The electric Mercedes CLA promises a maximum range of nearly 500 miles, and can recoup 200 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
Mercedes has unveiled its all-new CLA coupe, which is available as a full EV for the first time. Despite the CLA being one of Mercedes’ entry-level models, the German brand has thrown the kitchen sink at its new car, promising “more space, more refinement, more comfort, more intelligence and more efficiency” than before.
Looks
At first glance you wouldn’t know the new CLA is electric. It still features a wide star-studded grille, which now sits beneath some curvy headlights that are joined by an LED lightbar. The new look is akin to Mercedes’ current EQ electric models.
There’s a similar look around the back, with the light clusters and bumper treatment aiming to create a premium look. Take a closer peek and you’ll spot that both the headlights and brake lights feature Mercedes’ three-pointed star logos within them.
Inside, the CLA takes the screen real estate to the next level. As these pictures show, you can have wall-to-wall screens if you wish, although the 14-inch passenger touchscreen is optional. It does, however, feature streaming apps such as Disney+, and can even be linked to a games controller so your passenger can shoot zombies while you’re on the motorway.
Infotainment
The screens mark the debut of Mercedes’ brand-new MB.OS operating system, and a fourth-generation MBUX infotainment package. Mercedes proudly claims that the new CLA is the “cleverest” car it’s ever made, and the tech on board is a real step on from the current model, which feels just like a humble A-Class inside. The new CLA’s built-in sat nav runs Google Maps and chooses route guidance based on the state of charge, the efficiency of the battery at each charging stop and the topography of the route. Through the screen, you can even reserve a charging point, but for now this is limited to dedicated Mercedes charging parks.
There’s also MBUX Surround Navigation, which shows you a real-time view of the car in amongst its surroundings – essentially showing you the capabilities of the driver assistance systems, as we’ve seen in recent Tesla and MG models. These systems are still usually less useful than simply looking around with your eyes, mind.
The CLA offers Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability, with new features including Lane Change Assist. Currently this needs you to ask for a lane change by using the indicators, but Mercedes claims the system will be automatic in the future.
AI assistants
Two AI virtual assistants are packed into the touchscreen, reportedly allowing conversational language and follow-ups. One of Mercedes’ examples is “Hey Mercedes, what is a black hole? Explain it so that children can understand” – which could make kids’ endless ‘why’ questions a bit easier to answer.
Battery technology
For usability, the powertrain tech might be even more exciting than the interior gizmos. Running an 800V architecture (the first Mercedes to do so), the most efficient version of the CLA promises a 492-mile range, and the ability to regain 201 miles of charge in 10 minutes at a 320kW charger. A heat pump is standard to improve cold-weather efficiency.
The CLA additionally offers huge amounts of brake regeneration – Mercedes says that “almost all braking processes are carried out entirely through recuperation”. The body shape is one of the most aerodynamic of any car, there’s a 40% reduction in the car’s carbon footprint and the CLA supports bi-directional charging for Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) power flows.
Performance and powertrain options
Two models are available from launch: the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic – the latter featuring four-wheel drive. Both versions use an 85kWh battery. A 268hp electric motor is fitted to the 250+ and 0-62mph takes 6.7 seconds, while the 350 has 349hp and a sub-five-second 0-62mph time. Towing capacity stands at 1.8 tonnes.
Like a Porsche Taycan, the CLA uses a two-speed transmission for low-speed performance and high-speed efficiency. The CLA 350 can disconnect the front electric motor when it’s not needed to increase range, too.
Later on, the electric CLAs will be joined by hybrid models featuring a 1.3kWh battery and a 1.5-litre Mercedes-developed engine with three power outputs, plus a choice of front or four-wheel drive.
Dimensions
The new CLA is 35mm longer and 25mm wider than the outgoing car, and has a 61mm longer wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels). The result is a much-needed increase in passenger space. Disappointingly, the 405-litre boot is 55 litres smaller than before, although electric models counter that with a 101-litre frunk under the bonnet.
Mercedes hasn’t confirmed pricing or a release date for the new CLA yet, but expect a significant uplift from the current car’s £32,650 starting price.
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