Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the configurator for its eagerly anticipated entry-level electric CLA. Powered by a smaller lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, the CLA 200 ships for €49,610 in Belgium, almost €6,000 less than the CLA 250+ with NMC pack.
The German carmaker has built its new four-door coupé on its modular MMA platform, which underpins its next-generation electric vehicles. The more affordable LFP (lithium-ferro-phosphate) battery technology at the heart of the CLA 200 represents a deliberate step away from the NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) chemistry used in the higher trims.
While this solution offers lower energy density, it is known for its robustness, longevity, and safety. But crucially, it lowers production costs by requiring fewer critical materials. And so it drives down the retail price.
Leasing offers go down as well. Where the 250+ starts at €629 (as quoted by DirectLease), the 200 requires a monthly down payment of €573. For a Tesla Model 3 Standard, the amount is €536. Starting at €756, a BMW i4 eDrive35 is more expensive.
541 kilometers of range
Due to its smaller capacity (58 kWh) and lower density, the 790-kilometer record range in the 250+ drops to a WLTP range of 540 kilometers, which is still practical. Mercedes cites an efficiency figure of 12.3 kWh per 100 km, keeping it competitive with segment leaders, such as Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 and the VW ID.7.
The peak for rapid charging is also reduced: from 350 kW to 200 kW. However, as there’s less battery capacity, DC charging from 10 to 80 percent actually happens faster than in the higher-end version: 20 minutes.
The CLA 200’s single rear-mounted motor produces 165 kW, sending power to the back wheels for a 0–100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The figures are definitely a step back compared to the 220 kW CLA 250+ (6.7) or the dual-motor 350 4MATIC with 260 kW (4.9), but Mercedes is banking on the lower price and still convincing range to attract a broader clientele. Meanwhile, top speed remains unaltered at 210 km/h.
Luckily, the equipment list doesn’t shed all of the high-tech. A heat pump, adaptive lighting, and a charging cable (7 meters) are included. Those who want the added features, such as facial recognition or the illuminated front grille, will need to take a closer look at the available packs.
A bridge model
The CLA 200 arrives as the European electric car market begins to cool, a trend that premium manufacturers are countering with sharper pricing and expanded range. Competition is intensifying.
Tesla’s recently updated Model 3, the Standard, undercuts the CLA 200 by more than 10,000 euros (€36,990) while offering faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds) and a similar range (520 km).
Mercedes hopes the LFP-based CLA will act as a bridge between its luxury EVs and a younger audience seeking a premium badge without the premium price tag.
The company is also expected to expand the CLA family with at least one additional electric variant — potentially a CLA 250 without the ‘plus’ in its name, offering around 200 kW and 700 kilometres of range — alongside a plug-in hybrid and a shooting brake version later on.
