What happens when you mix a Formula 1 rising star, a groundbreaking electric car, and the magic of the holidays? You get “Charging up for 2025,” a short film starring Kimi Antonelli and the upcoming all-electric Mercedes-Benz CLA. The film is as much a sneak peek at 2025’s most exciting arrivals as it is a festive treat. With Kimi Antonelli gearing up for his Formula 1® debut alongside George Russell, and the all-new CLA making waves in the EV world, this collaboration is a match made in holiday heaven.
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A snowy drive to light up the holidays
The short film opens with Antonelli, one of motorsport’s brightest young talents, embarking on a journey through the snow-capped European Alps. Behind the wheel of a disguised version of the all-electric CLA, the Italian driver navigates icy roads and freezing temperatures, showing off the car’s cutting-edge energy recuperation capabilities.
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By the end of his drive, the CLA has generated enough electricity to light up a Christmas tree, demonstrating its bi-directional charging function (vehicle-to-home), a feature that will roll out in the near future. The dazzling red illuminated livery of the CLA adds an extra layer of holiday sparkle, making the sequence feel like a perfect blend of tech and tradition.
Efficiency redefined
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA promises to set a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in the EV space. Thanks to advanced recuperation technology, the car performs most braking actions using kinetic energy, charging its battery while extending its range. This means fewer mechanical brake applications and a smoother, more energy-efficient ride—a win for drivers and the planet alike.
Racing into the future
Kimi Antonelli’s journey in the short film mirrors his own path toward Formula 1®. After rising through Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS’s Junior programme, he’ll join the team as an official driver in 2025, alongside George Russell. With Antonelli’s precision driving skills and the CLA’s groundbreaking features, this partnership is poised to electrify both the track and the road.
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