Mercedes-Benz CLA Ushers in New Era with MMA Architecture adn In-House Engine growth
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The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA, the first model built on the brand’s next-generation MMA platform, is poised to redefine the entry-level luxury segment. Debuting initially as a fully electric vehicle, the four-door coupe will also be offered with hybrid powertrains featuring a new engine – the M 252 – developed entirely by Mercedes-Benz engineers, dispelling recent speculation about its origins.
The CLA’s arrival marks a significant renewal for the brand, showcasing its commitment to both electric and hybrid technologies. This article details the recent debate surrounding the M 252 engine, its confirmed in-house development, and the advanced hybrid powertrain it powers.
The M 252 Engine Debate
For the past two years, the M 252 engine has been the subject of intense industry discussion, particularly regarding its development and manufacturing location. Initial reports suggested its potential use as a “range extender,” but the core question revolved around whether it was a truly Mercedes-Benz creation or a product of the automaker’s partnerships.
The existing collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, focused on the smart brand, fueled speculation that the M 252 might originate from chinese factories. This was further compounded by Mercedes-Benz’s previous engine-sharing agreements with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and the joint venture between Renault and Geely, Horse, dedicated to combustion engine development. Some sources even posited a connection to the Lynk & Co 900 engine.
Mercedes-Benz Confirms In-house Development
Though, a recent press release accompanying the new CLA’s unveiling definitively states that the M 252 engine was developed by Mercedes-Benz engineers in Germany.”Thanks to the information that Mercedes-Benz provides in the press release for the new CLA, we can now answer the main question we asked ourselves, and that is that the new M 252 engine has been developed by Mercedes-Benz engineers in Germany,” a company release confirmed.
The M 252 is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine,belonging to the “Family of Modular Engines” (FAME) alongside the M 254 (2.0-liter) and M 256 (3.0-liter) engines. It will be available in three output levels: 136, 163, and 190 horsepower. While the exact manufacturing location remains unconfirmed, the engine’s German engineering pedigree is now established.
Hybrid Powertrain Details and Technological Advancements
The new CLA hybrid models will feature a technologically advanced system. The exterior can be distinguished by a grille with a chrome star pattern framed by LEDs. Drivers can choose between two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations, with the latter utilizing the brand’s established 4MATIC system.
The powertrain integrates the electric motor, inverter, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT) for seamless power delivery. A 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.3 kWh, designed in a “flat pack” configuration, provides energy storage. This allows for electric-only operation at low speeds (under 20 kW), inertial navigation up to 100 km/h, and a regenerative braking capacity of up to 25 kW.
Notably, the combustion engine can be started via the electric motor and disengagement clutch, eliminating the need for a conventional starter. Mercedes-Benz engineers have also minimized the transition between electric and combustion power, ensuring a virtually imperceptible experience for the driver. The engine utilizes a Miller cycle with a compression ratio of 12:1 to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce NOx emissions, and features a NANOSLIDE-coated aluminum crankcase for reduced friction.
Global Production and Future Outlook
Production of the new CLA will occur across multiple facilities, including Rastatt (Germany), Kecskemét (Hungary), and Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd (BBAC) in China, were a long-wheelbase variant, the CLA L, will also be manufactured.
The introduction of the MMA architecture and the M 252 engine represent a significant step forward for Mercedes-Benz. The combination of a cutting-edge hybrid system and in-house engine development provides a compelling offering for consumers who are not yet ready to fully embrace electric mobility, solidifying Mercedes-Benz’s position at the forefront of automotive innovation.
