All-New Mercedes-Benz CLA goes electric: Huge range, quick charging, and classic style

KUALA LUMPUR:  Mercedes-Benz has revealed its latest all-electric sedan, the CLA, marking the beginning of a new era for the brand’s compact vehicles.

Positioned as a high-tech and highly efficient model, the new CLA represents Mercedes-Benz’s next generation of electric mobility.

Mercedes-Benz is taking a straightforward route with the new CLA, dropping the EQ branding and returning to traditional naming conventions.

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The electric models now simply carry familiar badges like CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC—no more explicit "electric" labels here.

Underneath, the CLA is built on the new MMA platform featuring advanced 800-volt architecture.

This translates to some serious numbers: the CLA 250+ offers rear-wheel drive with 200 kW (268 hp) and 335 Nm of torque, hitting 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.

Want more punch? The CLA 350 4MATIC adds a front axle motor (externally sourced, 80 kW) for all-wheel drive, boosting total output to 260 kW (349 hp) and 515 Nm, sprinting from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

Both variants share a large 85 kWh usable NMC battery pack, delivering impressive WLTP ranges of up to 783 km for the CLA 250+ and slightly less at 771 km for the CLA 350 4MATIC.

Efficiency is a highlight, with energy consumption rated between 12.2 to 14.1 kWh per 100 km.

Charging speed also gets a notable upgrade. Thanks to the 800-volt system, peak charging can hit up to 320 kW, meaning you can replenish around 325 km (CLA 250+) or 315 km (CLA 350 4MATIC) of range in just 10 minutes.

Average charging from 10% to 80% hovers at a solid 162 kW. Mercedes even added a reservation system for charging spots (initially for Germany and the US), complete with automatic battery preconditioning.

A neat touch is the introduction of a multi-level recuperation control system—managed via vehicle controls rather than paddles—maximizing regenerative braking. Almost all braking can be handled through this recuperation, boosting overall efficiency.

Mercedes is keeping its standard battery warranty, promising at least 70% battery health for 8 years or 160,000 km.

Inside, the CLA steps things up. There's now an optional full-width MBUX Superscreen, extensive use of sustainable recycled materials, and a standard multi-source heat pump that enhances cabin comfort and battery management.

Cabin space improves slightly, especially headroom and legroom upfront, while the addition of a 51-liter front trunk (frunk) adds practicality—even on AWD models.

The exterior design stays in line with traditional Mercedes styling, keeping it close to the combustion-engine version, but with modern touches like an illuminated grille and animated lighting sequences.

Finally, post-launch updates will bring bidirectional charging (V2G/V2H) capability, and the CLA integrates Google's Automotive AI Agent and Maps for smarter, intuitive navigation tailored to EV needs.

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