The new CLA is a highly significant model for Mercedes-Benz. After a few years of EQ-branded EVs that often flattered to deceive, it heralds a new approach to electrification with EVs being brought under existing combustion-engine nameplates. This is facilitated by a new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture platform, designed to accommodate both electric and hybrid powertrains.
The CLA, previously a sleeker alternative to the A-Class, is now entering its third generation taking a more central role in Mercedes’ C-segment offering, alongside the upcoming new-generation GLA and GLB SUVs, which will sit on the same platform.
The new CLA arrives as an EV saloon, to be followed later this year by a 48V hybrid saloon and an EV Shooting Brake estate, with the range then to be completed by a 48V Shooting Brake in 2026.
Performance and drive
Undoubtedly the headline attraction with the new CLA EV is its extremely impressive official WLTP range of 484 miles (482 miles with the mid-range AMG Line Edition equipment grade tested here), making it the longest-range EV available in the UK at the time of writing. This is delivered by an 85.5kWh battery, in conjunction with measures including an advanced electric drive unit with two-speed transmission, a highly aerodynamic shape with a drag coefficient of 0.21, and a standard heat pump. When a battery recharge is eventually needed, 800V architecture means DC charging speeds of up to 320kW are possible with a compatible charger, allowing a 10-80% battery charge in 22 minutes.
The new CLA’s launch powertrain, badged 250+, features a 272hp motor driving the rear wheels (other motor and battery options are due to follow in future). Power delivery is unremarkable but smooth, and fairly punchy acceleration is possible.
As previously noted, unusually for an EV, the CLA features a two-speed gearbox, which Mercedes says is designed to allow the powertrain to shift into a higher gear at a cruise, improving efficiency. There’s no option for the driver to switch between the gears themselves, and we didn’t find shifts to be perceptible from behind the wheel.
As for the rest of the driving experience, there’s a nice rear-wheel drive balance to the CLA’s handling that makes it good at hustling down a B-road. It maybe just lacks the last little bit of sharpness from the steering, but the car’s character feels mature and well suited to regular driving. The brakes also perform well, without any of the modulation issues sometimes seen with EVs.
We found the CLA rode impressively smoothly over some severely pock-marked roads on our test route – though it can get a bit floatier over larger A-road undulations.
Design and interior
The most noteworthy feature of the new CLA’s exterior design – aside from its highly streamlined shape – is the front ‘grille’, which on this EV is actually a piece of trim with 142 Mercedes stars on it. This looks a bit underwhelming when parked up in daylight, but the stars individually illuminate to create an effect at night that should certainly attract attention.
As for the interior, the main feature of this where specced will be the MBUX Superscreen set-up, which consists of three screens running across the dashboard, including a dedicated 14in screen for the front passenger. This wasn’t fitted to our test car, which instead featured another star-patterned panel, similar to the front grille. Standard throughout the range however are a 10.25in driver display, and a 14in central touchscreen, which works well and is nicely responsive.
The new CLA is the first car to operate fully on the AI-enhanced Mercedes‑Benz Operating System. The manufacturer claims this can do things like recognise if the driver has got into the car in a bad mood and programme music accordingly – we’ll leave readers to make their own judgements about how they might respond to this in practice.
With the AMG Line Edition grade interior trim quality is good, with a nice mix of man-made leather, brushed metal and quality plastics in all the likely touch points. We also like the black and white seat trim, with the sporty front seats also offering impressive lateral support.
Rear legroom is decent, but the footwells are quite shallow, so a knee-high posture is required which might be uncomfortable over long distances. Taller adults may also find themselves tight on headroom, despite the standard sunroof lacking a cover (treatments to the glass protect against glare and heat) – these issues probably reflect the CLA’s origin as a coupe counterpart to the A-Class.
The 405-litre boot has a high lip, and the boot opening isn’t very tall which might restrict the loading of large items, though the luggage space itself is quite long. There’s also a 101-litre storage compartment under the bonnet.
Overall, we would describe the new CLA as a fundamentally good car, transformed by its highly impressive efficiency into a potentially game changing EV – one likely to be much in demand, as the extremely robust expected residual value from our data supplier Comcar shows.
Positives: Market-leading EV range, very strong expected RV, refined drive.
Negatives: Taller adults may be cramped in the back.
Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, LED headlights and DRLs, electrically folding door mirrors, rear privacy glass, heated front seats, climate control, 10.25in driver display, 14in infotainment touchscreen, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, adaptive highbeam assist, heat pump, blind spot assist, manoeuvring assist, lane keep assist, brake assist.
Engines: Electric: 272hp
Equipment grades: Sport Edition, AMG Line Edition, AMG Line Premium Edition
Transmission: Two-speed automatic
| Model | Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ AMG Line Edition |
| P11D | £49,310 |
| Residual value | 61.2% |
| Depreciation | £19,155 |
| Fuel | £2,725 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,569 |
| Cost per mile | 40.74p |
| Range | 482 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (3%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £25/£49 |
| Luggage capacity | 405 litres |
| Battery size/power | 85.5kWh/272hp |
| Score | 9/10 |
