World premiere of the new Concept CLA Class.

“Defining Class since 1886”

Mercedes-Benz at IAA Mobility 2023.

September 04, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz Group AG CEO Ola Källenius unveiled the forerunner to a whole new model family at the Mercedes-Benz Pavilion on Apothekenhof at the Munich Residence in the centre of the city.

World premiere of the new Concept CLA Class

In the age of electric and digital innovation, this concept car defines the company’s vision to elevate the vehicle portfolio at the gateway to the brand. Based on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), it makes its mark through long-range efficiency, pioneering innovation, a beautiful and extraordinary aesthetic, sustainable materials and an entirely new operating system, MB.OS.

Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

With the Concept CLA-Class as a predecessor and the four upcoming MMA vehicles, we are elevating every aspect of what customers can expect from Mercedes-Benz in this segment. With a range of more than 750 kilometres (466 miles) (WLTP), the Concept CLA Class could easily take you from Munich to Hamburg on a single charge. MB.OS will create a fundamentally enhanced customer experience from driving assistance and navigation to charging and on-board entertainment. And we’re also exploring what’s possible in terms of sustainability with this vehicle. Across the entire MMA fleet, we will reduce CO₂ emissions in our value chain by more than 40 percent compared to the previous architecture.

Ola Källenius
Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

Concept CLA Class – elevating the electric experience to a new level

The Concept CLA Class is the forerunner of the first model family designed on the all-new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). Using an advanced, next-generation and in-house-developed electric drive unit, the Concept CLA Class is capable of more than 750 kilometres (466 miles) (WLTP)¹ on a single charge. This represents a remarkable energy consumption of around 12 kWh/100 kilometres (5.2 mi/kWh). This makes the hypermiler the “one-litre car” for the electric age. From a sustainability standpoint, the MMA platform represents the first family of vehicles designed from the very start to the principles set out in Mercedes-Benz's Ambition 2039.

Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement.

The technology that provides the foundation for the Concept CLA Class represents an entirely new approach for Mercedes-Benz and incorporates many learnings from our groundbreaking VISION EQXX technology programme. I am certain that our MMA platform will enable us to offer our customers in this market segment a class-defining combination of performance, sustainability, safety and comfort paired with an outstanding digital experience.

Markus Schäfer
Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement.
The Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG and Roger Federer with the Concept CLA Class.
The Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG and Roger Federer with the Concept CLA Class.

“Defining Class since 1886” – the benchmark for desirable vehicles for 137 years

Since the invention of the automobile by Carl Benz 137 years ago, Mercedes-Benz has consistently set the benchmark. From A-Class to S-Class and beyond, the company’s uncompromising vision continues to shape the development of the automobile like no other vehicle manufacturer. At this year’s IAA Mobility, Mercedes-Benz is underpinning this pioneering spirit. In addition to the Concept CLA Class, other show cars and the latest range of electric and electrified vehicles are on display. The “Defining Class since 1886”  theme will form the backbone of a global marketing campaign, which will be launched at IAA Mobility in Munich and then rolled out around the world.

Electric G-Class – The original “G” enters the final phase of its electric transformation

Following on from the reveal of the all-electric Concept EQG at the IAA Mobility 2021, Mercedes-Benz is using this year’s Pavilion space to showcase a camouflaged prototype of its iconic 4x4. For more than 40 years, the “G” has defined the standards in the off-road class with an unmistakably striking silhouette that embodies strength and capability – and this unique DNA will continue as the vehicle enters the electric age. At the IAA Mobility 2023, visitors will be able to get up close to the vehicle months before its world premiere next year.

Mercedes-AMG GT Concept E PERFORMANCE – electrifying the Mercedes-Benz performance brand

At this year’s IAA Mobility, Mercedes-AMG will give visitors a preview of a GT Coupé model by revealing the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept E PERFORMANCE. Using technology transfer from the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, the hybrid system combines the qualities of a powerful V8 petrol engine with those of an Electric Drive Unit on the rear axle, delivering more than 800 hp. The AMG GT’s High Performance battery is designed as a plug-in solution and can, therefore, be charged at any AC charging station.

Mercedes-Benz Pavilion – an electrifying space for everyone to experience the brand

The Mercedes-Benz Pavilion takes centre stage on the Apothekenhof of the Munich Residence. Outside the avant-garde, bright red “cube” structure, visitors will be able to see the complete range of current and future electric vehicles across all Mercedes brands, including Mercedes-AMG, G-Class, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-Benz Vans. As a result, the line-up covers a wide spectrum from compact models and performance saloons to luxury SUVs and multi-purpose vehicles. Visitors to the Pavilion can also immerse themselves in the benefits of driving electric vehicles and experience the Mercedes-Benz charging ecosystem with the latest public and home-charging solutions. The Pavilion will host events for all ages throughout the show, including evening programmes with live music featuring jazz pianist, Matti Klein, a children’s tour and a special family day on Sunday, September 10.

Visitors to the Pavilion can also step up to the IAA Experience at Apothekenhof to enjoy future mobility first-hand with test-drives in an electric Mercedes-Benz. It is also possible to book passenger rides in the VISION EQXX efficiency champion with a range of more than 1,200 kilometres. The Pavilion also hosts cultural events  for all age groups on all days, including guided tours for children and a family Sunday. In the evening hours, the exhibition area will be transformed into a concert venue for jazz and soul music fans until 10pm. Under the title, “Soul & Class”, the Matti Klein Soul Trio (September 5-7) and J. Lamotta (September 8 9) will perform.

Finally, the Mercedes-Benz innovation booth is open to participants in the “Summit”, which takes place at Munich’s exhibition centre. Located in Hall B3, it will feature executive talks on design, technology, sustainability and the digital customer experience. Mercedes-Benz experts will also be on hand to show visitors and industry experts the Vision One Eleven and E Class plug in hybrid with the next-generation MBUX infotainment system.

¹In real driving conditions, deviations from the certified standard values may occur. The real values are influenced by a variety of individual factors, e.g. individual driving style, environmental and route conditions.