattern as well as the central, iconic Mercedes-Benz star.

The MBUX Superscreen here is said to make use of high-efficiency mini-LED technology and and display immersive 3D graphics

For those that can't quite get enough of the three-pointed star, the Concept CLA Class also comes with an expansive glass roof that sports an illuminated and animated star pattern.

The dramatically sloping roof of the current CLA-Class has also been retained in this concept, although here on the concept car, athletic shoulders have been utilised to give the car a strong and powerful rear. You'll also have noticed that the concept car's head and taillights are connected to light bands that wrap around the front and rear of the car.

Step into the Concept CLA Class and the horizontal dashboard immediately catches your attention, here now housing the firm's new MB.OS infotainment system that stretches from pillar to pillar much like the MBUX Hyperscreen.

The MB.OS system will utilise high-performance water-cooled chips from NVIDIA

This cabin is said to utilise materials including paper (made from recycled cellulose), as well as Nappa leather processed using vegetable-based tanning, offering a contrast against the high-gloss surfaces predominant on the dashboard and centre console.

The seats of the Concept CLA Class are additionally upholstered in sustainably produced and processed leather which is tanned using vegetable-based tanning agents such as coffee bean husks, chestnuts or extracts from other renewable raw materials.

This new MB.OS system will offer access to a host of third-party apps, and will support third-party streaming options for the passenger when the car is travelling. Owners will apparently also be able to create and curate a private art gallery via a new MBUX Collectibles feature thanks to integration with the customer's personal NFT wallet.

The Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class sits atop a new Modular Architecture which will underpin four future models from Mercedes

If you like what you see, you'll be glad to note that the four future models from Mercedes aren't just all about style either.

All this lovely car sits atop an in-house developed drivetrain that utilises an 800V electric architecture, which Mercedes states will allow charging at speeds of up to 250kW via direct current. At that charging speed, and with the efficiency that that this new Mercedes‑Benz Modular Architecture is capable of, you should be able to add up to 400km of driving range with just 15 minutes of charging.