Overall, the prototype was stationary for close to 28%, approximately six hours and 40 minutes, of the 24-hour record attempt. These short but regular stops enabled Mercedes-Benz to take advantage of a boost function that allows a high initial charging rate on a DC system compared with the average achieved over longer but fewer stops.
Mercedes-Benz has yet to reveal the charging capacity of its upcoming electric model, but it has previously hinted it will be capable of accepting charge at around 250kW, with an additional 50kW boost function allowing it to reach 300kW for short periods. This will enable a 249-mile top up in just 15 minutes.
The energy capacity of the new model’s lithium ion battery also remains under wraps, though it is claimed to be 89.6kWh. This is said to provide the new CLA with an average consumption of around 5.2mpkWh and an overall range of up to 466 miles, making it one of the most efficiency and longest-ranged cars on sale.
Production versions of the new model are also expected to offer a less energy-dense lithium-ion-phosphate unit as a cheaper option.
The CLA used in the record attempt was a rear-wheel-drive model featuring a single rear-mounted synchronous electric motor and two-speed transmission. Again, technical details have yet to be disclosed, though Mercedes-Benz is claimed to be developing the new saloon with drivetrains offering between 202bhp and up to 537bhp in an AMG-branded dual-motor, four-wheel-drive performance model.
Despite being developed as an “electric first” model, the new saloon will also be sold with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with a gearbox-mounted motor.
