Mercedes-Benz CLA Gets a Chinese Heart—2.0-liter Turbo Gasoline Engine with 250 HP

Mercedes-Benz’s Redesigned CLA Set for 2025 Launch
Controversy Erupts Over Chinese-Made Engine

Mercedes-Benz, the iconic automaker credited with inventing the internal combustion engine, has long been regarded as a leader in the premium car segment. Since Carl Benz first developed the engine in 1879, the company has built a legacy of innovation and engineering excellence. However, recent developments surrounding the upcoming 2025 launch of the redesigned CLA model have sparked controversy, leading some to question whether Mercedes-Benz is losing its prestige.

The controversy stems from reports that the new CLA will be equipped with a Chinese-made engine—a significant shift for a brand synonymous with German engineering. The engine will be supplied by a newly formed company, HORSE, a joint venture between China’s Geely Group and Renault.

Chinese Engine for the CLA Raises Eyebrows

According to reports from Chinese media outlets such as Autohome and CarNewsChina, the redesigned CLA, a popular four-door coupe sedan, will offer a variety of powertrains, including internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and electric vehicles. For the internal combustion version, Mercedes-Benz will install a standard mild hybrid (MHEV) featuring a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine sourced from HORSE.

The Chinese-made engine, boasting a maximum output of 250 horsepower and 36.7 kgf.m of torque, promises high efficiency, using advanced technologies like the Miller cycle, variable turbocharger, and variable valve timing. HORSE has emphasized that this engine will deliver world-class combustion efficiency. However, the decision to outsource this critical component has led to mixed reactions, especially since the final assembly will still occur in Germany to meet Euro 6 emission regulations.

Industry Reactions: Has Mercedes-Benz Lost Its Way?

The Chinese engine installed in the new CLA uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder gasoline turbo MHEV configuration and a transmission-integrated starter motor. It generates a maximum output of 250 horsepower and a maximum torque of 36.7 kgf.m, and HORSE emphasizes that the engine will demonstrate world-class combustion efficiency. It uses the Miller cycle, often applied to hybrid engines, and a variable turbocharger and variable valve distribution to generate high output.

The new CLA engine will be produced in China, but the final assembly will be completed in Germany. A catalytic converter must be installed to meet Euro 6 emission regulations. The drivetrain will be standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Given that the basic internal combustion engine’s fuel efficiency is sufficiently high, the PHEV specification will not be launched until 2026.

CLA Electric Version Offers a Glimpse of the Future

On the electric side, the new CLA will feature a rear-wheel-drive setup with a single motor delivering 238 horsepower. Powered by an 89.6 kWh battery, the electric CLA aims for a range of 750 km (466 miles) on the WLTC cycle, with an impressive efficiency of 12 kWh per 100 km (62 miles). Thanks to its 800V charging system, the car can recharge 400 km (249 miles) worth of range in just 15 minutes.

Mercedes-Benz has also teased the design of the upcoming CLA, which is expected to resemble the sleek concept car closely revealed earlier. The new design hints at a futuristic, sporty look, but concerns about the car’s Chinese-sourced engine have overshadowed public reactions to the teaser.