800 km range, 800 V charging: the all-new electric Mercedes CLA

After a series of runner-up events and info leaks, Mercedes has officially revealed the all-new CLA, a mold for the brand’s new entry-level lineup and a landmark step in battery efficiency.

However, the new CLA introduces substantial advancements in electric and combustion-powered variants. Think of cutting-edge technology, enhanced aerodynamics, and impressive efficiency figures leading up to a whopping range of 792 kilometers.

The CLA will be available as a fully electric model for the first time, shedding the EQ branding previously used for Mercedes’ EV lineup. Instead, the electric CLA variants will be distinguished by the label “with EQ Technology,” aligning them with the brand’s naming structure introduced by the all-electric G-Class.

The automaker’s previous strategy of maintaining separate branding for electric vehicles—often referred to as a culprit for slower sales than rival BMW—is ending.

Historic: a frunk

Despite its larger exterior dimensions (+4 centimeters), the new CLA is slightly less spacious for rear-seat passengers due to packaging constraints associated with its electric architecture.

Cargo capacity has also decreased slightly in the sedan variant (-55 liters), though electric versions compensate with an additional 101 liters of front trunk space. This is the first time a Mercedes vehicle has featured a frunk in nearly 90 years. Even the EQ models skipped it.

Inside, the CLA embraces a futuristic design with the MBUX Superscreen, spanning almost the entire dashboard. Standard features include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch central infotainment display, while an optional third 14-inch screen for the front passenger can be added. 

The system integrates Mercedes’ latest AI-powered software, leveraging Google Maps for navigation and incorporating various smart assistant functions powered by ChatGPT and Google Gemini. The German carmaker promises faster and wider spanning over-the-air updates, no longer embedded in facelift cycles.

The dashboard’s further minimalist approach replaces physical climate controls with touchscreen-based adjustments, a decision likely to divide consumer opinion. Volkswagen and Hyundai have already decided to reverse this trend, but in this respect, the CLA is still very much a digital native spawned from the screen mania period.

Dual engine pleasures

Mercedes affirms its preliminary information: the electric CLA will be offered in two primary configurations: the CLA 250+ with rear-wheel drive and the CLA 350 4MATIC with an additional motor on the front axle for all-wheel drive capability. 

The single-motor CLA 250+ delivers 272 horsepower and 335 Nm of torque, while the dual-motor CLA 350 4MATIC boosts output to 354 hp and 515 Nm. Despite the added weight of an all-wheel-drive setup, the efficiency difference between the two models is marginal.

The rear-wheel-drive version achieves an industry-leading range of up to 792 kilometers on the WLTP cycle, while the AWD model follows closely at 771 kilometers. These are game-changing range figures, attractive to customers in doubt, achieved by an official consumption of 12.2 kWh per 100 km.

This remarkable range is partly due to the CLA’s aerodynamic profile, which achieves a class-leading drag coefficient of just 0.21. Flush door handles, carefully sculpted airflow channels, and a sleek overall design contribute to minimizing resistance and maximizing electron consumption. 

Power your home 

Another key factor is Mercedes’ new 800-volt architecture, which improves energy flows and weight and allows for ultra-fast DC charging of up to 325 kW. In optimal conditions, the CLA can regain 325 kilometers of range in ten minutes. However, few stations in Europe support such charging rates.

The electric models utilize an 85 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack, which has been designed for maximum energy density and longevity. A more affordable version with a 58 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery will follow later, offering a lower price point but reduced range.

Mercedes has also engineered the CLA with bidirectional charging capability, allowing it to serve as an energy storage unit for homes or the power grid. However, this feature will be activated via an over-the-air update later and subject to regional regulations.

Bye, bye diesel

As unveiled before, Mercedes also offers the CLA a revised combustion powertrain that goes beyond the electric variants. The entry-level model features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine running on the Miller cycle, paired with a mild-hybrid 48-volt system.

This gasoline-powered version, available with either front—or all-wheel drive, is expected to be the most affordable option in the CLA lineup. Unlike its predecessor, the new CLA will not have a diesel engine.

Mercedes’ Modular Architecture (MMA) is underpinning the new CLA, which has been designed from the ground up to support electric and hybrid powertrains.

The platform incorporates a two-speed transmission for the electric models, improving efficiency at high speeds while maintaining strong acceleration. Introduced by Porsche on the first Taycan, the two-speed transmission hasn’t seen much cult following among BEVs so far.

The CLA’s chassis includes a new multi-link rear suspension derived from Mercedes’ larger sedans, promising a smoother ride than its predecessor. Pricing details have yet to be announced.