Mercedes is accelerating the development of its next-generation electric vehicles. The latest model on our radar is a new electric crossover based on the CLA. This vehicle will be a sibling to the CLA showcased as a concept at the 2023 Munich Auto Show.
Mercedes is Working on a CLA-Based Electric Crossover
The new electric crossover from Mercedes will be built on the MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) platform. Although this platform is primarily designed for electric vehicles, it also supports the production of internal combustion and hybrid models. The electric crossover is code-named X174.
Production of the Mercedes electric crossover is set to begin in October 2025 at the company’s Rastatt facility in Germany. It is expected to be launched in global markets in 2026. Additionally, models based on the MMA platform are reported to be produced in Kecskemét, Hungary, and Beijing, China. Besides the CLA, the platform is also anticipated to produce a station wagon and two more crossover models.
The production of the Mercedes-Benz EQC model has been halted abroad. Mercedes' first electric SUV model discontinued due to competition.
This new electric Mercedes crossover may replace the current EQA or EQB models and could target a younger customer base. It will directly compete with the Tesla Model Y and might be named GLA as part of Mercedes’ strategy to drop the EQ name.
The MMA platform supports an 800 V architecture, enabling very high power charging. The CLA concept model featured a single rear motor producing 175 kW, which will likely be available in different variants for the crossover. It is also expected to offer battery options with NMC and LFP cells.
Mercedes’ new electric crossover is expected to make a significant impact in the automotive world. What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts with us.
