- Mercedes could have a Tesla Model Y competitor by 2026
- Production is expected to begin in October 2025.
- This compact crossover will replace the EQB EV in the lineup.
Mercedes-Benz may be preparing to launch an electric version of its upcoming CLA-Class sedan, along with a related crossover SUV.
On Tuesday, Car news reports that an electric version of the Mercedes-Benz CLA four-door sedan will go into production. An electric CLA-based crossover will likely follow the sedan and appear in first half of 2026.
Production of the CLA-based electric crossover, seen as a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y, is expected to begin in Rastatt, Germany in October 2025, AutoForecast Solutions said.
The Mercedes fights Model Y internally codenamed X174. Mercedes has not disclosed future product plans.
Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA-Class
Mercedes-Benz has previewed the upcoming CLA electric coupe due in 2023 with CLA-Class Concept. The concept is intended to showcase the engineering of the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), which will serve as the basis for four compact EVs in a variety of body styles. One will be a sleek four-door sedan while the other will be a compact crossover codenamed X174.
Interference may replace Current EQB electric crossoveris an electric vehicle based on the current gasoline-powered GLB. AutoForecast Solutions vice president Sam Fiorani told Automotive News that the EQB, which will debut in 2022, will not be replaced when production ends in late 2025.
The MMA platform features an 800-volt electrical architecture that is said to be capable of DC fast charging at up to 250kW, which can restore range to 248 miles in 15 minutes. The electrical architecture also includes vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) connectivity.
Mercedes has touted that the MMA platform is designed around a “significantly smaller” battery pack with multiple chemistries. Base models will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, while higher-end models will use silicon oxide anodes. The battery pack design is said to be lighter than current batteries and provide greater structural rigidity to the vehicle.
Mercedes has developed a concept EQXX that has gone 746 miles on a single charge in 2022. The focus of that car is all about efficiencyThe CLA Concept is said to use silicon-carbide power electronics, battery pack and heat pump all derived from the EQXX.
In February Mercedes has delayed its electric car sales target. that would see the automaker go all-electric in some markets by 2030. Automotive News says a new gasoline-powered CLA will follow the EV in 2026. The gasoline and electric CLA models are expected to have similar styling and both will ride on the new MMA platform.
