Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class: Envisioning the Electric Future of the Benz Concept

Redefining Automotive Class: Elevating the Electric Benz Concept Experience with a Groundbreaking Model Family
Electric Hyper-Miler Benz Concept: Achieving Unprecedented Efficiency Through VISION EQXX Technology Transfer
Next-Generation Drivetrain: Benz Concept Boasting a Range Exceeding 750 Kilometers (466 Miles) (WLTP)1 and Exceptional Consumption of Approximately 12 kWh/100 km (5.2 mi/kWh)
800V Architecture: High Electric Efficiency and Rapid Charging Capabilities for the Benz Concept, Adding Up to 400 Kilometers (248 Miles) in Just 15 Minutes
Low-Energy LED Lighting: Animated Star Pattern and Expansive Glass Roof Enhance the Benz Concept’s Appeal
Revolutionary Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS): Supercomputing and AI Personalize, Enhance Safety, Convenience, and Automated Driving in the Benz Concept
Child Presence Detection (CPD): Advanced Safety System in the Benz Concept to Prevent Children Being Left Unattended
Sustainable Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA): Benz Concept Reduces Value-Chain CO2 by Over 40%

The Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class, showcased at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, Germany, provides a compelling preview of an upcoming vehicle family. This Benz concept represents a pivotal moment for the brand, heralding a new era of electric and digital automotive innovation. Designed on the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, the Concept CLA Class embodies iconic design and dynamic performance in its exterior, while prioritizing customer experience through exceptional comfort and convenience for an electric and digital future within its interior. This Benz concept truly signals the direction of Mercedes-Benz’s electric ambitions.

“The Concept CLA Class embodies our vision for a completely new all-electric entry-level segment at Mercedes-Benz. This Benz concept is the vanguard of a range that will encompass four distinct models – a sleek four-door coupe, a versatile shooting brake, and two striking SUVs – each significantly enhancing the product offering. This new model family is tailored for a generation of discerning car buyers who expect the quintessential Mercedes-Benz experience, but with amplified features, superior comfort and safety, and cutting-edge technology. They also prioritize sustainable choices that stand out. This electric hypermiler Benz concept is the ‘one-liter car’ of the electric age, delivering a remarkable range exceeding 750 kilometers (466 miles) in the WLTP cycle1 with an energy consumption as low as 12 kWh/100 km (5.2 mi/kWh). Built upon the MMA platform, it offers a glimpse into Mercedes-Benz’s first complete family of electric vehicles, purpose-built to advance our Ambition 2039. Through this initiative, we are committed to achieving net carbon neutrality across our entire new vehicle fleet value chain by 2039,” states Ola Källenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG. This Benz concept is a tangible step towards that ambitious goal.

Technological leadership is deeply embedded in the MMA platform that underpins this Benz concept. The next-generation electric-drive system targets a range exceeding 750 kilometers (466 miles) (WLTP)2, showcasing the platform’s capabilities. The Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) is intentionally designed as an electric-first platform, destined for a family of four vehicles spanning various body styles. It is crucial to accelerating Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicle transition. As a cornerstone of the broader electric strategy, MMA will be instrumental in achieving the company’s ambitious electrification targets. All vehicles built on the MMA platform, including this Benz concept, are engineered adhering to Mercedes-Benz’s “real life safety” philosophy, upholding the brand’s decades-long commitment to safety and the pursuit of accident-free driving.

The groundbreaking operating system “MB.OS” forms the foundation for an unparalleled user interface and user experience (UI/UX). It features the MBUX Superscreen, inspired by the innovative display technology first seen in the VISION EQXX, and incorporates advanced real-time graphics. The Concept CLA Class Benz concept further emphasizes sustainability by showcasing the use of sustainable materials throughout its structure and interior. This includes almost CO2-free steel, CO2-reduced aluminum, sustainably produced and processed leather upholstery, and trim elements made from paper. Overall, this show car represents an accessible and desirable interpretation of luxury for a youthful and dynamic global market segment, making the Benz concept appealing to a broad audience.

“The technology powering the Concept CLA Class Benz concept represents a paradigm shift for Mercedes-Benz, incorporating significant learnings from our pioneering VISION EQXX technology program. For instance, our engineers have prioritized maximizing efficiency by minimizing energy losses in its 800 V electric-drive system. It also features advanced battery cell chemistry and a high degree of integration, resulting in exceptional energy density. I am confident that our MMA platform will enable us to offer our customers in this market segment a class-defining combination of performance, sustainability, safety, and comfort, all enhanced by an outstanding digital experience,” emphasizes Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer. This Benz concept is a testament to this commitment.

In real driving conditions, deviations from the certified standard values may occur. The real values are influenced by a variety of individual factors, e.g. individual driving style, environmental and route conditions.
In real driving conditions, deviations from the certified standard values may occur. The real values are influenced by a variety of individual factors, e.g. individual driving style, environmental and route conditions.

Overview

Concept CLA Class: Main Points of the Benz Concept at a Glance

#DefiningClass: Setting new benchmarks for an elevated automotive experience since 1886, the Benz concept blends captivating design with groundbreaking technology.

#MercedesModularArchitecture: The highly adaptable advanced MMA platform underpinning this Benz concept signifies the next leap in Mercedes-Benz’s electric future.

#NextGenerationDrivetrain: Advanced efficiency features within this Benz concept include a silicon-carbide inverter and innovative battery-cell chemistry with a silicon-oxide anode design for superior energy density. The in-house developed drive unit achieves up to 93 percent energy efficiency from battery to wheels in long-distance driving scenarios.

#750km: Elevating efficiency to unprecedented levels, this Benz concept delivers a class-leading range, enabling drivers to go further on a single charge.

#Efficiency: This electric hypermiler Benz concept reimagines the “one-liter car” for the electric age, achieving an energy consumption of approximately 12 kWh/100 km (5.2 mi/kWh).

#Charging: The 800V architecture of this Benz concept facilitates rapid charging, adding up to 400 kilometers (248 miles) of range in a mere 15 minutes.

#IconicElements: Defining a new visual identity for the gateway to Mercedes-Benz, this Benz concept features a progressive reinterpretation of emotionally resonant design motifs.

#Enlightening: Creative integration of LED illumination and animation in this Benz concept serves as a beacon for electrification and digitalization.

#VISIONEQXX: Innovations from the era-defining VISION EQXX technology program are directly integrated into this Benz concept, bringing cutting-edge advancements closer to series production.

#MBOS: Proprietary chip-to-cloud architecture in this Benz concept elevates the customer experience with personalized features, enhanced safety, greater convenience, and advanced automated driving capabilities.

#MBUXSuperscreen: Real-time graphics, powered by the Unity Game Engine as pioneered in the VISION EQXX, bring the screen to life in this Benz concept, creating immersive digital worlds.

#ChildPresenceDetection: The MB.OS-based network, encompassing over 20 system interfaces within this Benz concept, powers a sophisticated safety system designed to prevent tragic accidents.

#Personalization: The UI/UX of this Benz concept delivers a digital luxury experience, tailored to individual customer needs through art, entertainment, and immersive graphics.

#HyperAnalogue: A seamless fusion of analogue and digital elements in this Benz concept redefines familiar iconic forms, enhancing the user experience.

#Ambition2039: This Benz concept represents the first family of Mercedes-Benz vehicles engineered from the ground up to realize Ambition 2039, reducing value-chain CO2 emissions by over 40 percent compared to previous architectures.

#SustainableMaterials: From paper to bamboo, the interior of this Concept CLA Class Benz concept showcases the application of innovative and sustainable materials.

#Decarbonize: Advancements in the steel and aluminum supply chain for this Benz concept, including recycled content and renewable energy utilization, target combined savings of approximately 882 lb. CO2 per vehicle.

MMA Electric-Drive System: Engineered for Electric Efficiency in the Benz Concept

Next-Generation In-House Drivetrain: Delivering Outstanding Efficiency for the Benz Concept
Electric Hypermiler Redefined: The Benz Concept Achieves “One-Liter Car” Efficiency with Approximately 12 kWh/100 kilometers (5.2 mi/kWh) Consumption
Advanced Cell Chemistries: Dual Options including Silicon-Oxide Based Anode Design for Superior Energy Density in this Benz Concept
800V System: Maximizing Efficiency and Performance While Minimizing Charge Time for the Benz Concept

As the inaugural vehicle developed on the all-new electric-first Mercedes-Benz MMA platform, the Concept CLA Class Benz concept spearheads the next generation of electric-drive technology for the series-production model. With an anticipated range exceeding 750 kilometers (466 miles) (WLTP)3, the electric drive system of this Benz concept sets a new benchmark in its class, demonstrating remarkable energy consumption of approximately 12 kWh/100 kilometers (5.2 mi/kWh). This efficiency positions the Concept CLA Class Benz concept as the “one-liter car” for the electric age. Directly derived from the electric-drive system of the VISION EQXX, the new in-house developed drivetrain integrates an 800V electric architecture with a battery boasting exceptional energy density and a highly efficient electric drive unit. In the Concept CLA Class Benz concept, it is configured for sporty rear-wheel drive, but its modular design also accommodates 4×4 vehicle applications. This advanced next-generation drivetrain, debuting in the Concept CLA Class Benz concept, is scalable to suit diverse use cases, including those in other vehicle segments.

High-Voltage Battery Innovation in the Benz Concept

The innovative battery system under development for the MMA platform, as showcased in this Benz concept, is based on a highly modular architecture, offering customers a choice of two distinct cell chemistries. The premium variant features an anode design with silicon-oxide content for exceptional energy density, while the entry variant leads the segment with its use of lithium-iron phosphate. The battery itself boasts a remarkably compact overall volume. For the first time, cell modules are secured using adhesive rather than screws. This innovative structure is not only lighter than conventional battery configurations but also stiffer, enhancing crash safety. Similarly, the 800V configuration promotes high electric endurance within a compact package and with reduced cooling demands. The high-voltage architecture also enables high-power 250kW DC charging, adding up to 400 kilometers (248 miles) of range in just 15 minutes for this Benz concept.

Mercedes-Benz Electric Drive Unit (MB.EDU) in the Benz Concept

Lightweight, powerful, and compact: The new, highly efficient MB.EDU, encompassing the motor, transmission, and power electronics, was entirely developed in-house for this Benz concept. Based on a modular concept, this class-defining unit is the first in a family of drive units engineered to meet a broad spectrum of performance requirements across numerous model lines. The 175 kW permanently excited synchronous machine is paired with a two-speed transmission. The high-performance power electronics integrate motor and transmission control into a single processor and feature a silicon carbide inverter for exceptionally efficient power utilization. This reflects the high degree of functional integration throughout the MB.EDU, resulting in a compact overall package weighing less than 243 pounds. Its extremely high energy efficiency, reaching up to 93 percent from battery to wheel in long-distance driving, is attributed to meticulous loss minimization throughout the system, positioning it at the forefront of the sector and making the Benz concept a leader in efficiency.

Sustainability Advancements in the MMA Electric-Drive System of the Benz Concept

The permanent magnet synchronous motor within the Mercedes-Benz Electric Drive Unit (MB.EDU) of this Benz concept features a significantly reduced share of heavy rare earths compared to previous generations – approaching 0 percent. Regarding batteries, the new MMA electric-drive system marks a major step forward in net carbon-neutral manufacturing. Both cell production and cathode production are net carbon neutral. This achievement enables a 40 percent reduction in the carbon footprint of the cells. Further emissions reductions are targeted through the use of renewable energy in the production and refinement of raw materials for this Benz concept.

Bidirectional Charging Capabilities of the Benz Concept

Transforming the Benz concept into a household energy storage device: The Concept CLA Class also offers a glimpse into the future of electric vehicle and energy grid integration. Software- and hardware-based bidirectional charging demonstrates how class-defining technology leadership unlocks new potential for customers and energy providers alike. When connected to a compatible bidirectional DC charging station, this Benz concept becomes an energy storage device, capable of storing solar power for later use. Crucially, it can also serve as an electricity supply, offering Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) or Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities. The implementation of bidirectional charging may be subject to market-specific regulations and energy supplier requirements.

V2H applications include providing backup power during outages, while V2G applications encompass grid stabilization and even the trading of green electricity on the open market. In all scenarios, the intelligent bidirectional charging system ensures the Benz concept retains sufficient charge to meet customer needs at specified departure times. By offering bidirectional charging at home, Mercedes-Benz addresses the growing customer desire to combine personal mobility with a more sustainable lifestyle, making the Benz concept a forward-thinking choice.

In real driving conditions, deviations from the certified standard values may occur. The real values are influenced by a variety of individual factors, e.g. individual driving style, environmental and route conditions.

Design: Iconic Elements Reimagined for the Benz Concept

Signature Graphic: Stylized Three-Pointed Star as an Emotional Lighting Motif in the Benz Concept
Distinctive Shark Nose: Sporty and Dynamic Front-End Design with a Strong Forward Lean Defines the Benz Concept
Hallmark A-Shape Grille: Reinterpreted for the Electric Era in this Benz Concept

The Concept CLA Class Benz concept marks the dawn of a new era and the next evolution of the brand’s unique design language of sensual purity. This vehicle embodies a distinctly dynamic aesthetic, incorporating iconic design elements reimagined for the electric and digital age. The captivating interplay of intelligence and emotion, coupled with unexpected and extraordinary details, crafts a fresh interpretation of automotive desire in this Benz concept.

The striking use of light in the exterior design of this Benz concept reflects Mercedes-Benz’s ambition to be the brightest star in the automotive constellation. It visually expresses the fusion of electrification and digitalization, unlocking an elevated customer experience from the outset. Very-low-energy LED lighting, visible from all angles, is seamlessly integrated into the overall sculpture, enhancing proportions and adding dynamism, life, and functionality to the exterior of this Benz concept. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, slender greenhouse, and elongated bonnet collectively convey the brand’s design ethos in this new family of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, with this Benz concept leading the way.

Mercedes-Benz designers have artfully applied the iconic three-pointed star as an emotional lighting motif throughout this Benz concept, reinforcing its status as the most enduring symbol of automotive progress. This begins at the front end with the distinctive new face and extends along the flanks with light strips above the front and rear wheel arches. Even the expansive glass roof of this Benz concept elevates sophistication with its illuminated and animated star pattern, creating a spa-like ambiance within the interior. Furthermore, the distinctive Mercedes-Benz laurel wreath has been reinterpreted into a striking new pattern for the interior upholstery, further enhancing the Benz concept’s luxurious appeal.

“The Concept CLA Class Benz concept signifies the start of a new epoch. It reinterprets iconic elements from the brand’s rich design heritage to forge a completely new face for Mercedes-Benz. Here, the sporty forward lean of the distinctive shark nose, reminiscent of the 50s and 60s, is paired with a new signature graphic for the electric age. The design enhances the ‘eyebrow’ of the daytime running light with a stylized star motif. This star motif is repeated as animated light bands within the A-shape grille design. These features are defining characteristics of our future aesthetic,” explains Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG. This Benz concept perfectly embodies this design philosophy.

Exterior Design Details of the Benz Concept

Emotionally charged expression of athletic power: The dynamic front end of the Concept CLA Class Benz concept is characterized by the shark-nose design and the distinctive seamless “grille” panel. It forms a cohesive element of the overall sculpture and serves as a canvas for the illuminated animated star pattern and the centrally positioned, illuminated iconic Mercedes-Benz star. The light bands wrapping around the front and rear enhance the three-dimensionality of the light composition while anchoring the striking star-shaped headlamp clusters. These bands are crafted from an innovative material that presents a stylish mirrored chrome appearance when unilluminated on this Benz concept.

A range of animated lighting scenarios, for both day and night, amplify the sense of emotion and dynamism in this Benz concept. They also offer an added dimension of personalization for the driver, such as welcome and goodbye sequences. The sporty proportions of the Concept CLA Class Benz concept are accentuated by its athletic shoulders, extending from the front light band to the powerful GT rear end. The feeling of breadth, both front and rear, is further emphasized by the flared wheel arches and wide track, lending the show car a confident and assertive stance.

The sleek glasshouse of the Benz concept features chrome applications that complement the athletic proportions with timeless elegance. As befits the coupe design language, the visual center of gravity is positioned low. The powerful wheel arches frame the striking 21-inch wheels, showcasing a distinctive star pattern. Precise joints and shut lines add detail and movement to the effortlessly sculptural surface design of the Concept CLA Class Benz concept.

The crisp GT line and rear proportions of the Benz concept serve to elongate the silhouette while providing rear-seat passengers with increased headroom compared to previous generations. Similarly, the longer wheelbase offers more knee room for rear occupants. From the three-quarter rear view, the design continues the theme of light and shade, translated into the digital age. The wrap-around light band frames the rear light clusters, which echo the signature star design. The Mercedes-Benz star on the rear is also illuminated, creating a distinctive sign-off for those following behind this striking Benz concept.

Interior Design Details of the Benz Concept

A blend of analogue and digital redefines the segment: Inside the spacious and airy interior of the Concept CLA Class Benz concept, the aesthetic theme is one of ultimate modernity. This is powerfully expressed through the deliberate application of a few iconic elements. The overall effect exudes a tech-infused minimalist elegance, guiding sculptural automotive design into an exciting digital future and setting a new tone in this segment. Finely crafted innovative materials, such as paper trim and nappa leather processed using vegetable-based tanning agents, contrast with high-gloss surfaces to offer a visual and tactile finish that is both stylish and unexpected in this Benz concept. By day, the interior is bathed in natural light from the expansive glass roof and accented by carefully orchestrated, discreet LED lighting. The color palette of gleaming silver and crystal white enhances the futuristic atmosphere, while detailing in cool blue and sensual violet adds a touch of exclusivity to this Benz concept.

User Interface of the Benz Concept

Inspired by the latest consumer electronic devices: Mercedes-Benz sets a clear benchmark in the segment with the user interface in the Concept CLA Class Benz concept. Dominating the full width of the cockpit is the slender, continuous sweep of the MBUX Superscreen, featuring high-efficiency mini-LED technology and immersive 3D graphics pioneered in the VISION EQXX. Its proportions emphasize the interior’s width while contributing to a sense of lightness by appearing to float in front of the driver and front-seat passenger. Furthermore, with razor-sharp high-definition graphics paired with class-leading digital features, the MBUX Superscreen becomes a dynamic and individualized feature of the interior design of this Benz concept.

Meanwhile, the unibody aluminum housing mirrors the design of a state-of-the-art high-end device. Digitally visualized on the far left and right of the screen are iconic turbine-like virtual air vents. This unique and eye-catching fusion of analogue and digital represents the next evolutionary step, termed hyper-analogue. The familiar iconic form has been reinterpreted as a climate-control interface. Displayed on the fixed inner ring is the cabin temperature setting. The outer analogue ring emerges smoothly from the glass surface to serve as the control. The precision-machined ring can be turned to adjust settings, creating a seamless transition from the digital to analogue user experience in this Benz concept. The physical air vents are positioned discreetly behind the screen and designed to convey the impression of cooling ribs – an ingenious configuration that also functions as a source of ambient lighting. This design motif, combined with illumination, is a recurring theme throughout the interior of the Benz concept.

From Paper to Processors in the Benz Concept

A sense of space, freedom, and intelligence enhanced by surprising details: The front bucket seats of the Benz concept adopt the iconic form of purist mono-swing shells, derived from a spherical whole, providing an enveloping sense of safety and protection. Each sculptural outer shell transitions to a soft, enveloping interior, carefully designed in layers that unify the seat cushion, backrest, and side cushions. The lateral supports emerge from the base layer in smooth, three-dimensional S-curves. Inspired by winglets, they create an extremely pure yet sculptural form. Providing a more opulent contrast, the height-adjustable headrests are seemingly suspended in a cut-out, opening up the design while maintaining the seats’ integrated look. The seats are upholstered in sustainably produced and processed nappa leather that contrasts shimmering silver with crystal white, embossed with a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Mercedes-Benz laurel-wreath pattern. The color combination further emphasizes the apparent weightlessness of the overall design within this Benz concept.

Appearing to float between the driver and front-seat passenger, in front of the cantilevered armrest, the high positioning of the center console emphasizes the minimalist sporty elegance of the interior of the Benz concept. Its proportions and dynamic orientation towards the MBUX Superscreen create a fresh sense of space and openness. In a first for Mercedes-Benz, the visually striking trim element incorporates an illuminated transparent surface for inductive smartphone charging, as well as a cup holder featuring the illuminated cooling-rib motif. This aesthetic quality eliminates the need for a cover. The same design theme is also visible beneath the console in a sweeping, illuminated aluminum curve that directs the eye towards a glass showcase offering a glimpse into the digital brain of the Concept CLA Class Benz concept: the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). The bands of ambient light serve as metaphors for nerves carrying signals to the water-cooled processor, which represents the vehicle’s class-defining intelligence. The overall composition interprets the flow of data that forms part of the bond between car and occupants in this Benz concept.

On either side of the driver and front-seat passenger, the doors of the Benz concept present a further highlight of the interior design. The subtle concave form of the underlying structure sets the stage for the brand-new iconic design of the center panels. Seemingly suspended in front of the door body, their long proportions provide yet another sporty and dynamic visual cue. Like elegant sails, their surface flows smoothly around the geometric profile of the door handle, merging with it to form a natural armrest. The center door panels are finished in the same crystal-white nappa leather as the seat cushions, further enhancing their lightweight look and feel, and feature the Mercedes-signature laurel-wreath pattern. This defining Mercedes-Benz element, imbued with exquisite hand-finished craftsmanship, forms a strong visual link between the brand’s unique heritage and the tech-luxury of the future in this Benz concept. At the base of the door, the discreet pocket is edged in a high-strength, biotechnology-based, and certified-vegan silk-like fabric.

Technology Transfer from VISION EQXX to the Benz Concept CLA Class

High-Voltage Electric-Drive System and Heat Pump: Delivering Class-Defining Efficiency in the Benz Concept
Further Implementation of Award-Winning Bionic Optimization of Cast Components in the Benz Concept
“Inside-Out Development” Approach: Facilitated by Advanced Digital Simulation Techniques for the Benz Concept

By implementing the vision for the future of Mercedes-Benz in this segment, engineers continue to leverage valuable insights from the original Mercedes-Benz electric hypermiler, the VISION EQXX, which remains the technology benchmark for this vehicle class and significantly influences the Benz concept. In addition to the mini-LED MBUX Superscreen with thousands of local dimming zones, these insights span electric-drive and thermal efficiency measures, lightweight design through bionic optimization, and the application of sustainable materials, all contributing to the advanced nature of this Benz concept.

The VISION EQXX technology program was conceived to push boundaries and exert immediate influence on series development. Consequently, the next-generation electric drive unit (comprising the electric motor, transmission, and power electronics) in this Benz concept is directly derived from the highly efficient unit in the VISION EQXX and features a new generation of silicon carbides in the power electronics. Similarly, the high-voltage battery utilizes the same principles of functional integration and cell packaging to achieve exceptionally high energy density. Another innovation transfer is the further developed heat pump, which impressively demonstrated its effectiveness in the VISION EQXX program. Significantly improved over existing automotive heat pumps, it extracts heat not only from the drivetrain but also from the ambient outside air – even at sub-zero temperatures – to heat the cabin of the Concept CLA Class Benz concept. Combined with an intelligent operating strategy, the heat pump can substantially contribute to electric range in cold winter weather by minimizing the use of auxiliary heating in this Benz concept.

Bionic engineering was a core element of the VISION EQXX development program. The Mercedes-Benz BioniCast name applies to structural castings engineered based on principles found in nature. This pioneering digital approach has already earned Mercedes-Benz prestigious industry awards as the company expands its implementation in series production, including components within this Benz concept. Several components in the MMA platform have been optimized using these techniques, including the rear-axle console, battery console, and suspension components of the Benz concept.

The utilization of digital engineering techniques was crucial to the speed and efficiency of the VISION EQXX development program. The Mercedes-Benz World of Digital Twins is a comprehensive strategy to transition to a “physical follows digital” approach across all aspects of development and beyond. The Concept CLA Class Benz concept and MMA platform are engineered in accordance with this strategy. This approach facilitated the radical “inside-out development” applied to the Concept CLA Class Benz concept. Virtual simulation techniques enabled designers and engineers to focus even more intently on the customer perspective within a feedback loop of continuous improvement, ensuring the Benz concept truly meets user needs.

MB.OS: The Digital Foundation for the Mercedes-Benz Benz Concept

Proprietary Chip-to-Cloud Architecture: Elevating the Customer Experience Through Software-Driven Innovation in the Benz Concept
Every Vehicle on the MMA Platform: Equipped with a Supercomputer Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, including this Benz Concept
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: Supported by OTA Updates in the Benz Concept

The vision for the Mercedes-Benz of tomorrow redefines the car itself, elevating it beyond its traditional role as a mode of transportation, assistant, or companion. It transforms into an entertainment and gaming hub, a productivity zone, a private sanctuary, and even an integral part of a server farm and the energy grid – a seamless component of modern life. To realize this vision by fully leveraging the potential of current and future software-driven innovation, Mercedes-Benz is developing its proprietary operating system, MB.OS, which is central to this Benz concept. This in-house chip-to-cloud architecture signifies a completely new approach for the company and will be a largely unseen yet defining aspect of all its future vehicles. The core principle of MB.OS is to decouple hardware and software, enabling faster and more adaptable software development. This accelerates the integration of continuous innovation into vehicles, resulting in a superior product for customers. A proprietary system, developed in-house in close collaboration with strong partners, provides Mercedes-Benz with the freedom and flexibility to innovate rapidly and efficiently, as demonstrated in this Benz concept.

The forthcoming MMA platform will be the first to fully operate on MB.OS, and the Concept CLA Class Benz concept offers a preview of what this will mean for customers. To emphasize the central role of MB.OS in shaping the customer experience, the interior of the show car provides a striking visualization of it. The complex, multifaceted architecture is represented here by one of its many hardware components: the high-performance water-cooled chip from collaboration partner NVIDIA. This powerful partnership will equip every vehicle built on the MMA platform, including this Benz concept, with a supercomputer. MB.OS utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning, powered by the latest-generation chips and system-on-chips (SoCs), and is supported by highly advanced sensors and the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud.

Advanced MBUX Superscreen: Delivering New Levels of Personalization with Real-Time Graphics in the Benz Concept

MB.OS elevates the family of vehicles at the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand, including this Benz concept, through software and artificial intelligence (AI). One prime example is a unique UI/UX tailored not only to the car but also to individual customer preferences. It pairs the advanced three-display MBUX Superscreen in the Concept CLA Class Benz concept with ambient light and sound to provide an immersive luxury experience for both driver and passenger, previously unheard of in this vehicle class. Ambient styles, offering a range of themes for all three screens, provide further customization, while the virtual assistant is readily available to support users with information and suggestions within this Benz concept.

The MBUX Superscreen comes alive with advanced real-time graphics, powered by game engine technology, as seen in the VISION EQXX and now in this Benz concept. The instrument cluster adapts to user needs, including the level of driver assistance. The intelligent system communicates with more than just data, incorporating shapes and light into an intuitive dialogue, ensuring the driver has a clear overview of all relevant information without overload. From the dynamic virtual cockpit that helps optimize driving style for maximum range to 3D navigation with integrated points of interest, users have everything they need, precisely when they need it in this Benz concept.

Users can also create their own personalized space with beautifully rendered immersive worlds. Extensive adaptation options through dynamic digital skinning enable instant individualization and self-expression. Crystal-clear resolution and vibrant color rendering elevate the MBUX Superscreen beyond a mere in-car display to a comprehensive multimedia experience within this Benz concept. Entertainment is provided through extensive integration of top-quality third-party apps. Furthermore, the MBUX Collectibles feature enables the creation of a private art gallery by connecting the customer’s personal NFT wallet and enabling them to browse an exhibition curated by Mercedes-Benz. MB.OS also brings class-leading passenger entertainment to this new vehicle family with a range of third-party video streaming options available exclusively to the passenger while the car is in motion. Multiple layers of safety, including eye-tracking technology, ensure driver distraction is minimized in this Benz concept.

Concept CLA Class Benz Concept with Enhanced SAE Level 2 Performance Thanks to LiDAR

As with all technological innovations, Mercedes-Benz measures those in the Concept CLA Class Benz concept by their contribution to the Mercedes-Benz vision of accident-free driving. The extensive driver assistance and safety systems under development for the MMA platform make it possible to achieve partially automated driving (SAE Level 2) on virtually all road types, assist the driver during lane changes on multi-lane roads, automatically maneuver into and out of tight parking spaces, and prevent or mitigate the severity of collisions in an increasing number of situations.

Automated driving systems in vehicles based on the MMA platform, including this Benz concept, will offer best-in-class driver assistance. The MMA platform introduces a comprehensive sensor suite, maintaining Mercedes-Benz’s leading position in this field. In addition to multiple cameras facilitating surround, wide, and tele views, the base set also includes a full range of radar and ultrasonic sensors.

Future SAE Level 2 applications are also prepared for the integration of LiDAR-supplemented sensing technology to meet the complex operational and safety demands of urban traffic. In this segment, these powerful sensors will enable customers to equip their vehicle with a wide array of SAE Level 2 features. These features can be enhanced via over-the-air updates, even after vehicle purchase. This also means Mercedes-Benz can continuously improve existing systems and make them available to customers (considering local legislative frameworks), ensuring their cars remain at the forefront of innovation in the segment, with this Benz concept leading the way. The MB.OS software and its computing power are generally ready for an SAE Level 3 system upgrade for vehicles equipped with a comprehensive sensor set, including a LiDAR sensor and redundancies for vital vehicle systems.

Advanced Child Presence Detection System in the Benz Concept

A further benefit of the MB.OS architecture is its ability to facilitate an exceptionally high degree of networking between vehicle systems, sensors, and actuators, making it easier for Mercedes-Benz to develop and implement highly sophisticated safety functions like those seen in this Benz concept. One example is the new Child Presence Detection (CPD) system, designed to mitigate the risk of young children being accidentally left in a car during warm weather – and the associated, sometimes tragic, consequences.

Based on a network of over 20 system interfaces, the future system activates when it detects the presence of a child in the vehicle through their distinctive breathing pattern. The sensors involved are so sensitive they can even detect the gentle breathing of a sleeping newborn baby. Simultaneously, cameras can detect the presence of an adult, for example, in the passenger seat. When the system determines a child is in a parked car, it alerts the driver as soon as the motor is switched off. Should the driver leave and lock the vehicle, this triggers an escalation process. If the vehicle and the smartphone are connected with the same Mercedes me account, the system sends messages to the smartphone at frequent intervals regarding this Benz concept.

Concurrently, the system monitors the car’s interior temperature. Should it exceed a critical threshold, a process of measures is initiated: the car’s exterior lights flash, accompanied by an acoustic signal designed to attract bystanders towards the vehicle. This signal differs from the shrill claxon of a typical car alarm. At the same time, the car’s air conditioning activates to reduce the cabin temperature to a less critical level. Warning messages are also dispatched at this stage to all smartphones registered to the vehicle and connected with the same Mercedes me account. The final escalation stage is to notify the Mercedes-Benz SOS call center and/or alert emergency services, showcasing the comprehensive safety features of this Benz concept.

With safety as the paramount priority, the focus is on preventing tragic accidents, with the system specifically configured to avoid intentional use for stationary air conditioning in this Benz concept.

MB.OS: The Road Ahead for the Benz Concept and Beyond

The digital possibilities presented by MB.OS are substantial and far-reaching. For vehicles based on the MMA platform, including the Benz concept, they promise a level of individualization, seamless interaction, and infotainment previously unprecedented in this segment. It will empower the brand with the three-pointed star to elevate the digital experience, with an even more intense focus on the customer. The Concept CLA Class Benz concept provides a glimpse of this future, with much more to come in the near future.

Putting Ambition 2039 on the Road: Sustainability and Circularity in the Benz Concept

Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA): Reducing Value-Chain CO2 by Over 40% in the Benz Concept
Decarbonizing the Supply Chain: Utilizing Almost CO2-Free Steel and CO2-Reduced Aluminum in the Benz Concept
Sustainable Materials: Sustainably Produced and Processed Leather and Recycled Materials Offer High Functionality and Exceptional Appeal in the Benz Concept

Mercedes-Benz is fully committed to its Ambition 2039, aiming to achieve net carbon neutrality across the entire value chain of its new vehicle fleet by 2039. This commitment extends beyond the supply chain, informing the company’s strategy and mindset that the future of mobility must be sustainable, as exemplified in this Benz concept. This approach, alongside full electrification, is underpinned by the principles of the circular economy. All of this supports Mercedes-Benz’s goal to build the world’s most desirable cars, including sustainable models like this Benz concept. The MMA platform underpins the first family of vehicles designed from inception to align with the principles outlined in Ambition 2039. It reduces value-chain CO2 by over 40 percent across the entire MMA fleet compared to the previous architecture, with the Concept CLA Class Benz concept representing the first vehicle in this new family.

Innovative Interior Trim in the Benz Concept

When creating the interior of the Concept CLA Class Benz concept, Mercedes-Benz designers prioritized sustainability and circularity as key objectives, alongside first-class visual and tactile qualities, wear resistance, and safety criteria. An innovative paper material, made from recycled cellulose and targeted for series production, makes its debut in a Mercedes-Benz in this Benz concept. As a trim element, it offers a strikingly progressive look and feel with significant design flexibility. It is produced using renewable energies and innovative sustainable technologies, such as ozone water purification, and generates zero landfill waste.

The seats of the Benz concept are upholstered in sustainably produced and processed leather, considering all aspects from livestock breeding to the tanning process. In addition to adhering to the Animal Welfare Committee’s “5 Freedoms of Animal Welfare,” requirements stipulate that the leather supply chain must be free from any form of illegal deforestation and that grazing areas must not contribute to the endangerment or loss of natural forests. The leather itself is tanned using vegetable-based tanning agents, such as coffee bean husks, chestnuts, or extracts from other renewable raw materials. Furthermore, the leather may only be processed in tanneries certified according to the Gold Standard of the ‘Leather Working Group,’ which includes important environmental aspects like reducing water, energy, and chemical use in the tanning process for this Benz concept.

The floor mats in the Concept CLA Class Benz concept are woven from bamboo fiber, while the door pockets are edged in a biotechnology-based and certified vegan, high-strength, hardwearing silk-like fabric. Both materials were initially showcased in the VISION EQXX. They are not only highly functional but also exceptionally attractive, with luxurious tactile qualities. Meanwhile, the polyester textile upholstery on the floating center armrest is made from recycled PET in this Benz concept.

Beneath the Skin of the Benz Concept

Reducing the carbon footprint of steel and aluminum: Beneath the aesthetically pleasing exterior of the Concept CLA Class Benz concept lies a consistent drive to decarbonize the supply chain for the next generation of vehicles in this segment. The advancements in the electric-drive system to enhance battery and electric drive unit sustainability (detailed above) represent just one facet of a comprehensive and multifaceted approach.

With steel and aluminum being major contributors to the carbon footprint of vehicle production, Mercedes-Benz has set clear emissions-reduction targets through decarburization of key materials, increased recycled content, and the use of renewable energies, all impacting the production of the Benz concept. This commitment is integral to the meaning behind “defining class.” During the development process for almost CO2-free steel and CO2-reduced aluminum, the materials and resulting components are rigorously examined and tested to ensure they meet stringent Mercedes-Benz crash safety standards for vehicles like this Benz concept.

In Europe, the company aims to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of steel in 50 percent of in-house pressed parts used in its entry vehicles, leading to a saving of approximately 220 pounds of CO2 per vehicle. In addition to recycled steel produced in electric-arc furnaces powered by renewable energy, the material mix will include steel derived from direct reduction using green hydrogen, phased in over the vehicle lifecycle depending on availability for the Benz concept.

The MMA platform also accelerates Mercedes-Benz’s significant progress in utilizing CO2-reduced aluminum. In Europe, at least one-third of the aluminum in the upcoming electric model generation will be produced using renewable energy. Applications span a wide range of components, from wheels to the battery housing of the Benz concept. This will lower the CO2 footprint of this aluminum by a minimum of 40 percent compared to aluminum currently used in Europe, equating to a reduction of around 300 kilograms of CO2 emissions per vehicle. On the path towards a fully responsible aluminum supply chain, the company will significantly increase the share of aluminum certified according to the standards of the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI) in future models, including the Benz concept. Currently, the aluminum sheet for in-house press parts is sourced from ASI-certified suppliers.

Production: Optimized by Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence for the Benz Concept

Production of MMA vehicles, including the Benz concept, will initially commence in Rastatt (Germany), Kecskemet (Hungary), and Beijing (China). With the MMA platform, Mercedes-Benz is pioneering new production techniques to integrate its electrified new product portfolio. Utilizing an updated MO360 digital production system, the Mercedes-Benz plant in Rastatt, Germany, will virtually introduce MMA vehicles with the aid of digital twins. Adopting a “digital first” approach, Mercedes-Benz can ensure the new production line can be retooled, configured, and optimized at the brownfield site using high-precision digital simulation techniques for the Benz concept. The precise location of robots, supply routes, and production lines can be determined without disrupting the production of current compact models, including the A-Class and B-Class, the GLA, and EQA. The “digital first” approach enables faster ramp-up, cost savings, and new opportunities for improving efficiency and quality in the production of the Benz concept.

The MO360 production system allows Mercedes-Benz to manufacture electric, hybrid, and petrol models on the same production line and scale the manufacturing of electric vehicles in line with market demand, including the Benz concept. Furthermore, with the introduction of MB.OS in production, cars will roll off the production line with the most up-to-date versions of vehicle software. An update of MO360 also facilitates the rollout of artificial intelligence in new areas. In May of this year, Mercedes-Benz initiated a ChatGPT project within the MO360 digital production ecosystem to optimize production processes and accelerate error identification in the production of the Benz concept. Through “Data Democratization,” vital production data can be accessed by a broader range of employees, enabling them to evaluate processes and errors in real time. The new hall in Rastatt for the MMA platform also serves as a pilot for AI-based energy savings of up to 20 percent in the production of the Benz concept.