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
-
Telephone Triage Remote Services | 24/7 Patient-Centered Virtual Care
Introduction to Telephone Triage Remote ServicesIn today’s healthcare environment, patients expect timely guidance and reliable medical support—even outside of office hours. This is where Telephone Triage Remote Services play a vital role. By connecting patients with trained triage nurses through secure telecommunication channels, healthcare providers can ensure accurate medical assessment, efficient call management, and improved patient satisfaction.With the rise of telemedicine, virtual healthcare assistants, and remote nursing, telephone triage has become a critical extension of modern medical practices. It reduces administrative burden, supports physicians, and ensures patients receive the right level of care at the right time.At Care VMA Health, we specialize in providing highly skilled remote triage services tailored to hospitals, clinics, and private practices across the United States.What Are Telephone Triage Remote Services?Telephone triage is a process where registered nurses or trained medical assistants assess a patient’s symptoms remotely via phone or digital platforms. Instead of rushing to...
-
How to Choose the Best Corporate Event Management in Dubai
Organizing a corporate event requires precision, creativity, and professional support. Whether you are hosting a product launch, seminar, conference, or team-building activity, every detail matters. Effective corporate events leave a strong impression on attendees and elevate your company’s reputation.The Role of Professional Event ManagementCollaborating with a corporate event management Dubai service ensures your event is planned and executed seamlessly. Professional agencies handle venue selection, vendor coordination, budgeting, and on-site management, allowing you to focus on business objectives and networking.Key Services Provided by Event AgenciesCorporate event management agencies in Dubai offer comprehensive services tailored to different business needs:1. Event Planning and Concept DesignAgencies help define your event’s goals, theme, and program schedule. They create detailed timelines to ensure that every aspect is accounted for and executed efficiently.2. Venue SelectionChoosing the right venue is crucial for the success of your event. Agencies recommend spaces suitable for conferences, workshops, and corporate gatherings, including...
-
Opening a Bank Account in Dubai for Foreigners and Navigating the Company Registration Process in UAE
Dubai has established itself as one of the most dynamic global business destinations, attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals from every corner of the world. With its favorable tax policies, strategic geographic location, and strong financial infrastructure, it provides the perfect environment for both individuals and companies seeking to expand their horizons. Two essential steps for anyone entering this market are opening a bank account in dubai for foreigners and understanding the company registration process in uae. Together, they form the foundation for a secure and successful business journey.Why Banking Access Matters for Foreigners in DubaiFor expatriates and international investors, access to reliable banking services is crucial. A well-structured banking system not only offers personal convenience but also ensures business operations can run smoothly. With a bank account, foreign investors can carry out essential transactions, receive payments, and manage finances seamlessly across borders.Dubai banks are known for their efficiency, global accessibility,...
-
Dry Needling: A Complete Guide to Pain Relief and Recovery at Flexology Studios
When pain, muscle tightness, or restricted mobility interferes with your daily life, finding an effective and long-lasting solution becomes a top priority. At Flexology Studios, we believe in combining science-backed techniques with personalized care to help our clients achieve optimal results. One of the most powerful therapies we offer is Dry Needling, a safe and effective treatment designed to target pain at its root, restore function, and improve overall quality of life.In this blog, we’ll explore what Dry Needling is, how it works, its benefits, and why it’s an integral part of the healing journey at Flexology Studios.What is Dry Needling?Dry Needling is a therapeutic technique used by trained professionals to treat muscle pain, trigger points, and movement impairments. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific areas of muscle tissue known as "trigger points" or "knots." These points are often responsible for pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional...
-
Business Consultancy: Driving Growth and Success with Web On Wings
In today’s competitive world, running a successful business requires more than just a great product or service. It demands clear strategy, smart planning, and expert guidance to stay ahead of the curve. This is where Business Consultancy comes into play. At Web On Wings, we specialize in providing businesses with tailored consultancy services that unlock their true potential. Whether you are a startup, a growing company, or an established enterprise, our consultancy expertise can help you streamline processes, reduce risks, and achieve sustainable growth.What is Business Consultancy?Business Consultancy is a professional service that helps organizations improve performance, solve challenges, and identify new opportunities. Consultants analyze a business from different angles—operations, marketing, finance, technology, and management—to provide solutions that maximize efficiency and profitability.At Web On Wings, we believe that consultancy is not about giving generic advice. It’s about delivering practical, actionable strategies that fit the unique needs of every business.Why Do Businesses Need Consultancy?Many businesses struggle with...
-
Same Day Flower Delivery in Faisalabad – Bouquets & Gifts for Every Occasion
Flowers have always been more than just beautiful decorations. They are timeless gifts that express love, care, and appreciation without the need for words. From birthdays and anniversaries to graduations and weddings, flowers play a central role in life’s celebrations. In Faisalabad, a city filled with cultural vibrance and modern living, flowers have become the go-to choice for both traditional and contemporary gifting.With the growing demand for convenience, people no longer want to wait days for deliveries. Whether it’s a planned surprise or a last-minute gesture, the need for quick, fresh, and reliable service is stronger than ever. That is why many locals turn to Same day flower delivery Faisalabad, which ensures that emotions are delivered right on time. This service has changed the way people celebrate special occasions by combining freshness, reliability, and style.Why Choose Same Day Flower Delivery?Life often moves fast, and celebrations don’t always come with long...