Mercedes-Benz CLA SUV coming as luxurious Tesla Model Y rival - report

Mercedes-Benz will reportedly launch an electric version of the CLA four-door coupe next year to take on the Tesla Model 3, before following it up with a related Tesla Model Y-rivalling SUV.

According to Automotive News,Mercedes-Benz will launch a new SUV on the next-generation CLA’s Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) in the first half of 2026.

It’s unclear what it will be called.

Before the SUV debuts, the next-generation CLA coupe will reportedly enter production in October 2025.

The MMA will support petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains.

In addition to the new SUV and the next-generation CLA, the MMA will also be used for a wagon and another SUV.

Mercedes-Benz is paring back its so-called Entry Luxury range from seven to four vehicles to “[hone] in more precisely on the wishes of discerning customers”.

The company says production of MMA vehicles will initially begin in Rastatt, Germany; Kecsketmét, Germany; and Beijing, China.

A near-production concept version of the new-generation CLA coupe was first unveiled at last year’s Munich Motor Show.

The concept features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 175kW of power, which is mated to a two-speed transmission.

Battery details are yet to surface, but Mercedes-Benz claims the Concept CLA Class has an “anticipated” range of more than 750km according to WLTP testing, with claimed energy consumption of around 12kWh per 100km.

The Concept CLA Class has an 800V electrical architecture which is claimed to add 400km of range in just 15 minutes of charging.

It also features bi-directional charging capability.

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