Mercedes-Benz struggles with new CLA demands, ramps up production

Mercedes-Benz plans to increase the production rates of the next-generation CLA sedan, which is currently only offered in all-electric form.

According to Automobilwoche quoting Jorg Burzer, the Production Director of Mercedes-Benz, this decision was reached after the company was swarmed with preorders. Keeping up the current production tempo would mean that too many owners would have to wait until 2026 or later.

The CLA EV debuted in March and went on preorder in April, but mass production only started in early June. All assembly is being handled by a factory in Rastatt, which has traditionally specialized in compact vehicles. Parts for it are brought in from three other factories around Germany. Only 200 cars or so can be made in a day with this approach.

Right now, customers are choosing from two versions called CLA 250+ and CLA 350. The former has 272 PS (268 hp / 200 kW) and rear-wheel drive, while the latter sends 354 PS (349 hp / 260 kW) to both axles. Both utilize the same 85-kWh standard battery pack WLTP-rated at 792 km (492 miles) for the former and 771 km (479 miles) for the latter. Prices in Germany start from €53,065.

A few months later, Mercedes plans to launch a mild hybrid with a 1.5-liter turbo engine and a 48V motor built into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The new CLA will also be available in a Shooting Brake body in Europe before the end of the year. In China, Beijing Benz Automotive is planning to offer a long-wheelbase variant of the sedan.