UK order books have opened for the all-new Mercedes CLA, with prices for the sleek EV starting at £45,615.
The new all-electric model is on sale now, with first customer deliveries expected in the autumn. A 48V petrol/electric hybrid will join the range later in the year.
From launch, the Mercedes CLA comes in three trim levels – Sport Edition, AMG Line Edition and AMG Line Premium Edition.
All versions include a panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, heated seats, privacy glass, adaptive cruise control and a 14-inch touchscreen running the fourth generation of Mercedes’ MBUX operating system. An illuminated grille featuring 142 individually animated LED chrome-effect stars is also standard.
The £49,375 AMG Line Edition adds an AMG body kit, flush-fitting door handles and animated surround lighting.
It also brings keyless entry and start with digital key compatibility, a Nappa leather steering wheel, ambient lighting and wireless phone charging.
The AMG Line Premium Edition starts at £51,770 and replaces the standard 18-inch alloy wheels with 19-inch designs, adds more advanced adaptive lighting and a ‘Night Package’.
Currently, only one powertrain is available, with more battery and motor options coming later. The CLA 250+ features a 268bhp motor driving the rear wheels that delivers 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds.
An 85kWh battery provides up to 484 miles of range and 320kW charging capability.
However, the lack of a DC-to-DC converter means the new CLA will only work with the latest and fastest public EV chargers – making it incompatible with most of the UK’s existing charging network.
This limitation stems from the advanced 800V architecture underpinning the new car. The CLA is the first vehicle built on Mercedes’ new MMA platform, which supports both pure-EV and hybrid powertrains.
The platform will underpin three additional models in coming years, including a shooting brake and two SUVs – one likely replacing the current EQA.
Alongside the MMA platform vehicles, Mercedes is developing cars built on dedicated EV architecture. New passenger models like the GLC will use the MB.EA platform, while performance EVs – including an upcoming Porsche Taycan rival from AMG – will use a heavily modified version called AMG.EA.
Simultaneously, a new range of electric vans will use the VAN.EA platform, recently showcased with the Vision V.
