The new Mercedes-Benz CLA: electric car and hybrids

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the third generation CLA. The car will be available in an all-electric version, as well as hybrid modifications.

At a glance, the CLA 2025 doesn't look radically new, but there are a few important changes. Electric versions, instead of the traditional grille, get a "shining panel" with 142 illuminated Mercedes stars, which looks quite futuristic. There is also a thin LED strip between the LED headlights.

The new Mercedes CLA has grown slightly in length to 4,722 mm (41 mm longer than the previous generation). The wheelbase has also been lengthened by 61 mm, adding space for front passengers. At the same time, rear passengers have lost a few centimetres, as legroom has been reduced to 853 mm.

In profile, the car is almost unchanged, but thanks to the smoothed shapes, hidden door handles and specially designed wheels, the aerodynamic drag coefficient is now 0.21, one of the best in class. The signature "stars" also adorn the rear lights of the CLA.

Inside, the minimalism characteristic of the new Mercedes. The most interesting element is the MBUX Superscreen, which includes:

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster,
• 14-inch main multimedia display,
• 14-inch passenger display (extra charge).

The new MBUX runs on the fourth generation of Mercedes-Benz's operating system and supports three AIs at once: from Microsoft, Google and OpenAI. Specifically, ChatGPT4o and Microsoft Bing answer general queries, while Google Gemini handles navigation.

Two electric models will be available at launch: the CLA 250+ EQ Technology (rear-wheel drive) and the CLA 350 4MATIC EQ Technology (all-wheel drive).

CLA 250+ EQ Technology

• 272 hp (200 kW) and 335 Nm
• 0-100 km/h - 6.6 seconds
• Range: 694-792 kilometres (WLTP)

CLA 350 4MATIC EQ Technology

• 354 hp (260 kW) and 515 Nm
• 0-100 km/h - 4.8 seconds
• Range: 672-771 kilometres (WLTP)

Both versions have an 85 kWh battery and an 800-volt architecture that allows charging with up to 320 kW. This means that a 10-minute charge will give up to 325 kilometres of range. And the electric models also get a 101-litre front boot and a 405-litre main boot.

The CLA will also get hybrid versions. These will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine, supplemented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The electric motor will be integrated into an 8-speed robotised gearbox.

The Mercedes CLA 2025 will be available in Europe in late 2025. First as an electric car, with hybrid versions joining later.

Source: Mercedes-Benz