Mercedes-Benz CLA 250e PHEV Prototypes Do A Poor Job At Hiding Their Identity

After the new-gen A-Class and B-Class, it’s now time for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA to go down the plug-in hybrid route.

Two prototypes of the CLA 250e Coupe and Shooting Brake were spotted by our spy photographers in northern Sweden. And while they could easily fly under the radar, as they don’t sport any camo that would attract attention, there are a couple of things that give them away; namely, a plug-in port on the right rear fender and ‘250e’ badges on the tailgate that are visible beneath the black tape.

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The CLA 250e will use the same powertrain as the plug-in hybrid versions of the A-Class and B-Class, which pack a 1.3-liter four-pot paired to an electric motor, for a total output of 218 PS (215 hp / 160 kW) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. The hatchback is quicker than the sedan and people carrier, needing 6.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph), and will max out at 235 km/h (146 mph).

In the WLTP test cycle, the four- and five-door versions of the A-Class have an electric range of 61-69 km (38-43 miles) and 60-68 km (37-42 miles), respectively, whereas the B-Class can travel on zero emissions for 56-67 km (35-42 miles) with the 15.6 kWh battery fully charged. Recharging it from 10 to 100 percent takes 1 hour and 45 minutes, or only 25 minutes from 10 to 80 percent, with a fast charger.

We expect the CLA 250e Coupe and Shooting Brake to debut sometime next year.