Mercedes launched the all new CLA on March 10th, 2025 in Rome. This is a brand new entry level new hybrid/EV platform and we are going to focus on the ADAS features in this report.
The software architecture is based on a new version of the MB.OS operating running on Nvidia and other hardware. Four central compute units control chassis dynamics, infotainment, cluster and automated driving. The Nvidia DRIVE™ platform is used for ADAS and Qualcomm Snapdragon Digital Chassis™ for the infotainment domain.
The system connects to the cloud and supports OTA updates. There is a 4th generation (MBUX) virtual assistant that interacts much more intuitively than before using both Microsoft and Google AI agents. There are two screens in front of the driver and an optional screen for the passenger.
For ADAS there are various levels of support to be offered.
At launch, DRIVE ASSIST is to be offered in Europe which includes ACC, AEB and LKA as well as lane change capability and route based speed adaption. 8 cameras and 4 corner radars plus one front mid-range radar are used, as well as ultrasound sensors.
Drive ASSIST PLUS will be offered in a later release with enhanced features depending on what is allowed the local region, including a full highway pilot.
Drive ASSIST PRO adds two additional cameras enabling L2++ features including for urban pilot, where it will be first launched in China for regulatory reasons and perhaps in the US market in 2026. The urban pilot is apparently based on the work that Mercedes has done with Momenta and works without the need for HD mapping. The system will even do U turns which is especially difficult for automated driving systems.
There is also a surround view 360 degree parking assist.
There is no plan right now to offer L3 driving (that is offered on the S-Class or EQS) since lidar and other hardware requirements to do that are not appropriate at the price point of the more entry level CLA.
