- The new electric CLA achieves a drag coefficient from 0.21, putting it among class-leading aerodynamic production cars.
- A 0.01 reduction in Cd increases long-distance EV range by approximately 2.5% or about 375km over 15,000km annually.
- CLA aero gains include sealed front joints, near-flat underbody and optimised wheel spoilers.
Mercedes-Benz has doubled down on aerodynamics as the silent power-booster for its latest models.
The Stuttgart brand says even a 0.01 drop in drag coefficient (Cd) can stretch an electric car’s range by about 2.5%, or roughly 375 extra kilometres over 15,000km a year.
That thinking underpins the new all-electric CLA. With a Cd from 0.21, it edges past rivals thanks to a raft of subtle tweaks. These include bicolour full-cover light-alloy wheels that shave up to 15 Cd points compared with conventional rims, carefully shaped wheel spoilers ahead of each axle, and even two separate rear diffusers depending on whether a towbar is fitted.
Quietly ahead of the curve
The focus isn’t just on slipperiness. Mercedes’ aero engineers also obsess over aeroacoustics (keeping cabins hushed at speed) and “clean car” airflow that keeps windows and mirrors clear in foul weather.
The company says each Cd point saved is like shedding 10kg in the WLTP cycle, and lower lift values improve road holding and long-distance comfort.
High-powered simulations and wind-tunnel testing in Sindelfingen now replace much of the early clay-model work, with up to 250 CFD runs per Design of Experiments study on a new car’s shape.
Inside those wind tunnels, a five-belt rolling road mimics real-world conditions at up to 265 km/h. Nearly 500 microphones and artificial heads map wind noise and psychoacoustic effects seat by seat. Even minor tweaks to mirror housings or window seals can cut contamination on side glass or stop draughts sneaking past frameless doors
A century of streamlining
Mercedes has been at this longer than most. From Rudolf Caracciola’s 432.7 km/h record in the W 125 Streamliner of 1938 (Cd 0.17) to the 1978 C111-III diesel record car (Cd 0.18), the brand has repeatedly re-set aerodynamic expectations.
The 2013 CLA achieved a then-record Cd of 0.22; today’s EQS sedan sits at 0.20. And the Vision EQXX technology platform, unveiled in 2022, dips to just 0.17, offering “less air resistance than an American football” according to Mercedes.
With plasma-actuator “aerodynamics by wire” research on the AMG GT XX promising spoiler-free downforce control, the marque clearly sees airflow as a competitive edge. In a world of electric range anxiety, the real performance story may be the one you can’t see.
