- Electric Vehicles
- MERCEDES
- Mercedes-Benz CLA
Mercedes-Benz CLA
- Drive Type: RWD, AWD
- Body Type: 4 door sedan, 5 seats
- Self Driving: Level 2
- Airbags: Yes
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.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Images
Full Electric Vehicle Specifications
MODEL
| Full Model Name | Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ / CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology |
| Generation | 1st generation (all-electric CLA) |
| Segment / Class | Compact luxury sedan |
| Available Trims / Variants | CLA 250+ (RWD), CLA 350 4MATIC (AWD); Shooting Brake estate offered outside the US |
| Powertrain Options | Single motor RWD, dual motor AWD |
| Additional Notes | First Mercedes-Benz on the new MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) EV platform |
LAUNCH
| Reveal Date | Late 2025 |
| Launch Year | 2026 |
| Availability Status | On sale in Europe and the US |
| Brand / Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Assembly Country | Germany |
| Markets Available | Europe, United States; other regions not yet confirmed |
| Grey Market Import | N/A — sold as a factory global-market model, no import-market framing applies |
| Base Price (USD) | From €52,900 (Germany); from ~$45,000 (US, before destination fee — ~$47,250 MSRP with destination) |
BATTERY
| Battery Capacity |
58 kWh usable - Mercedes CLA 200 85 kWh usable - Mercedes CLA 250+ 85 kWh usable - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC |
| Battery Chemistry | NMC lithium-ion |
| Battery Architecture | 800-volt |
| Thermal Management | Multi-stage high-voltage safety system with cell-level monitoring |
| Range (WLTP/CLTC/EPA) | CLA 250+ — up to 792 km WLTP / 374 miles EPA. CLA 350 4MATIC — up to 672 km WLTP / 312 miles EPA |
| Energy Consumption | ~267 Wh/mile (250+), ~286 Wh/mile (350 4MATIC), per EPA ratings |
| Regen Braking (Max kW) | Up to 200 kW |
| Heat Pump | |
| AC Charging (Max kW) | 11 kW |
| DC Charging (Max kW) |
320 kW |
| Charging Time (10–80%) | ~22 minutes |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years / 100,000 miles (US figure; may vary by market) |
| Battery Energy Density | New silicon-oxide/graphite anode design, ~20% density improvement over prior Mercedes EV batteries |
| Battery Preheating | Included as part of thermal management system |
| Additional Notes | Early production units lacked a 400V DC converter; factory-fitted converter standard from Spring 2026 |
PERFORMANCE
| Motor Type | Permanently excited synchronous motor(s) |
| Motor Configuration | Rear-only (250+), Front + Rear (350 4MATIC) |
| Front Motor Output (kW / HP) | N/A (250+) / part of combined 260 kW system (350 4MATIC) |
| Rear Motor Output (kW / HP) | 00 kW / 268 hp (250+) |
| Power Output (kW / hp) | 268 hp / 247 lb-ft (250+); 349 hp / 380 lb-ft (350 4MATIC) |
| Peak Power (kW / hp) | 320 kW combined (350 4MATIC) |
| Torque (Nm) | 335 Nm (250+); 515 Nm (350 4MATIC) |
| 0–100 km/h / 0-60 mph (seconds) The acceleration numbers are an easy way to compare car performance. We list either time from 0 to 100 km/h or time from 0 to 60mph, depending on which number(s) the manufacturers provide. The lower the acceleration time, the higher performance the car is. | 6.6–6.7 sec (250+); 4.5–4.8 sec (350 4MATIC) |
| Top Speed (km/h / mph) | 130 mph / 209 km/h (electronically limited) |
| Transmission / Drive | Two-speed transmission on rear drive unit; RWD or AWD |
| Traction Control Steps | Standard ESC/ABS-integrated system |
| Additional Notes | Uses a new "one-box" brake system combining recuperation and friction braking |
BODY
| Body Style | 4-door sedan; Shooting Brake estate (non-US markets) |
| Platform / Architecture | MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) |
| Dimensions (L×W×H mm) | 185.9 x 73.0 x 57.8 in (4723 x 1855 x 1468 mm) |
| Drag Coefficient (Cd) | 0.21 Cd |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 109.8 in (2790 mm) |
| Kerb Weight (kg) |
EU: 2045 kg unladen, 2500 kg gross - Mercedes CLA 200 EU: 2055 kg unladen, 2510 kg gross - Mercedes CLA 250+ EU: 2135 kg unladen, 2575 kg gross - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC |
| Suspension (Front / Rear) | Three-link front, multi-link rear; passive dampers standard |
| Wheel Size (inches) | R17, R18, R19 |
| Trunk/Boot Capacity (L) | 405 litres (EU spec); 10.3–16.8 cu ft depending on measurement method (US spec) |
| Frunk/Bonnet Capacity (L) | 101 litres (~1.4 cu ft) |
| Towing Capacity (kg) |
EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1500 kg braked - Mercedes CLA 200 EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1500 kg braked - Mercedes CLA 250+ EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1800 kg braked - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC |
| Sunroof | fixed glass roof standard |
| Additional Notes | Pop-out door handles use cable-based (non-electronic) release mechanism |
SAFETY
| Airbags (count) | Front, side, curtain (1st/2nd row), knee airbags |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Standard |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | Standard |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) | Standard, tire-specific |
| Child Seat Anchors (ISOFIX / LATCH) | Standard rear child seat anchors |
| 360° Camera / Surround View | Available (PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist) |
| Driver Assistance (ADAS) | MB.DRIVE ASSIST, MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS/PRO (market-dependent) |
| ADAS Features | Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping/Change Assist, Driver Monitoring |
| Autonomous Driving Level | SAE Level 2 (Level 2++ with DRIVE ASSIST PRO where regulatory approval exists — China from 2025, US planned 2026) |
| Over-the-Air (OTA) Safety Updates | Yes |
COMFORT
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Power Seats | Standard front, heated; ventilation and massage available on higher trims |
| Climate Control | Standard; single-zone base, dual-zone available |
| Steering Wheel | Multi-function, partially touch-sensitive controls (physical rocker/roller added for cruise/volume from Spring 2026 production) |
| Roof Type | Panoramic glass sunroof |
| Gear Selector | Column-mounted stalk; no dedicated Park position (uses Neutral + handbrake) |
| Bluetooth / Wi-Fi | Standard |
| Wireless Charging | Available |
| Parking Aids | Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera, self parking, remote parking assist |
| Additional Notes | No four-wheel or variable-ratio steering; no active/adaptive suspension offered on CLA (available on related MMA models like the GLB) |
DISPLAYS
| Centre Screen (inches) | MBUX Superscreen configuration available |
| Driver's Display (inches) | 10.3" |
| Head-Up Display (HUD) | Available |
| Rear Passenger Screen | 14-inch passenger display (Superscreen package) |
| Operating System | MB.OS with 4th-generation MBUX |
| Mirror Link / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Supported |
| Voice Control | AI-based MBUX Virtual Assistant (Microsoft/Google-integrated) |
| Additional Notes | Navigation uses Google Maps data with Electric Intelligence route/charging-stop planning |
LIGHTING
| Headlight Type (LED/Matrix/Laser) | LED standard; matrix LED optional |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | LED, illuminated three-pointed star design |
| Adaptive Headlights | Available (LED Intelligent Light System) |
| Additional Notes | 142 illuminated chrome-effect stars integrated into front grille panel; matching illuminated rear light band |
INFOTAINMENT & AUDIO
| Sound System Brand | Burmester (higher trims) |
| Speaker Count | 16 speakers, 850 watts, Dolby Atmos support |
| Navigation System | Standard, Google Maps-based |
| USB Ports (count/type) | Four 100-watt USB-C ports |
| Additional Notes | Zero Layer UI surfaces recently used apps and contextual suggestions |
TECHNOLOGY
| Smartphone App Control | Yes (Mercedes Me app) |
| Keyless Entry / Start | Standard; HANDS-FREE ACCESS and KEYLESS-GO available |
| Remote Parking | Available (Active Parking Assist) |
| Digital Key | Available |
| AI Assistant | MBUX Virtual Assistant |
| Over-the-Air Map Updates | Yes, including ADAS functions |
OWNERSHIP
| Official Dealer Network | Mercedes-Benz dealer network (Europe, US) |
| Import Duty Class | N/A — factory global retail model, not import-classified |
| Grey Market Support | N/A — not applicable to this model's sales structure |
| Resale Value | Not yet established (new model) |
| Roadside Assistance | Standard per regional Mercedes-Benz warranty terms |
| Additional Notes | Pricing and availability in additional global markets not yet announced |
Note
| Data Source | Mercedes-Benz USA, Mercedes-Benz France (official specs/pricing), Edmunds, Autocar, Electrifying, evchargingstations.com (independent testing/reporting) |
| Last Updated | July 2026 |
Disclaimer Note
Specifications sourced from manufacturer data and may reflect WLTP, CLTC, or EPA test conditions. Import prices in your local are estimates based on grey-market landing costs and exclude duties, clearing fees, and local taxes. Figures are subject to change without notice. Always verify with your local importer before purchase. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct
