Mercedes-Benz plans to ramp up its smart driving technology with the launch of a new all-electric CLA model.

Mercedes-Benz Unveils New CLA Model with Advanced Autonomous Driving System

In a significant move, Mercedes-Benz has announced the launch of its new CLA model, equipped with an advanced intelligent driving system provided by Momenta, a domestic developer of intelligent driving solutions. This marks the first time Mercedes-Benz has collaborated with Momenta.

The Chinese market accounts for one-third of Mercedes-Benz's global sales, making the Chinese market crucial for the automaker's global success. The new CLA model, with its advanced autonomous driving capabilities, is expected to strengthen Mercedes-Benz's position in the Chinese market.

The intelligent driving system on the CLA model does not rely on high-definition maps, setting it apart from many other autonomous vehicles. Urban navigation assistance is one of the features of this system, ensuring smooth navigation in city environments.

Mercedes-Benz has obtained commercial licenses for Level 3 autonomous driving and Level 4 unmanned parking in Germany, and Level 3 autonomous driving system received commercial licenses in Nevada and California, and testing licenses in Beijing and Shanghai. The new CLA model will initially launch with Level 3 autonomous driving features in regions where these licenses have been secured.

The new CLA model will also feature Mercedes-Benz's self-developed MB.OS operating system in its cabin. The model will support an 800-volt electrical architecture and up to 250 kilowatts of charging power, ensuring rapid charging capabilities.

The autonomous parking function for the new CLA model was led by the Chinese R&D team and later promoted globally. The model uses a combination of light detection and ranging (LiDAR), millimeter-wave radar, and cameras. Hardware configurations have been significantly improved, and software is developed by local suppliers.

Mercedes-Benz has invested in Momenta's Series C financing in 2021, further strengthening the partnership between the two companies. Production of the new all-electric CLA model is set to begin in April 2025.

Meanwhile, domestic rival Huawei's CEO, Richard Yu, claims his company could easily implement Level 3 autonomous driving features in Europe. However, Huawei's overseas expansion in intelligent driving still needs more sales carriers. Xiaomi's SU7, which challenges Mercedes-Benz's C-class models, will be equipped with an urban navigate-on-autopilot (NOA) feature in August 2024.

Mercedes-Benz is considering further localization of intelligent driving features rated at or above Level 2 for future models in China. The new CLA model will offer a pure electric version on the MMA platform, Mercedes-Benz's second all-electric platform, and will use Nvidia's Orin chip.

As the race for autonomous driving technology heats up, Mercedes-Benz's new CLA model is poised to make a significant impact in the Chinese market and beyond.

Mercedes-Benz plans to ramp up its smart driving technology with the launch of a new all-electric CLA model.