Mercedes is moving away from the oval-shaped design approach 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 generating excitement for months with hints about the new CLA, and now we can finally uncover what all the fuss was about. This third-generation CLA represents an entirely fresh design, constructed on a brand-new platform and offered with options of electric or hybrid propulsion systems. This represents a complete overhaul of Mercedes' electric vehicle strategy, which initially faced significant challenges. .
It maintains certain design elements from the prior generation, yet it is a larger vehicle with distinct dimensions. Standing about an inch higher than its predecessor, this new model features a wheelbase extended by 2.4 inches and has an overall length increased by 1.3 inches. With a total length of 185.9 inches, it is practically the same size as a Tesla Model 3 , even though it is roughly 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, offering 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, with an expected acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. In contrast, the more powerful CLA 350 4Matic, which boasts 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 featured 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 recharge at the same impressive rate of 320 kilowatts like vehicles fitted with NMC batteries, which benefit from the CLA's remarkable top charging speed. 800-volt Architecture. Buyers in North America will have the ability to recharge directly at Tesla Superchargers, thanks to the vehicle’s inclusion of the 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 one of these ports. .
Mercedes CLA (2025)
Mercedes CLA (2025)
An additional benefit of the 800-volt architecture is enhanced operational efficiency, which helps clarify how the CLA manages to achieve nearly 800 kilometers with an 85 kWh battery capacity. Mercedes emphasized this point for our understanding. The CLA showed remarkable efficiency figures. during testing, posting a Lucid-Air-rivaling 5.17 miles per kilowatt-hour (12 kilometers per 100 megajoules).
The electric CLA stands out with its 2.5-cubic-foot front trunk, adding to the 14.3-cubic-foot rear storage space. The original generation of Mercedes-EQ vehicles lacked such a feature entirely, indicating an enhancement in design efficiency from Mercedes. Despite being marginally bigger overall—especially with a lengthened wheelbase—the updated CLA does not offer significantly more passenger or cargo volume inside its cabin.
Mercedes notes that although the new model offers enhanced front and rear headroom, it has reduced rear legroom and shoulder space. Additionally, the trunk capacity is down by 1.9 cubic feet. As someone around six feet tall, I found the backseat of the CLA to be quite cramped. Similar to what we see in the EQA and EQB models, the floor sits unusually high, elevating your knees. This leaves insufficient space beneath the front seats for comfortably placing your feet.
The Hybrid CLA
If you're interested in getting the new CLA with a hybrid engine, you'll find a vehicle that appears similar at first glance but has several notable distinctions. The most significant change lies in the entirely redesigned underbody structure, 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 producing up to 190 horsepower. While Mercedes has not released specifications for the CLA hybrid model, entry-level versions will have front-wheel drive, with an option to send power to the rear wheels as well. In contrast, the CLA EV with a single motor uses rear-wheel drive and sits noticeably higher due to the placement of the battery under the floor.
It will be easiest to tell the two apart when looking at them from the front, since they have different grille designs. Both have a star pattern, but the EV’s grille is completely closed off and has illuminated stars. Mercedes is also introducing an illuminated badge in the CLA, but the level of illumination will differ depending on the market.
Mercedes developed the 1.5-liter M252 four-cylinder engine for its new line of entry-level models with efficiency in mind. It runs on the Miller cycle, and it uses a 48-volt electrical system to power not only the hybrid part of the powertrain but also to run the air conditioning, which remains active even when the engine is off and the car is running only on electricity. Mercedes has previously said that the most powerful version of the engine—the only version slated for the U.S.—will make 188 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a hybrid system making more power, that should be plenty.
The transmission in all CLA hybrids will be the same eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, which Mercedes actually says is a three-clutch with the electric drive motor integrated. The third clutch is used to disengage the engine from the wheels completely, allowing the car to coast at up to 62 mph (100 km/h). Above this speed, the engine stays on.
The electric CLA also has a transmission, a two-speed unit This operates with the rear motor. It’s akin to the Porsche Taycan, where the transmission is designed to boost acceleration without sacrificing high-speed cruising efficiency.
Toys
Mercedes says no other rival matches the CLA’s level of standard equipment. All cars get LED headlights, power-folding mirrors, a sport steering wheel, heated front seats, single-zone climate control and four fast-charging 100-watt USB-C ports. However, the Tesla Model 3 gets a lot more standard equipment, including cooled front seats and heated rear seats, a screen in the back for rear occupants, who also get a third climate control zone, a double wireless phone charger and electrically adjustable everything.
Similar to the Model 3, the CLA comes with a full-sized panoramic glass roof as standard equipment. This extensive glass pane significantly enhances the experience of sitting in the rear seats. Just like in the Model 3, there is no shade available for the glass roof. Mercedes claims that their treatment of the glass eliminates the necessity for a cover. However, since Tesla asserts the same thing about the Model 3 but occupants can still overheat during summertime, we're not inclined to fully trust Mercedes' statement regarding this feature.
If you like screens, then you’ll like the CLA, which debuts Mercedes A fresh approach to interior styling has been adopted. The dashboard consists of a singular, uninterrupted panel featuring two or three displays. Behind the wheel, occupants will find a 10.25-inch screen alongside a larger 14-inch center touchscreen. Additionally, an optional feature allows for another 14-inch screen to be installed ahead of the front-seat passenger, providing similar functionalities as the main central unit.
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Mercedes claims it has enhanced the upscale feel inside compared to the previous version, and this is evident with the high-quality materials used and the thoughtful layout. Nonetheless, features like rear air conditioning controls are missing, and controlling all four windows from just two buttons on the driver’s door reflects its budget-friendly status. Still, there is ample ambient lighting, which traces the lower edge of the primary dashboard, extends across the front door panels, and even illuminates the central console area.
The inclusion of the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system featuring Dolby Atmos is truly outstanding and an essential feature for the latest CLA model.
With its EQXX -Driven design and technology elevate the CLA as a significant advancement for the brand, yet its ultimate triumph hinges on its cost. While Mercedes has not disclosed the prices just yet, they are expected to announce them within the coming months along with further specifics of the model. Should it prove affordable, this vehicle might well become a major winner for the company.