Mercedes reveals its new luxury EV with ‘superscreen’ passengers can play video games or watch Netflix on while on move
MERCEDES has revealed its brand new luxury EV that comes with a “superscreen” that passengers can play video games or watch Netflix on.
The German carmaker launched its new CLA on Thursday which kickstarts a whole family of cars for the iconic company.
The CLA will come with two electric powertrain options: the rear-drive “250+” as well as the faster, all-wheel-drive “350+”.
800-volt architecture is the backbone of the motor and, using an 85kWh battery, it can deliver a whopping 492 miles of range in the 250 version.
If you opt for the faster 350, the range is reduced slightly to 479 miles.
Rapid charging capabilities mean you can take a quick 10-minute coffee break at a 350kW DC fast charger and gain more than 200 miles of travel, reports Autocar.
An extra 12 minutes on top of that will give you a battery that’s 80 per cent full.
The 350 produces 349bhp and can go from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds, while the 250 produces 268bhp and gets you to 62mph in around 6.7 seconds.
Both are limited to 130mph and employ Mercedes’ new two-speed automatic gearbox.
In this state-of-the-art transmission, the first gear is designed specifically for steady acceleration in urban areas, while the second helps deliver power at higher speeds, making it perfect for motorway cruising.
There are also up to four levels of regenerative braking available, and you get a comfort-oriented suspension setup as standard.
It is designed to help improve steering response and reduce road noise from the EV as a result.
Inside, the CLA takes on a sportier character and offers luxury material choices for its furnishings.
Central to the motor is the latest iteration of the Mercedes Superscreen, which has up to three digital displays spread across the front dashboard.
These include a 10.25in one for the driver’s instruments, a 14.6in centrally-placed infotainment one, and an optional 14in screen for the passenger seat.
If you opt for all three, the screen ends up spanning the entire width of the front of the car.
On here, passengers can play video games such as Fortnite while on the move or even stream shows and films via Netflix or other services.
This is all thanks to Mercedes’ latest MB.OS operating system, which also features the newest version of the German automaker’s virtual assistant.
Utilising a range of artificial intelligence functions including ChatGPT, the assistant provides more accurate answers to questions than before and has a new short-term memory function.
In a strange futuristic twist, it also “recognises” emotions and responds accordingly, changing colours to reflect your mood.
CLA LINEUP TO EXPAND LATER THIS YEAR
If you don’t opt for the Superscreen, the passenger screen will be replaced with a glass LED-backlit panel which matches the interior lighting of the motor.
Other bonus treats include a panoramic roof as standard, a wireless phone charging cable, four additional USB slots, and an optional 850-watt Burmester surround sound system.
While there’s only 405 litres of boot space, 55 litres less than the old CLA, the EV comes with a hidden trunk under the front hood that adds another whopping 101 litres of storage space.
Mercedes is also planning to diversify the CLA lineup towards the end of this year, first by introducing a smaller 58kWh battery version in addition to a trio of 48-volt hybrids.
The hybrids will come with a 1.5L turbocharged four-pot, a miniscule 1.3kWh battery, and an eight-speed DCT gearbox.
They will be good for EV-only travel up to a speed of 62mph, and are offered with either all-wheel-drive or just front-wheel-drive.