Mercedes is moving away from the oval-shaped design philosophy and incorporating hybrid options into its electric vehicles.
- The latest Mercedes CLA EV boasts an impressive WLTP range of up to 492 miles.
- It's slightly larger than its predecessor and will come with either hybrid or all-electric options.
- It needs to arrive at dealerships before the year ends.
Mercedes has been teasing the new CLA and building hype for months, and now we finally get to see what all that was about. The third-generation CLA is a completely new model, built on a new platform and available with either electric or hybrid power. It's a total reset for Mercedes' EV strategy, which got off to a rocky start .
It retains some of the previous generation’s visual character, but it’s a bigger car with different proportions. It’s just over an inch taller than the outgoing model, it rides on a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase and it’s 1.3 inches longer overall. At 185.9 inches in length, it’s virtually identical in size to a Tesla Model 3 , even though they're about 10% heavier.
The interior is completely new, and it features Mercedes’ new infotainment system, which can have up to three screens in the front. New materials will make the CLA’s cabin feel special, including one made out of recycled paper that looks great and is very pleasant to the touch. According to Mercedes, spilling coffee on it won’t stain and ruin it.
We’ve discussed the MMA platform that underpins the new CLA sedan at length. It will also be used in a wagon version of the CLA, as well as eventual replacements for the current EQA and EQB crossovers (though with different names) . The latter should offer a seven-seater layout like the model that’s on sale today.
The Electric CLA
The electric version of the CLA will be available with two battery sizes: 58 kilowatt-hours or 85 kWh. The latter gives the single-motor CLA 250+ a claimed WLTP range of up to 492 miles (792 kilometers) on the more generous WLTP cycle. Going for the more powerful dual-motor CLA 350 4Matic doesn’t affect maximum range too much, dropping to 479 miles (771 km).
At launch, the CLA 250+ will serve as the entry-level model, boasting 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, with an expected acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. In contrast, the CLA 350 4Matic, which delivers 349 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, can achieve the same sprint in just 4.8 seconds. However, both versions have their top speeds electronically capped at 130 mph.
Mercedes has not released any data regarding the smaller 58-kWh LFP battery, which will be installed in the most affordable electric variants. the new CLA Models equipped with that pack might experience reduced power output as well. It’s certain they won’t be able to recharge at the same 320 kilowatts rate as vehicles fitted with NMC batteries, which offer this impressive top speed thanks to the CLA's design. 800-volt Architecture. Buyers in North America will have the convenience of charging directly at Tesla Superchargers, thanks to the vehicle’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector. If you already own a J1772 plug for your home or workplace (which is part of the slower charging system used with CCS), keep in mind that the CLA also includes this type of port. .
Mercedes CLA (2025)
Mercedes CLA (2025)
An additional benefit of the 800-volt architecture is enhanced operational efficiency, which helps explain how the CLA manages to achieve nearly 800 kilometers with an 85 kWh battery capacity. Mercedes emphasized this point when they informed us about it. The CLA demonstrated remarkable efficiency figures. during testing, posting a Lucid-Air-rivaling 5.17 miles per kilowatt-hour (12 kWh per 100 kilometers).
The electric CLA stands out due to its 2.5-cubic-foot front trunk, enhancing the utility alongside the 14.3-cubic-foot rear storage space. The original generation of Mercedes-EQ vehicles lacked such frontal compartments entirely, indicating significant progress in design efficiency from Mercedes-Benz. Despite being marginally bigger overall and boasting an extended wheelbase compared to previous models, the enhanced dimensions do not automatically result in increased passenger compartment volume within the updated CLA.
Mercedes notes that although the new model offers better front and rear headroom, it has reduced rear legroom and shoulder space, with a trunk that is 1.9 cubic feet smaller as well. Standing at around six feet tall, I found the backseat of the CLA wasn't particularly spacious. Similar to what we see in the EQA and EQB models, the floor sits unusually high, which lifts your knees upward. This leaves insufficient clearance beneath the front seats for comfortably placing your feet underneath them.
The Hybrid CLA
If your desire for the new CLA includes a hybrid powertrain, you'll find yourself looking at an ostensibly similar vehicle but notice several distinctions. Chief among these is the entirely revamped underbody design, as it no longer requires space for a battery pack. This alteration leads to increased depth in the rear legroom area, enhancing comfort compared to its fully electric counterpart.
The vehicle gives up its frunk, instead featuring a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of delivering up to 190 horsepower. While Mercedes has not released specifications for the CLA hybrid model yet, base versions are expected to have front-wheel drive with an option for power delivery to the rear axle as well. In contrast, the CLA EV with a single motor uses rear-wheel drive and sits noticeably higher due to the incorporation of a floor-mounted battery.
The simplest way to distinguish between the two models is by viewing their fronts, as each features a distinct grille design. While both incorporate a star motif, the electric version boasts a fully enclosed grille with glowing stars. Additionally, Mercedes is equipping the CLA model with an illuminated logo; however, the brightness levels may vary across different markets.
Mercedes created the 1.5-liter M252 four-cylinder engine for their upcoming range of affordable vehicles, focusing on fuel efficiency. This engine operates using the Miller cycle and incorporates a 48-volt electrical setup designed to manage both the hybrid component of the drivetrain and auxiliary functions like air conditioning, ensuring these remain functional even when the engine itself is inactive and the vehicle relies solely on electric propulsion. According to previous statements from Mercedes, the highest-output variant of this engine—which will be exclusively available in the United States—produces 188 horsepower and delivers 221 pound-feet of torque. When combined with an additional boost from the hybrid system, such performance metrics appear quite promising.
All CLA hybrid models will feature an identical eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, Mercedes claims it functions more like a three-clutch system due to the integration of the electric drive motor. This additional clutch enables the engine to disconnect entirely from the wheels, permitting the vehicle to glide smoothly at speeds up to 62 mph (100 km/h). Beyond this velocity, the engine remains active.
The electric CLA likewise features a transmission. a two-speed unit This operates with the rear motor. It functions similarly to the Porsche Taycan, where the transmission is designed to boost acceleration without sacrificing high-speed cruising efficiency.
Toys
Mercedes states that none of its competitors match the CLA’s extensive list of standard features. Every car comes with LED headlamps, power-foldable side mirrors, a sports steering wheel, heated front seats, single-zone air conditioning, and four rapid-charging USB-C ports capable of delivering up to 100 watts each. In contrast, the Tesla Model 3 includes significantly more standard amenities such as ventilated front seats and heated rear seating, an additional display for passengers at the back, a separate climate control setting for those sitting behind, dual wireless smartphone chargers, and electronically adjustable components throughout.
Similar to the Model 3, the CLA comes with a full-sized panoramic glass roof as standard equipment. This extensive pane of glass significantly enhances the experience for rear-seat passengers. Just like in the Model 3, there is no shade available for this sunroof. Mercedes claims that their treatment of the glass eliminates the necessity for a cover. Despite Tesla making similar assertions regarding the Model 3, many find they can get uncomfortably hot during summertime; thus, we remain skeptical of Mercedes' claim here too.
If you're fond of displays, you'll appreciate the CLA, which makes its debut. Mercedes A fresh approach to interior styling has been introduced. The dashboard consists of a singular, uninterrupted panel featuring two or three displays. The driver will have access to a 10.25-inch screen alongside a larger 14-inch center display. Additionally, an optional feature allows for another 14-inch screen to be installed ahead of the passenger seat, providing similar functionalities to the main central screen.
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Mercedes claims it has enhanced the upscale feel inside compared to the previous model, and this is evident from both the pleasing textures used throughout and the thoughtful layout. Nonetheless, the lack of individual temperature settings for rear passengers and just two buttons on the driver’s door controlling all four windows indicates its budget-friendly status. On the bright side, ample ambient lighting adds flair; you can see these lights tracing paths beneath the primary dashboard, across the front doors, and within the central console area.
The inclusion of the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system paired with Dolby Atmos is truly standout and an essential feature for the latest CLA model.
With its EQXX -Driven design and technology make the CLA a significant advancement for the brand, but its ultimate success hinges on its price tag. While Mercedes has not disclosed the prices as of now, they are expected to announce them along with more specifics regarding the model over the coming months. Should it turn out affordable, this vehicle might just become a major winner for the company.
