The new Mercedes CLA hybrid has a Chinese engine under the hood

German engineering, Chinese production

The heart of the powertrain is a 1.5-liter “four-cylinder” turbo gasoline engine codenamed M252. Riječ is about the newest member of the Mercedes family of modular engines (FAME), and was developed in close cooperation with Geely. According to details published earlier, Mercedes-Benz was responsible for the engine’s basic architecture and high design standards, while Geely, i.e. its company Aurobay, took over engineering development, supply network management and production itself. The engine is designed for global use, and will be manufactured in factories in China, after which it will be delivered to Mercedes plants for installation. This strategy enables a significant division of development and production costs, which is key in the era of increasingly mechanized environmental regulations. It is interesting that as many as 85 percent of engine parts are shared by both companies, while only 15 percent are adapted to the specific needs of an individual vehicle.

What drives the hybrid?

Despiteč modest volume, the M252 engine is loaded with advanced technology. It uses the Miller combustion cycle for greater efficiency, has an unusually high compression ratio of 12:1, an aluminum engine block and a special Nanoslide coating on the cylinder walls that reduces friction and increases durability. The gasoline unit independently develops 188 horsepower, but it realizes its full potential in combination with the hybrid system. Riječ is about a 48-volt mild hybrid system that includes an electric motor with a power of 30 HP and 200 Nm of torque, integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission. with dual clutch (8F-eDCT).

The system is powered by a compact lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.3 kWh. The total power of the powertrain is 208 horsepower and an impressive 380 Nm of torque. This configuration enables the new CLA 220 to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in a respectable 7.1 seconds, while the maximum speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h.

The hybrid system is not only there for performance – the car can drive exclusively on electric power at speeds of up to 97 km/h, and the regenerative braking system can collect up to 25 kW of energy, further improving overall efficiency.

Price?

Mercedes did not forget about comfort either. In order to ensure a premium level of silence in the cabin, a double-layer partition was added in the engine compartment and sound insulation was extended to the A-pillars and the floor of the vehicle. The interior is expectedly luxurious and technologically advanced. All versions come standard with a panoramic glass roof.

Customers will also have the optional MBUX Superscreen, which combines three screens into one unit: a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a 14-inch central infotainment screen and an additional 14-inch screen for the passenger. However, one of the most significant changes, which is an answer to the criticism of the train, is the redesigned steering wheel. Although it looks familiar at first glance, it got a physical dimension. for the volume control and a separate lever for the cruise control, the previously unintuitive touch-sensitive controls have been replaced.

Cooperation on engine development for the new CLA is just a continuation of the deepening of ties between Mercedes and Geely, which already owns a significant stake in Daimler and is a partner in the production of electric models of the Smart brand.

Prices should range from 50 thousand euros to 56 and more if you decide on a stronger package.