The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA is more than a next-generation electric vehicle—it’s a symbol of the brand’s digital and sustainable future. Unveiled last month in Rome, the CLA now returns to the spotlight with the launch of the ‘Class of Creators’, a global collaboration with five influential creatives across music, design, fashion, gaming, and toy culture.

The campaign made its U.S. debut at the Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan dealership, where Ice Spice—Grammy-nominated rap artist and cultural icon—unveiled a one-of-a-kind CLA art car that fuses her unique aesthetic with Mercedes-Benz luxury.

Ice Spice’s CLA: A Chrome-Dipped Work of Art

The standout feature of the night was Ice Spice’s custom CLA, a shimmering molten chrome masterpiece that incorporates her signature style. Her design blends the automaker’s modern performance DNA with her own “Princess of Rap” persona—complete with diamond-encrusted jewelry motifs on the car and in a complementary limited-edition fashion capsule.

The capsule collection, launching soon, features pastel and black tees, hoodies, and accessories inspired by Ice Spice’s CLA design. As a proud New Yorker who broke out on the rap scene in 2021, Ice Spice was a fitting choice to kick off the campaign, bringing confidence and empowerment to the forefront of this collaboration.

“The all-new CLA is the leading-edge trailblazer of our portfolio. With ‘Class of Creators,’ we’re connecting Mercedes-Benz with diverse communities through art and innovation,” said Bettina Fetzer, Vice President, Digital & Communications, Mercedes-Benz AG.

Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan Celebrates Grand Reopening

The art debut was held during the grand reopening of the newly renovated Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan. The event, titled “Stars, Sounds & Slices,” welcomed over 350 guests, including customers, partners, media, and influencers, for a night of immersive art, culture, and performance.

Highlights included:

• Live performances by the cast of Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen
• A DJ set by Brooklyn-based artist LPX
• The New York market premiere of the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA
• The unveiling of Ice Spice’s custom art car

What Is the ‘Class of Creators’?

The ‘Class of Creators’ is a year-long campaign featuring five visionary artists who will each design their own interpretation of the new CLA. The initiative explores individual expression, personalization, and future-forward aesthetics.

Upcoming Collaborators:

• Gustaf Westman (Interior Designer, Sweden) – May 22 debut
• KidSuper aka Colm Dillane (Fashion Designer/Artist, U.S.) – June 28 debut
• Hot Wheels (Mattel’s iconic toy car brand)
• League of Legends (Global esports & gaming platform)

Each creator will bring their vision to life through a CLA-inspired art piece, with select launches accompanied by exclusive merchandise or wearable art. The project not only celebrates Mercedes-Benz design but also creates new connections with diverse and global communities.

Key Takeaways

• Ice Spice launches Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Class of Creators’ with a bold CLA art car
• Custom CLA fuses Mercedes-Benz engineering with hip-hop artistry
• Launch event coincides with Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan’s grand reopening
• Four more creators—including KidSuper and League of Legends—to unveil art CLA collabs in 2024
• Campaign bridges automotive innovation with creative culture