Mercedes-Benz has introduced a range of all-electric EQ cars and SUVs that are fast, powerful, and extremely luxurious. Even though the way they drive and the number of features they have are impressive, no one is rushing to call them attractive. How beautiful is the three-pointed star if it doesn’t have any style to back it up? Mercedes aims to address the visual flaws of the EQ series and integrate its design philosophy into all of its battery-electric and gas-powered cars for the next wave of EVs. This change is happening faster thanks to the new MMA platform. Because it can work with both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) configurations, makers can create a single design that works for all model lines, regardless of the power source used. Even though it’s covered in camouflage, we can tell that the company’s designers were able to eliminate some of the features that made its current line of four-door electric cars resemble Dustbusters. The prototype shown here retains the appearance of an electric car designed to minimize drag. The new Mercedes-Benz CLA will be available in both gasoline-powered and battery-powered versions, and it will resemble this car. The new car features a pedestrian-safe hood and a rounded nose that hints at the EQ sedans’ distinctive high buttock and low nose stance, but it’s not as striking as the EQE and EQS models. Our informants report that this car features a liftback instead of a conventional trunk, which is somewhat unusual. The electric C-Class is expected to feature more practical powertrains compared to many of the premium EVs introduced to date, drawing inspiration from the CLA. The AMG 250+ will deliver 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the CLA 350 4Matic will offer a more robust 349 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Despite missing several features, the CLA 350 4Matic can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, putting its performance on par with that of a pony car. We should soon see the new C-Class EV in real life, as the prototype is well along and the CLA, which shares the same base, is about to be released.
