Mercedes-Benz all-new CLA debuts in Shanghai

At a grand Mercedes-Benz Brand Day in Shanghai on Tuesday, Mercedes-Benz debuted the long wheelbase, fully-electric version of its all-new CLA following a successful world premiere in Rome earlier in March. Fully loaded with leading electric and intelligent features that are tailored to the Chinese market, this China-exclusive model kicked off the company's biggest-ever product and technology offense in China for the coming years, demonstrating the company's determination to win in the market by deepening localization.

New recipe for intelligence

Based on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture platform, the all-new CLA marks a new chapter in Mercedes-Benz's electrification development. Built on the 800-volt MMA Architecture, the CLA has a CLTC e-range of up to 866 kilometers and 93 percent energy efficiency from battery to wheels, which means a segment-leading 10.9 kilowatt-hours of electricity per 100 km. It is touted as a sprinter and a marathon runner at the same time.

A key highlight of the all-new CLA is its intelligence. Its in-house developed MB. OS system controls four vehicle domains: body and comfort, automated driving, intelligent cockpit, and charging. Among them, automated driving and intelligent cockpit for China have been developed by Mercedes-Benz's China research and development team, making them "truly understand China".

Another strong proof point of the car's China exclusiveness is its onboard Doubao AI tool. This allows the in-car Virtual Assistant to offer more interactive, local features such as searching for restaurants or streaming digital contents.

The new digital features were primarily developed by Mercedes-Benz's R&D team in China, which is the largest and strongest outside of Germany. Powered by R&D centers in Beijing and Shanghai, its "dual innovation engines", the local R&D team has taken a leading role in several global R&D projects. The expertise and insights gained from the Chinese market has also been increasingly applied to global markets.

Based on a "Safety First" approach and backed by the company's 40-year-experience in developing automated driving, the MB. DRIVE Assist system achieves ASIL-D, the highest safety level comparable to that of a surgical device requirement.

"With the new CLA, we are kicking off our biggest-ever product and tech launches in China for the coming years. China is at the heart of electrification and intelligence. Together with our local team and partners, we aim to offer the best-fit products to Chinese customers at China Speed and to the Mercedes-Benz Standard," said Oliver Thoene, member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Greater China. "We will continue to deepen localization and invest in China."

Vision of future luxury

Also making a world-premiere along with the all-new long-wheelbase CLA was the Vision V concept car, which provides a glimpse into a new segment of luxury limousines of Mercedes-Benz Vans and sets the course for the future localization of new MPV models in China.

The company says that the Vision V concept car demonstrates Mercedes-Benz Vans' vision of combining generous space with maximum exclusivity and an unprecedented digital experience. It is a luxurious and elegant chauffeur-driven limousine that delivers a whole new world of comfort.

Analogue craftsmanship merges with an immersive user experience to create a holistic experience with a cocooning effect. The sporty, elegant exterior underlines the iconic design and signals dynamism and status in equal measure.

Powerful portfolio

On Wednesday, the first day of Auto Shanghai, the all-new long wheelbase CLA and the Vision V concept car lead a fleet of 28 models at Mercedes-Benz booth, including the all-new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupe making its market launch and a number of Mercedes-Benz MANUFAKTUR Exclusive models.

As of first quarter 2025, Mercedes-Benz has maintained the leading position in the segment priced at 1 million yuan ($136,735) and above with its strong top-end luxury portfolio, including the Mercedes-Maybach, the G-Class and the Mercedes-AMG.

Mercedes-Benz MANUFAKTUR program, debuted in 2021, offers a wider range of personalization options for customers, combining refined details with an exclusive sense of luxury. It is now available across S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, GLS SUV, G-Class, AMG SL and other models.

Each MANUFAKTUR Exclusive model comes with unique customizations in terms of paint, leather, stitching colors and so on. For example, the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 MANUFAKTUR Exclusive features a custom two-tone Northern Lights Violet Metallic, Moonlight White Metallic paint finish, inspired by the breathtaking violet glow of the aurora borealis over the gleaming white landscape of the artic circle.

The all-new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupe sports the "One Man, One Engine" M177 AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with a 90-degree "Hot inside V" layout and cross-plane crankshaft design, capable of 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.2 seconds thanks to 585 hp maximum output and 800 Nm maximum torque.

Solid footprint in China

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz's R&D and production in China. Produced at joint-venture Beijing Benz Automotive Co, the all-new long-wheelbase CLA is the latest example of Mercedes-Benz's strong commitment to China. In the past decade, Mercedes-Benz, together with local partners, has invested more than 100 billion yuan in China to advance localization and expand footprint.

In September 2024, Mercedes-Benz announced to invest more than 14 billion yuan in China along with local partners to enrich its product lineup with both ICEs and EVs tailored for Chinese customers. Starting with the all-new long-wheelbase CLA, there will be seven China-dedicated models till 2027, including the new GLE SUV L and an all-new electric MPV model that will be produced at Fujian Benz Automotive Co.

"For 20 years now, we've proudly called China our home away from home. Over time, we have massively expanded our local footprint: we develop our products locally in China, for China and increasingly also in China for the world. Mercedes-Benz is ever strengthening its commitment to China. We keep investing in our local capabilities and we intensify cooperations with Chinese partners," said Ola Kaellenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.