Next Jetta GLI To Get Some GTI Infusion

Curiosity is always a good thing. As such, took a look and discovered that Mercedes Hide their CLA EV in the overall CLA press release. The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA: gorgeous, effortless, intuitive and flexible. So first off, their claim to half that range in 10 minutes, full 80% in 20 minutes, this is based on a continuous 500-amp DC Fast charger. 350 kW chargers are not 500-amp chargers in all situations. As such, it is highly unlikely that these all new 800V EVs from Mercedes will actually charge as fast as they say they can. The press release pretty much says without saying it that if all the stars align, and you get a continuous 500-amp DC charger, you can get a considered full battery pack in 20 min. Yet then they say they have limited the auto to a maximum of 320 kW charging. So, there is no way it can charge as fast as they say the battery pack can handle due to the charging speed limitation. I find it interesting that many of the specifications seem to mirror the Koreans. Maybe they actually used Korean as well as Tesla to benchmark since the 400V lineup of EVs are dead now. As a NMC battery pack, it will be interesting to see their charging curve in regard to how fast it hits it maximum speed of charging and when it starts to taper off since this is all new technology for Mercedes. The press release implies that it will be an inverted U for the most part, but NMC do not always handle a constant high voltage charge, so it really will be interesting to see how their charging plays out. Interesting is that standard controller for home charging is 11 kW but you can buy an upgrade controller to have 22 kW. Nice option, but for a luxury maker just like Cadillac, I hate these upgrade controllers to get the best home charging experience. Your already paying a premium, give me the goods.

A CLA is a tiny car compared to the Trailseeker. This is basically a slightly slower Forrester in size. Some are, not all. Again, 150kw isn't slow, it just isn't the fastest. I've done an 800 mile trip in a 150kw car and it was fine only charging when my body needed to stop. Add 50 miles there, 75 here. It doesn't need to be 10% to 80% every time. Just put in enough juice for long enough to get a bathroom break, coffee, and a shmuffin (Pittsburgh reference) and be on your way.  By the time you're done you'll find you've added anywhere from 50 - 80 miles to your range.  By the time that coffee is trying to make its way back out of you, you can stop and charge again.

Reminds me of the Bentley Dominator

These might be over $50k, which is a lot for a Subaru.  The Mercedes CLA has 400 mile range and will charge at 320 kw, not that Subaru is competing with Mercedes, but 150 kw is sort of slow, but the Ultium cars are the same.  But if EV buyers rarely fast charge and charge at home, then it doesn't matter.

No car, especially its rear end, should give off "Aztek" vibes. That is just an eye sore on an otherwise well packaged EV.