Mercedes-Benz is accepting preorders for a new, long-wheelbase variant of its all-electric CLA sedan. Aside from 40 mm (1.6 inches) of added space between the axles, it benefits from an upgraded infotainment system and costs either 259,000 or 299,000 CNY depending on your chosen trim.
The new CLA has a wheelbase length of 2,830 mm (110.55 inches), which mainly goes into the rear seat legroom. The bench seat itself is 10 mm (0.4”) longer now, and the whole car is 4,763 mm (186 inches) long.
Right now, the only variant available for ordering is called the CLA 300 L. It features a single electric motor and linked to an 89-kWh battery pack CLTC-rated at 866 km (538 miles) per charge. Oddly enough, Mercedes omits the horsepower rating, but the official website makes it look like the Chinese CLA 300 L model uses the same motor as the European CLA 250. The latter produces 272 PS (268 hp / 200 kW), drives the wheels through a two-speed reduction gear and accelerates the sedan from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds.
Customers in Europe can opt for a higher spec with two motors and 354 PS (349 hp / 260 kW) heading for all four wheels. In all likelihood, it will become available in China at a later date.
The interior stays untouched except for the infotainment system, which has been upgraded to the latest version of MB.OS. It features an improved UI and a new voice assistant powered by Doubao AI provided by ByteDance. Localized software from IT startup Momenta implements a Level 2++ semi-autonomous driving system on board.
Further trim options include up to 11 airbags, three dash displays sized 10.25, 14.6 and 14 inches in diameter, heating options, a Burmester audio system, a panoramic sunroof and an AMG styling package.
