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 propulsion options.
- It needs to arrive at dealerships before the year ends.
Mercedes has been generating excitement around the new CLA for months through various teasers, 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. It offers options of either fully 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 earlier version, yet it appears larger with altered dimensions. Standing about one inch higher than its predecessor, this vehicle boasts a 2.4-inch extended wheelbase and an additional 1.3 inches in total length. With a length of 185.9 inches, it is practically the same size as a
Tesla Model 3
, even though they are approximately 10% heavier.
The inside has been entirely refreshed and now includes Mercedes’ latest entertainment setup capable of accommodating up to three displays upfront. The CLA’s passenger compartment boasts premium materials designed for an enhanced experience; notably, one material derived from recycled paper offers both aesthetic appeal and tactile comfort. As claimed by Mercedes, this particular surface resists staining even when exposed to spills like coffee.
We’ve discussed
the MMA platform
This forms the basis of the new CLA sedan extensively. Additionally, it will be utilized in a station-wagon variant of the CLA, along with future versions replacing the present model.
EQA
and
EQB
crossovers
(though with different names)
The latter should provide a seating arrangement for seven people similar to the current model available now.
The Electric CLA
The electric variant of the CLA will come equipped with two different battery capacities: either 58 kilowatt-hours or 85 kWh. This larger battery provides the single-engine CLA 250+ model with an estimated WLTP driving range of up to 492 miles (792 kilometers), based on the more lenient WLTP testing standards. However, opting for the higher-performance dual-engine CLA 350 4Matic reduces this range slightly to 479 miles (771 kilometers).
At launch, the CLA 250+ will serve as the entry-level model, offering 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.6 seconds. In contrast, the more powerful CLA 350 4MATIC, which delivers 349 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, can achieve the same acceleration in just 4.8 seconds. However, both versions have their top speeds electronically capped at 130 mph.
Mercedes has not released any details regarding the smaller 58-kWh LFP battery, which will be included 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 remarkable high-speed charging thanks to the CLA’s technology.
800-volt
Architecture. Buyers in North America will have the capability to recharge directly at Tesla Superchargers, thanks to the vehicle’s inclusion of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.
If you already own a J1772 plug for home or workplace use (which is the slower charging part of 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 partially accounts for the CLA’s ability to achieve nearly 800 kilometers with an 85 kWh battery capacity. Mercedes emphasized this point when sharing information about the vehicle.
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 due to its 2.5-cubic-foot front trunk, enhancing the vehicle’s storage capacity alongside the 14.3-cubic-foot rear compartment. In comparison to first-gen Mercedes-EQ models, which lacked such features entirely, this indicates significant progress in design efficiency. Despite being marginally bigger overall with an extended wheelbase, the enhanced dimensions do not guarantee more spacious interiors within the cabin.
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 to be quite cramped. Similar to what we’ve seen in the EQA and EQB models, the floor sits unusually high, elevating your knees. This leaves insufficient clearance beneath the front seats for comfortably tucking your feet underneath them.
The Hybrid CLA
If you want the new CLA with a hybrid powertrain, you get what looks like the same car but with quite a few differences. The biggest one is the completely different floorpan, which no longer needs to hold the battery. That means the rear footwells are deeper, making the hybrid more comfortable than the pure EV.
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 specific details about the CLA hybrid’s specifications, base versions will come equipped with front-wheel drive, though power can potentially be directed 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 within its 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.
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 allows for complete decoupling of the engine from the wheels, enabling the vehicle to glide smoothly at speeds up to 62 mph (100 km/h) without using the gasoline engine. Beyond this threshold, 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 boasts an even greater array of standard amenities such as ventilated front seats along with heated rear ones, a display specifically designed for passengers at the back, individual climate controls for them, dual wireless smartphone chargers, and electronically adjustable components throughout.
Similar to the Model 3, the CLA comes with a full-size panoramic glass roof as standard equipment. This extensive glass panel significantly enhances the comfort of sitting at the rear. Just like in the Model 3, there is no sunshade for the glass roof. Mercedes claims that their treatment of the glass eliminates the necessity for a shade. Tesla has made similar statements regarding the Model 3, yet many find they can overheat during summertime; hence, we’ll keep our doubts concerning Mercedes’ claim.
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 between two to three displays. The driver benefits from a 10.25-inch screen alongside a larger 14-inch center screen. Additionally, an optional feature allows for another 14-inch screen to be installed in front of the passenger seat, providing similar functionalities as the main central display.
More Mercedes CLA Stories
- The New Mercedes-Benz CLA Seeks to Surpass Lucid’s Fuel Efficiency
- The Mercedes CLA EV Will Feature Both Tesla NACS and Type 1 (J1772) Connectors (UPDATED)
- Mercedes Hints at Upcoming 2026 CLA Plug-In Sedan
- Stylish New Entry-Level Electric Mercedes CLA Seen as Tesla Model 3 Competitor [Video]
- Multichannel Battery Systems, Solar Coating: Mercedes’ Perspective on Tomorrow’s Innovations
- How Mercedes’ Wildest Experiment Led to Its Most Crucial Electric Vehicle Until Now
Mercedes claims they have enhanced the luxurious feel inside compared to the previous model, and this improvement is evident with the high-quality materials used and the thoughtful design. Nonetheless, the lack of rear air conditioning controls and just two buttons on the driver’s door for operating all four windows reflects its status as an entry-level offering. The vehicle does offer ample ambient lighting, however, which extends beneath the primary dashboard, across the front door panels, and into the central console area.
The inclusion of the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system featuring Dolby Atmos is truly standout and an essential upgrade 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 pricing as of now, these specifics are expected to emerge over the coming months along with more information regarding the model. Should it prove affordable, Mercedes might indeed find itself with quite a winner on their hands.
