Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its new CLA EV with a range of 492 miles and efficiency of 5.09m/kWh, setting new benchmarks in the electric vehicle market.
The compact executive saloon outperforms all current production EVs in range, surpassing even Mercedes’ flagship EQS saloon which offers 481 miles from a larger 118kWh battery. The 2025 CLA achieves its impressive range using a smaller 85kWh battery pack.
While the EQS starts at nearly £120,000, the new CLA is expected to be priced between £45,000-£50,000, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Polestar 2 and Tesla Model 3.
The exceptional efficiency comes from aerodynamic design and powertrain advancements, including a 20% increase in battery energy density and a new two-speed transmission.
This transmission system, similar to that used in the Porsche Taycan, enables quick acceleration from standstill while maintaining efficiency at highway speeds.
Two motor options will be available at launch. The CLA 250+ features a 268bhp rear-mounted motor delivering the headline 492-mile range. The CLA 350+ adds a front motor for all-wheel drive and 349bhp total output while still achieving 4.97m/kWh efficiency.
The 250+ completes 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds, while the more powerful 350+ cuts this to 4.9 seconds.
Built on 800V architecture, the CLA supports 320kW charging as standard, allowing the 250+ to add 200 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
Mercedes has revised its design approach after feedback on the EQE and EQS models. The new CLA evolves the previous generation’s styling while achieving a drag coefficient of 0.21. The front features a smooth grille with the Mercedes star surrounded by 142 individually lit and animated stars, with the three-pointed design repeated in the daytime running lights.
The cabin focuses on essential elements with high-tech features taking center stage.
The new Superscreen spans the entire dashboard, combining a 10.25-inch driver display with two 14-inch screens — one central touchscreen and another for the front passenger.
This system runs on Mercedes’ in-house developed operating system with AI integration from Google and Microsoft powering a voice-controlled virtual assistant. The interface adopts a smartphone-inspired design for app management.
A floating two-piece center console and door cards complement the standard panoramic roof to create an airy cabin atmosphere.
The Mercedes CLA EV is expected to arrive in UK showrooms this autumn, with a 48V hybrid variant following later in the year.
