CLA electric car by mercedes-benz debuts in rome
.jpeg)
CLA electric car by mercedes-benz debuts in rome
Mercedes-Benz debuts the CLA electric car with a radiant ‘face’ made of animated LED stars and storage under the front trunk. Introduced at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, Germany, the car manufacturer brings the real-life model of the electric vehicle to Rome, Italy, for its official unveiling on March 13th, 2025. Here, designboom interviews Mercedes-Benz’s chief design officer, Gorden Wagener, who discusses the car’s design, including the face of the CLA vehicle. He compares it to an LED wall because the front of the car comes with a star panel in high-gloss black.
Then here, 142 individually animated LED stars glow alongside the car manufacturer’s three-pointed star emblem in the middle. This is the first fully illuminated grille panel on a Mercedes-Benz production car, which bears an A-shape design marking the vehicle as electric. ‘You can pretty much do anything you like with these animated stars because you can customize the light patterns. This grille makes the car different because other cars seem faceless; they don’t have an identity. But we have the Mercedes-Benz grille here alongside the star, and that’s a significant iconographic,’ Gorden Wagener shares with designboom during the unveiling in Rome, Italy.
Bringing back the ‘frunk’ design from the 1930s
Mercedes-Benz says that the electric car CLA marks its entrance to an era of new design and digital age. In fact, it brings back the ‘frunk’, which is the storage under the front hood where engines are typically placed. ‘The CLA is actually an electric car, so we use the space at the front for extra storage. As simple as that,’ the Chief Design Officer shares with designboom. It offers 101 liters of additional load space, which is ideal for a luggage trolley, a crate of 0.33-liter bottles, or the charging cable. It is bigger and more useful than in the Mercedes-Benz 130 (W 23) from the 1930s, which was the car manufacturer’s first vehicle with a frunk.
Inside the electric car, the CLA features the infotainment system, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience. Among its number of highlights is the Surround Navigation. The car manufacturer uses 3D game-engine graphics typically used in video games to provide the driver with a 3D representation of the roads and surroundings. This driver-assistance view shows other road users and vehicles in the same field, as if the driver were playing a first-person video game. With this in mind, the design gives the driver improved situational awareness of what’s happening around them. The realistic display also helps them navigate urban traffic better and more visibly.
AI agents that detect the driver’s emotions
The CLA electric car also uses generative AI and the different language models. These include ChatGPT 4.0, Google’s Gemini, and Microsoft Bing. These assist the driver while they’re driving, be it for directions or landmarks to visit. Aside from these, the Chief Design Officer explains to designboom that these AI tools have agents that allow the Mercedes-Benz system to have a human-like conversation with the driver. They memorize the driver’s speech patterns and can have smart discussions with them. They also detect their emotions and reply according to their moods. Then, there’s also a Superscreen, which takes over the entire dashboard.
For the Superscreen, it extends across the dashboard, with both ends having rounded air vents that seem to float. There aren’t any manual screens in the electric car CLA, as Mercedes-Benz puts the long digital display. The central display shows the most important information, including the most recently used apps. Then, techie drivers can now group or move apps and files into individually named folders. It is then similar to a smartphone or computer. The vehicle is game-inspired and tech-heavy. Gorden Wagener confirms it during our interview, citing that it’s because ‘the CLA is the youngest car of our series generation,’ entailing the similar tech trends with the current youth.
Mercedes-Benz brings back the ‘frunk’, or the storage under the front hood
Design-wise, the Mercedes-Benz CLA electric car features a shark-nose design for the illuminating panel at the front. There are optional multibeam LED headlights, which form the daytime running lights into the shape of the Mercedes-Benz star. As a standard, the headlights come with a chrome-plated design element. The doors are frameless with chrome trim to emphasize the sporty body of the vehicle. Then, there’s a large panoramic roof forged from a one-piece fixed glass roof. It has no central brace and extends from the windscreen frame to the rear.
The design team adds heat-insulating laminated safety glass for sunlight protection. For the exterior surface, they coat it with a 250-nanometer thin infrared film that reflects long-wave radiation. Many of the design features around the CLA electric car are ‘floating.’ The first is the MBUX Superscreen, which extends across the entire interior width. The large center panels of the doors also appear to float. They make the concave underlying structure recede into the background. The third floating highlight emerges inside in the form of the center console.
Comments
You must be logged in to comment.
Latest Articals
-
How to Successfully Start Your Own Business
IntroductionStarting a business is an exciting journey that requires careful planning and execution. Many entrepreneurs dream of turning their ideas into successful ventures, but navigating the steps from concept to launch can feel overwhelming. With the right guidance and strategy, setting up a business can become a smooth and rewarding process.Why Planning is CrucialBefore diving into operations, every entrepreneur must focus on strategic planning. Using professional guidance for setting up a business can make the process easier and help avoid common pitfalls. Planning includes identifying your target market, understanding customer needs, and defining clear goals for your company.A strong business plan also considers finances, staffing, and potential risks. This foundation ensures that your venture starts on a solid footing and improves your chances of long-term success.Key Steps in Setting Up a BusinessStarting a business involves multiple essential steps:Business Idea Evaluation: Assess whether your idea solves a problem and has market...
-
Top Real Estate Investment Trusts to Work For in the USA
When it comes to building a career in real estate, one of the best opportunities lies within Real Estate Investment Trusts, commonly known as REITs. These organizations own, operate, or finance income-producing real estate across a wide range of sectors. For professionals looking to combine their passion for real estate with stability and growth, exploring the Top Real Estate Investment Trusts to Work For in the USAcan onIn this blog, we’ll explore what makes REITs attractive employers, the benefits of working for them, and highlight some of the most recognized names in the industry. Whether you’re just starting your career or seeking a new challenge, this guide will help you discover which REITs stand out as top employers in the U.S.Why Work for a REIT?REITs are not only strong investment vehicles but also provide rewarding careers for those interested in real estate, finance, asset management, development, and operations. Employees at...
-
Understanding IUI Treatment: Costs and Benefits in Pakistan
IntroductionInfertility is a growing concern that affects many couples across Pakistan. Medical advancements have introduced several treatment options that help individuals achieve parenthood. Among these, intrauterine insemination (IUI) has become one of the most commonly recommended methods. Known for being less invasive and cost-effective compared to other procedures, IUI offers hope to couples seeking professional fertility assistance.IUI Costs and AffordabilityWhen couples consider fertility treatment, one of the first questions that arise is the iui cost in pakistan. The cost generally varies depending on the clinic, the experience of the doctors, and any additional medical procedures required. Compared to treatments like IVF, IUI is relatively more affordable, making it accessible for a larger number of patients. This affordability factor is one reason why many couples choose to start with IUI as their first line of treatment.What is IUI and How Does It Work?IUI is a fertility procedure in which washed and...
-
Professional Event Organizers in UAE: Turning Ideas into Reality
IntroductionThe United Arab Emirates has become one of the world’s leading destinations for global business meetings, luxury weddings, and cultural celebrations. With its modern infrastructure, international appeal, and thriving hospitality sector, the UAE is a hub for world-class events. Behind every successful gathering, however, stands a dedicated team of professionals who ensure that every detail is executed to perfection.Why Businesses and Individuals Choose Event Organizers in the UAEHiring expert event organizers in UAE allows both businesses and individuals to enjoy stress-free planning while ensuring their events are impactful and memorable. These professionals handle every aspect of the process, from selecting venues and managing logistics to coordinating décor, entertainment, and guest experiences. With their expertise, they transform concepts into well-structured and engaging occasions that leave lasting impressions.Comprehensive Event Services OfferedEvent organizers across the UAE provide a wide range of services tailored to different needs:Corporate Events: Conferences, exhibitions, product launches, and award...
-
Event Management Companies Dubai: Delivering Excellence in Every Detail
IntroductionDubai has positioned itself as a global leader in event management, offering unmatched luxury, innovation, and precision. From corporate galas and product launches to extravagant weddings and cultural celebrations, the city delivers world-class events that leave lasting impressions. This success is powered by skilled event management companies that transform visions into reality with meticulous attention to detail.Why Event Management is Key in DubaiEvent management goes beyond organizing—it’s about creating immersive experiences that connect with audiences. Dubai’s dynamic environment demands a level of professionalism and creativity that only experienced event managers can provide. This is why the city has become a hub for some of the world’s most renowned event management companies.The Expertise of Event Management Companies DubaiThe leading event management companies dubai offer comprehensive services covering every aspect of event planning. Their expertise includes concept development, budgeting, vendor coordination, logistics, and on-site management. By combining creativity with operational efficiency, they...
-
Understanding H13 Filters: Protecting Cleanrooms and Sensitive Equipment
In industries where air purity is non-negotiable, maintaining a clean and contaminant-free environment is critical. From pharmaceutical manufacturing to electronics production, airborne particles can compromise both product quality and safety. This is where H13 HEPA filters play an essential role. Known for their high-efficiency performance, H13 filters ensure that cleanrooms, laboratories, and sensitive equipment remain protected from harmful contaminants. At Rayshen, we specialize in providing top-quality H13 filters designed for maximum reliability and performance.What Are H13 HEPA Filters?HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air, filters are engineered to capture airborne particles with exceptional efficiency. H13 filters fall under the EN 1822 standard and are classified as high-efficiency filters capable of capturing 99.95% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.This makes H13 filters ideal for environments where controlling particulate contamination is critical. The filters are constructed using densely packed fibers that trap dust, pollen, bacteria, and other microscopic particles. Unlike standard air filters,...