In 2022, Mercedes Benz presented a new product strategy for the future, confirming the arrival of a new family of compact models called “Entry Luxury” (Luxury entry), whose advance could be seen in the teaser that heads this notea model with three bodies and four doors unveiled by the same brand.
This model that will replace the current CLA, and whose final face we should see towards the end of this yearwill enter production in 2024 at the recently modernized plant in Kecskemét (Hungary) after an investment of 1,000 million euros.
In 2022, global sales of Mercedes compact models totaled 595,916 units, 29% of the total sales of the Mercedes-Benz Group (2.04 million). The company projects that by 2026, sales of “Entry Luxury” models will account for a minor share, focusing on profitability rather than volume.
For this reason, the German executives clarify that although compact cars still have a future in the brand’s product line, sThey are going to focus on the models they believe are the most successful around the world. This means that several of the current models in the compact range of Mercedes-Benz will disappear.
The CLA will be the spearhead of the new generation of compact cars, which will be manufactured on the new MMA platform (Mercedes Modular Architecture)., which stands out for allowing the use of electric propulsion systems. Along with the CLA (sedan and shooting brake) the SUV GLA and GLB will remain in the range, and it is speculated with an SUV focused on off-road with the design inspired by the G-Class. And there are many specialized media that consider the Class A hatchback and sedan, as well as the Class B, for dead from 2025.
Photo: Engine1.
In addition to the MMA platform, the new models will debut the MB.OS software architecture and will adopt several innovations revealed in the Vision EQXX concept. The idea is that they have more content to be able to justify the price increase that will not be minor, and that will allow “Entry Luxury” to be in line with the 14% operating profit margins proposed by the brand.
Regarding electrification, it is a fact that the new CLA will have a 100% electric EQ version, as is the case today with the GLA and GLB (EQA and EQB). In fact, several CLA prototypes were seen testing in Northern Europe. We will have more news of this towards the end of 2023.
