Mercedes-Benz Starts Preorders in Korea for the First Model on Its New Electric Architecture, the CLA... "From 52.9 Million Won"

[Financial News] Mercedes-Benz Korea said on the 1st that it has begun the domestic sales process for the new CLA, the first model to feature the brand's next-generation platform.
This CLA is the first model in the world to adopt Mercedes-Benz's newly developed modular architecture, MMA. A key feature is that the same platform can support both battery-electric powertrains and 48-volt mild-hybrid systems.
In Korea, the electric models CLA 200 electric and CLA 250+ electric will be offered first, in a total of five trims. Prices range from 52.9 million won to 67.7 million won, including value-added tax and a 5% individual consumption tax. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Buyers will also receive one year of Mercedes-Benz's integrated charging service, the MB.CHARGE Public PLUS plan.
In terms of performance, the two models deliver maximum outputs of 165 kW, or 221 horsepower, and 200 kW, or 268 horsepower, respectively. Under the European WLTP certification standard, they can travel up to 542 km and 792 km on a single charge. Thanks to the 800-volt fast-charging system, charging the battery from 10% to 80% takes about 20 minutes for the CLA 200 electric and about 22 minutes for the CLA 250+ electric. Their maximum charging speeds are 200 kW and 320 kW, respectively.
Separate from the electric lineup, the 48-volt mild-hybrid CLA 220 and CLA 220 AMG Line will also go on sale in September. They are priced at 59.9 million won and 62.9 million won, respectively. The setup combines a 140 kW engine, or 188 horsepower, with an electric motor rated at up to 22 kW, or 30 horsepower. Digital and safety features are the same as those in the electric models.
The most noticeable change inside is the display. All trims feature the MBUX Superscreen, which connects the driver's 10.25-inch instrument cluster and the 14-inch center and passenger displays under a single pane of glass. The wheelbase is 61 mm longer than the previous generation, and front legroom, headroom and rear headroom have also increased. The electric model also adds a new 101-liter front trunk, or frunk.
On the software side, the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System, MB.OS, and the latest MBUX infotainment system are installed for the first time. The AI assistant, based on ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing, responds to the voice command "Hi Mercedes." For the Korean market, the vehicle includes TMAP AUTO navigation, Live TV+ with 28 channels developed with LG Uplus, Genie Music and Millie.
Driver-assistance features vary by trim. The base CLA 200 electric Essential comes with MB.DRIVE Standard, which includes Distronic cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot warning. The other trims come standard with MB.DRIVE Assist, a Level 2 system. All trims also support automatic lane changes on highways with only a turn-signal input, as well as a function that remembers the previous driving route and automatically reverses in tight spaces.
A launch edition is also being offered to mark the debut. It comes in three versions: the CLA 200 electric AMG Line, CLA 250+ Electric AMG Line and CLA 220 AMG Line. They add sporty design elements such as exclusive bumpers, sports seats and a Nappa leather steering wheel. Preorders can be placed at 65 official Mercedes-Benz showrooms nationwide and on the company's official website.
[email protected] Kim Dong-chan Reporter