--- title: "Electric Mercedes CLA Follows Porsche’s Playbook With Two-Speed Transmission" description: "The automaker is claiming a 466-mile range from its upcoming compact EV, and a two-speed transmission help makes that possible." date: "2023-09-05" modified: "2023-09-05" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/electric-mercedes-cla-follows-porsches-playbook-with-two-speed-transmission" categories: - "Mercedes-Benz News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "CLA-Class" - "compact" - "Electric Vehicle" - "luxury" - "Mercedes-Benz" - "sedan" --- # Electric Mercedes CLA Follows Porsche’s Playbook With Two-Speed Transmission ![]() *Mercedes-Benz* [Mercedes-Benz]() just dropped a preview of its Tesla-fighting bombshell, the new electric CLA Class. While still technically in its concept phase, much of what you see here is what you're going to get when the sedan eventually reaches production in 2025. Don't expect the extravagant LED-adorned front end, or the doors that open with the wave of a hand. Still, most, if not all of its mechanical bits should make it to the road car—chief among them, its [EQXX]()-sourced electric motor and a two-speed transmission. Under the pebble-smooth skin, the Mercedes CLA boasts some impressive specs. As the first car built on Mercedes' new MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) electric car platform, it will have 800-volt technology and the same rear electric motor as the [ultra-long range EQXX]() concept. That single motor powering the rear wheels makes 235 horsepower, similar to the current gas-powered CLA's internal-combustion engine. However, it's the two-speed transmission that's most interesting. ![]() **Mercedes-Benz** ![]() **Mercedes-Benz** ![]() **Mercedes-Benz** Most electric vehicles, regardless of size, body style, or cost, use single-speed, direct-drive transmissions. That's because electric motors don't require the torque multiplication that transmission gears provide. A few EVs have two-speed transmissions, such as the [Porsche Taycan]() and [Audi e-tron GT](), to help optimize performance off the line and at high speed. But both of the aforementioned EVs are high-priced, enthusiast cars. Mercedes has not yet announced a price, but the CLA should be the brand's entry-level EV that's designed more for range and comfort than outright performance. Traditional thinking suggests that transmissions actually have a negative effect on EV range, due to adding unnecessary drivetrain loss. However, longtime [automotive supplier ZF](), who's specialized in transmissions for decades, claims to have a [multi-speed electric drive unit]() (which includes the motor, inverter, and two-speed transmission) that not only improves performance but *also* efficiency compared to single-speed drive units. Mercedes also clearly sees the benefit to using a two-speed gearbox but it isn't using ZF's drive unit. Instead, Mercedes told *The Drive* that the new CLA's electric drive unit was designed and built entirely in-house. ![]() **Mercedes-Benz** ![]() **Mercedes-Benz** ![]() **Mercedes-Benz** One of the benefits of a two-speed transmission, according to ZF, is better performance out of smaller motors. That should be a boon to weight, efficiency, and range. Mercedes is quiet on the CLA's battery size, but the company did claim a WLTP-rated range of 466 miles. With that sort of longevity on a charge, the CLA could put quite a bit of pressure on competitors like the [Tesla Model 3](), [BMW i4](), and [Hyundai Ioniq 6]()—and its two-speed transmission could be a key reason why. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()