The new Mercedes CLA will get a 1.5-litre petrol engine with the efficiency of a diesel motor

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA won't just be an electric car. Yes, the model will get an electric version on the new MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) platform, but a petrol engine will also remain in the line-up in the form of a next-generation mild hybrid.

Mercedes has today shared the first official technical details about the petrol-hybrid version of the CLA. At its heart is a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that promises to be particularly economical and will be offered in three power outputs: 136bhp and 163bhp for front-wheel-drive versions and 190bhp for the all-wheel-drive CLA 4Matic.

What's special about the new engine?

It is the M252 unit from the FAME (Family of Modular Engines) family, which operates according to the Miller cycle and has a compression ratio of 12:1. The design features a Nanoslide coated aluminium block, variable geometry turbocharger and integrated exhaust manifold. Plus, it meets the most stringent environmental standards.

The hybrid system involves the integration of a 27 hp electric motor into the 8F-eDCT 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This allows the car to drive solely on electric power at low speeds, smoothly start and switch off the combustion engine and recover energy when braking.

Mercedes is still homologating the engine ahead of the CLA's launch in 2025 and has not yet given fuel consumption predictions. However, lead powertrain engineer Carsten Krebs said the following: "We believe that with a hybrid powertrain you will reach diesel levels in terms of fuel economy."

Sources: Mercedes-Benz, Autocar