- Mercedes has introduced the third-gen CLA, which will offer hybrid and electric powertrains.
- The electric versions offer up to 349 hp as well as WLTP ranges between 418 and 492 miles.
- The exterior design is evolutionary, but the cabin goes for a minimalist aesthetic heavy on screens.
The Mercedes CLA helped pioneer the affordable four-door coupe and now the model is entering its third-generation. While the design isn’t too much of a departure, this isn’t your father’s CLA.
That’s immediately apparent as the new electric variants have a ‘radiant face panel’ that replaces the traditional single bar grille. It features an illuminated star emblem as well as 142 individually lit mini stars.
More: Mercedes Teases Baby G-Class, Electric E-Class, And More
Buyers will also find sweptback headlights that are connected by a thin illuminated strip. LED headlights are standard, but the optional Multibeam LED headlights are notable for having a daytime running light signature in the form of the Mercedes-Benz star.
While the front end will likely prove divisive, the rest of the car is more familiar. It features streamlined bodywork, available flush-mounted door handles, and a class-leading drag coefficient starting at 0.21.
Elsewhere, designers installed starry taillights and aerodynamically optimized wheels ranging in sizes from 17- to 19-inches. Customers will also find a host of options including AMG Line, AMG Line Plus, and Night packages.
As with most new vehicles, the Mercedes CLA has grown in size. The model now measures 185.9 inches (4,722 mm) long, which is an increase of 1.6 inches (41 mm). Wheelbase is up 2.4 inches (61 mm) to 109.8 inches (2,789 mm) and this provides a tad more front legroom. However, the already tight rear seat sees legroom decline to 33.6 inches (853 mm).
A Soulless Interior Focused On Screens And AI
Remember how cool and revolutionary the interior of the original Mercedes CLS was? Its elegant mix of flowing wood trim and stylish leather was unforgettable.
Compare that to the new CLA and it looks like a soulless transportation pod. Mercedes went for a minimalist design and it’s not terribly remarkable other than the available MBUX Superscreen, which consists of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display. Customers who don’t pony up the extra dough will be treated to a “trim element with a star pattern graphic” to remind them of their cheapness.
We’ll learn full equipment details closer to launch, but Mercedes said all models will come equipped with a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, heated power fronts seats, a panoramic fixed glass roof, and a single-zone climate control system. Customers will also find brushed aluminum, open-pore wood, or “Gold Anthracite anodized look” trim.
While legroom is a mixed bag, Mercedes noted the CLA EV has a frunk that holds 2.5 cubic feet (71 liters) of cargo. That’s on top of the trunk’s 14.3 cubic feet (405 liters) of luggage space.
Getting back to screens, the CLA runs the all-new Mercedes-Benz Operating System. It’s essentially the fourth-generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system and uses artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google.
Mercedes repeatedly hammered the AI point home and noted customers will find a new MBUX Virtual Assistant that “transforms the relationship between vehicle and driver” thanks to generative AI. This assistant is billed as a “living avatar” that takes the form of a Mercedes star.
Speaking of AI, the system uses ChatGPT4o and Microsoft Bing as well as Google Gemini. The latter focuses on navigation-related questions and this is because the CLA’s “navigation experience is based on Google Maps.”
Two Electric Powertrains At Launch, Hybrids To Follow
At launch, there will be two electric variants known as the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology. While both have terrible names, the CLA 250+ has a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 6.6 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). Customers can also expect a WLTP range of 431-492 miles (694-792 km).
The CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology is positioned as a performance variant and it has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra oomph and traction, 60 mph (96 km/h) comes in 4.8 seconds. While the top speed remains unchanged, the range drops to 418-479 miles (672-771 km).
Both have an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an 800-volt electric architecture that allows for a DC fast charging capability of up to 320 kW. This means a ten minute charge can provide up to 202 miles (325 km) of range.
The EVs will be followed by a hybrid variant as Mercedes customers aren’t ready to go fully electric. The automaker didn’t say much about it, but confirmed there will be two outputs as well as front- and all-wheel drive. The models will have a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 1.3 kWh battery, 48-volt technology, and an electric motor that is integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
