Mercedes-Benz Unveils High-Efficiency Powertrains with New MMA Platform

• New MMA platform achieves over 750 km WLTP range with cutting-edge EDU 2.0 motor. 

• 800-volt system supports 10-minute charging for 300 km range. 

• Hybrid variants feature all-electric city driving and coasting up to 100 km/h. 

Mercedes-Benz is pushing the boundaries of electric and hybrid vehicle technology with its upcoming Modular Architecture (MMA). This platform’s core is a next-generation powertrain system, combining engineering breakthroughs in electric drive units, battery design, and charging capabilities. The MMA platform underpins the upcoming Concept CLA Class, setting efficiency, range, and sustainability benchmarks for the compact EV segment.

Electric Drive Units: Optimized Performance and Efficiency 

The new Electric Drive Unit (EDU 2.0) lies at the heart of the MMA platform. Developed in-house, the system delivers 200 kW via a permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) on the rear axle. Key innovations include the integration of silicon carbide (SiC) inverters, which reduce energy losses and dependence on rare earth materials. A compact two-speed gearbox enhances performance at low speeds and boosts highway efficiency.

For the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive versions, an 80-kW front motor supplements the main drive. To reduce energy consumption, the front motor disconnects during low-demand scenarios, decreasing drivetrain losses by up to 90%. This feature contributes to a projected WLTP range of over 750 km (466 miles – estimated at 550km EPA), with real-world energy consumption as low as 12 kWh/100 km.

Advanced Battery Technology: High Density, Faster Charging 

Mercedes-Benz has equipped the MMA platform with a premium 85 kWh battery, which offers a 20% improvement in energy density compared to its predecessor. This advancement is achieved through silicon oxide-enhanced graphite anodes, which increase storage capacity while reducing the reliance on cobalt and other scarce materials. The volumetric energy density is rated at 680 Wh/l.

Safety remains a priority, with the battery’s housing integrated into the vehicle’s structure and crash protection systems. Thermal management includes a multi-source heat pump that efficiently utilizes waste heat from the battery and drivetrain.

The MMA’s 800-volt architecture significantly upgrades the charging infrastructure. This enables ultra-fast DC charging at up to 320 kW, allowing the Concept CLA Class to add 300 km (186 miles) of range in 10 minutes. The system supports bidirectional charging, enabling home energy storage or grid supply applications.

Record-Breaking Endurance and Real-World Validation 

A pre-production CLA prototype demonstrated Mercedes-Benz’s devotion to real-world performance with a 24-hour test at the Nardò high-speed track in Italy. The vehicle covered 3,717 km (2,309 miles), equivalent to a trip from Trondheim to Istanbul, averaging 154.9 km/h (96.2 mph) across 40 rapid charging stops. This test highlighted the MMA platform’s exceptional time efficiency, with charging sessions limited to around 10 minutes each.

Hybrid Innovations: Enhanced Urban Efficiency 

In addition to its all-electric models, Mercedes-Benz will launch hybrid variants based on the MMA platform. These will pair a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 20-kW electric motor integrated into an electrified eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The hybrid drivetrain, which is capable of all-electric driving at urban speeds and coasting up to 100 km/h (62 mph), focuses on efficiency and is supported by advanced energy recuperation across all eight gears.