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Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA

$45,000.00
Brand: MERCEDES
Category: Electric Cars
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Available

Drive Type: RWD, AWD
Body Type: 4 door sedan, 5 seats
Self Driving: Level 2
Airbags: Yes

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

PERFORMANCE 6 / 10
BATTERY 7 / 10
BODY 5 / 10
DISPLAYS 5 / 10
COMFORT 6 / 10
SAFETY 7 / 10

PROS

Longest real-world and rated range in its class among tested compact luxury EVs
320 kW DC peak charging with a 22-minute 10–80% benchmark — the fastest-charging Mercedes-Benz EV to date
Fourth-generation MBUX system with AI-assisted voice control and over-the-air update support

CONS

All-wheel-drive CLA 350 4MATIC loses roughly 20% range compared to the RWD CLA 250+ on the same battery
Early production units lacked 400V DC charging compatibility without a factory converter, limiting fast-charging options on non-800V networks at launch

The CLA is a compact luxury sedan (with a Shooting Brake estate variant sold outside the US) offered in rear-wheel-drive (CLA 250+) and dual-motor all-wheel-drive (CLA 350 4MATIC) configurations. It’s the first Mercedes-Benz model built on the brand’s new MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) EV-dedicated platform, and the first Mercedes-Benz to offer a native NACS charging port alongside CCS/J1772 hardware.

Powertrain & Charging

Both variants share an 85 kWh (usable) NMC lithium-ion battery on an 800-volt architecture. The CLA 250+ (RWD) is rated at up to 792 km WLTP / 374 miles EPA combined range, while the CLA 350 4MATIC (AWD) drops to roughly 672 km WLTP / 312 miles EPA — a meaningful gap for the same battery pack, largely down to the added front motor and drivetrain losses. A smaller 58 kWh LFP battery for a lower-tier entry version has been referenced by Mercedes but is not yet confirmed for sale.

Onboard AC charging runs at 11 kW. Peak DC charging is rated at 320 kW, with a 10–80% charge benchmarked at around 22 minutes. Some outlets have reported unofficial peak figures closer to 350 kW; Mercedes’ own published spec remains 320 kW. Early production units shipped without a 400V DC converter, meaning they could only fast-charge at 800V-capable stations; Mercedes has said a factory-fitted converter for 400V compatibility became standard from Spring 2026 onward.

Pricing, Fit & Context

In the US, pricing starts around $45,000 and rises to roughly $52,000 for higher-spec trims. In Europe, Mercedes-Benz France lists a starting price of €52,900. Regional pricing outside these markets has not been confirmed as of this writing.

The CLA suits buyers prioritizing range and charging speed over outright performance or interior space — a tech-focused, efficiency-minded commuter or long-distance driver rather than a family-hauler or fleet buyer, given its compact rear seating and modest boot space.

Within Mercedes’ own EV range, the CLA sits below the EQE Sedan and EQS Sedan in size and price, and above the compact EQB SUV in range and charging capability. Externally, it competes with the Tesla Model 3, BMW i4, Polestar 2, and BYD Seal. For direct SEO comparison purposes, the BMW i4 is the closest match in body style, segment, and price positioning.