Mercedes-Benz is charging into the future with its next generation of electric vehicles. The German luxury automaker has just unveiled the latest iteration of the CLA-Class sedan, and it’s a sign of exciting things to come.
Set to launch solely as an EV, the sleek four-door CLA offers a glimpse into Mercedes-Benz’s battery-powered future. The company first teased the new CLA in concept form back in 2023.
This isn’t just any entry-level vehicle. It’s the first car built on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. This flexible technology, designed to accommodate various powertrain types, will serve as the foundation for several upcoming vehicles, including the next-generation GLA and GLB SUVs.
Performance and Range
Thanks to the new MMA platform, the CLA is the most advanced EV Mercedes-Benz has produced to date. At launch, it will be available in two versions: the 250+ and the 350 4Matic.
The 250+ features a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup, producing 268 hp and 247 ft-lbs of torque. The 350 4Matic boasts a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration, delivering 349 hp and 380 ft-lbs of torque. Both models will include a two-speed transmission designed to optimize efficiency.
While they may not be extreme performance machines, they deliver respectable figures for an accessible EV. The 250+ can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, while the 350 4Matic accomplishes the same feat in 4.8 seconds. Both versions have a top speed of 130 mph. A hybrid powertrain model is also planned for a future release.
Range is a critical factor for everyday EV usability, and the CLA excels in this area. The 250+ is estimated to travel 492 miles on a single charge, while the 350 4Matic offers a range of 479 miles. These figures were achieved using the WLTP testing cycle, which is more lenient than the EPA standard, but the EPA estimate should still exceed 400 miles in both cases. The MMA platform’s 800-volt technology will also allow for DC fast charging at speeds up to 320 kW. This means drivers could potentially add around 200 miles of range with a 10-minute charge.
Design and Interior
The CLA’s design is quite impressive. The production version closely resembles the concept, a definite positive. The four-door design is sleek and more athletic than the company’s current EVs.
Inside, the CLA boasts a redesigned interior. The front features a trio of displays—a digital gauge cluster, the infotainment system, and an optional passenger screen—that span the width of the dashboard. A panoramic glass roof comes standard, providing extra headroom for rear passengers. As expected from Mercedes-Benz, a wide array of premium materials and trim options are available.
The new CLA is expected to go on sale later this year. While Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced the official pricing, The New York Times suggests that a starting price around the current $45,000 mark wouldn’t be surprising. This would also make it highly competitive with Tesla. The hybrid model is anticipated to follow sometime next year.
