Mercedes-Benz Now Uses a Single Platform to Accommodate Both Gas and Electric Cars

Mercedes-Benz is taking a new approach with its electric version of the CLA entry-level luxury sedan. In the past, the company was using EV-specific platforms to build electric vehicles and had its own unique look (like the EQ models) that looked nothing like their gasoline stablemates.

Now, according to the new approach, Mercedes is utilising a single platform that can accommodate both gasoline and electric cars, such as the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. The new 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV is manufactured under this platform.

As a result, this car will resemble the upcoming hybrid version that is scheduled to be released soon. Let’s dive deep into the complete details.

Is it Possible to Accommodate Electric and Gasoline Vehicles on a Single Platform?

According to a report by Statista, the global electric vehicle sales are expected to generate a massive $784.2 billion in revenue in 2025. Looking ahead, there will likely be a steady annual growth of 6.01%, ultimately leading to a projected market volume of $990.4 billion by 2029.

This is because some automakers pledged to go fully electric by 2030, especially when hundreds of billions of dollars are on the line for up-front investments in factories and developing new technologies.

However, the transition is taking longer than many expected. As a result, a few automakers have hedged their bets with a shared platform that can accommodate both gasoline and electric powertrains.

In 2024, Stellantis confirmed that its Sterling Heights plant will be the automaker’s first US factory to build a fully electric vehicle, the Ram 1500 REV electric pickup and the pure gas truck, Ram 1500 Ramcharger.

These two vehicles were built on the “STLA Frame” architecture, specially designed to support fully electric, hybrid, gas-powered, and even hydrogen fuel cell powertrains. Now, Mercedes-Benz is doing the same thing.

Is it the right call?

Is it the Right Call for Automakers to have a Shared Platform?

Automakers using a shared platform that can accommodate both electric and gasoline vehicles is increasingly seen as a strategic move during the transitional period between fully gas-powered and fully electric cars.

According to analysts and industry experts, this approach allows automakers to remain flexible and responsive to fluctuating consumer demand and policy landscapes.

Eleftheria Kontou, assistant professor at the University of Illinois’ Grainger College of Engineering, claimed that having the same chassis for gasoline and electric vehicles can be beneficial, especially when the assembly line needs to be responsive to the electric vehicle demand volatility.

Kontou added, nowadays, consumers are a bit more uncertain with respect to electric vehicles, so it’s right to have an assembly line that can be responsive to such changes.

Another expert, AutoForecast Solutions’ Sam Fiorani, claimed that developing a platform that allows you to accommodate a variety of powertrain choices makes more sense than developing fully electric vehicles.

According to Fiorani, the automotive industry is trapped in a transitional period between fully electric and fully gas-powered vehicles, and it will take at least a generation before complete EV sales really start to grow.

As a result, both electric and gasoline cars will be available in the market, requiring automakers to manufacture both.

Drawbacks

Having a shared platform that can accommodate gasoline and electric vehicles also comes with a few drawbacks.

• Cost Inefficiencies: One major issue is cost inefficiencies. While the initial cost of developing a shared platform is lower than creating dedicated EV and gas-powered platforms, long-term manufacturing efficiencies may be compromised.
• Weight Disadvantages: Shared platforms may not be optimized for the unique weight distribution needs of electric vehicles, potentially leading to a heavier overall design. It can affect the performance, efficiency, and handling of the cars.
• Design Compromises: Platforms designed to accommodate two or more powertrains often compromise interior space and design flexibility. This can result in vehicles that are less efficient or less capable than their dedicated counterparts.

Does a Shared Platform Impact the Pricing of Vehicles?

A vehicle manufactured on a shared platform is cheaper than a vehicle manufactured on a dedicated platform. The only reason behind this is that it uses a common design and engineering base, thus reducing the complexity and cost of developing multiple unique platforms.

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV is Built on a Shared Platform