The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a significant departure from Mercedes’EV efforts. Rather of a devoted line of EQ automobiles– like the EQB, EQC, and EQS– we’re getting lorries “with EQ Technology.” It began with the electrical G Wagon, however the CLA is the very first mainstream item to make the modification. The important things is that the modification is considerable and for the much better. A number of months earlier, we got a long time in a model CLA; now we’ve driven the end product.

The CLA returns for the 2026 design year as an EV initially(with a hybrid coming)on a brand new 800-volt architecture. This architecture will discover its method to other Mercedes automobiles, like the upcoming GLB and GLC. This completely modern-day setup includes a few of the business’s most significant developments.

The CLA will be offered with either a couple of electrical motors, with a two-speed setup for performance and efficiency. The 250+ base design makes 268 hp (200 kW) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque. Mercedes is declaring as much as 792 km of variety with this design on the WLTP cycle. Accounting for WLTP’s optimism, it’s still possible we may see an EPA-rated variety over 400 miles, however Mercedes isn’t pricing quote any genuine numbers.

The double motor, four-wheel drive 4Matic variation, makes 349 hp(260 kW )and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm)of torque. It likewise has a two-speed setup. The WLTP quote from Mercedes here depends on 771 km, which would still be possibly 400 miles under EPA screening in the real life.

Peak DC quickly charging is 320 kW, with a 10– 80 percent charging time of 22 minutes for the 85 kWh functional lithium-ion battery pack. For contrast, the present EQB peaks at simply 110 kW.

2 charge ports

Like the upcoming Nissan Leaf, the charge adapter scenario will be a little odd on the CLA. It’ll have a basic SAE J-1772 plug for level 2 charging, however sitting beside it, behind the charging door, is likewise a NACS port for DC quick charging. It’s not my preferred service to the issue. If you were to change from a Model 3 to a CLA, you may currently have a Tesla battery charger in your garage, and you’ll require an adapter for the J-plug, however we remain in an unusual transitional time for all of this. A minimum of they’re on the exact same side of the cars and truck.

Some early automobiles making their method to the United States will just support 800 V DC quickly charging stations. Those would consist of Mercedes’ own stations, in addition to Ionna. Those early cars and trucks will not work on the country’s greatest 400 V network, Tesla Superchargers.

Mercedes informs us that these early cars and trucks will be restricted to presentation lorries, with consumer lorries early next year supporting both 400 V and 800 V battery chargers.

“After the initial limited delivery of cars late this year for demonstration of the CLA’s fast-charging abilities, 2026 US customer orders from early next year will feature a converter and be capable of charging at 400 V and faster 800 V, meaning the largest number of US charging points, currently over 140,000.”

Consumers should not need to consider it when they get their own vehicles, which is eventually what matters one of the most. It does, nevertheless, highlight a few of the obstacles of establishing EVs in a fast-changing environment.

A hood that opens

The CLA with EQ Technology has some brand-new modifications for Mercedes in the freight capability department, too. It’s the very first Mercedes with a frunk because the W23 of the 1930s. It was ridiculous to use a hood on a cars and truck that is bolted shut, so it’s great to not just see Mercedes alter course on that however likewise offer 2.5 cubic feet (71 L) of storage up there.

That offers the CLA general freight capability of 18.7 cubic feet (530 L)in between the frunk and the trunk. The trunk swallows 2 individuals’s travel luggage without much concern, however the load lift into the trunk is quite high. This is not unusual for an appropriate sedan, however it is visible.

Mentioning being an appropriate sedan, the brand-new CLA is 1.3 inches (33 mm) longer than the old cars and truck, with a 2.4-inch( 61 mm)longer wheelbase. It likewise has more headroom for both front and rear guests and is a comfy location to hang out once you get settled.

Our test designs all had the AMG Line plan, that included sportier seats that are in fact rather comfy. The cabin offers you a sensation of being cocooned in the vehicle, however it does not feel confined or claustrophobic.

When you look ahead, you have an optional heads-up display screen and Mercedes’ brand-new MBUX Superscreen. This is a 10.25-inch motorist display screen, a 14-inch center screen, and a 14-inch guest display screen. They are all powered by MB.OS and Unity Game Engine. The brand-new infotainment consists of assistance for apps, like Disney+ and Angry Birds. The motorist can access these while parked, however the traveler can utilize their screen while the lorry remains in movement.

While playing Angry BirdsI could not assist however see how attractive the traveler screen was. All the screens have exceptional contrast and color recreation, which is partially due to their absence of a screen filter that typically avoids the chauffeur from seeing the screen.

Keep your eyes on the roadway

In the CLA, the traveler display screen is at first noticeable to the motorist. The video camera installed above the center screen, which is likewise utilized for functions like video conferencing or in-car selfies, views the chauffeur. If the motorist looks towards the guest screen, the screen will be handicapped till the motorist takes note of the roadway once again. It’s a fascinating method to fix the motorist diversion issue while not messing up how the screen looks.

Star Wars’ Andor appearances and sounds respectable with the Burmeister stereo, even if it’s in Danish by default– due to the fact that we’re in Copenhagen– and I do not understand Danish.

My greatest grievance about the brand-new infotainment system in these variations is substantial bezel on the center screen. A few of the bezel is required for the electronic camera, however in 2025, it discovers as being a bit inexpensive. They look fantastic, simply the bezel does not. I would not be shocked if updated display screens in higher-end future designs broaden to fill those spaces.

Driving the brand-new CLA is an enjoyable experience. The 250 + has lots of grunt for the majority of the driving typical individuals do. The two-speed setup runs flawlessly, and at no point did I feel the requirement for more power.

83 Comments