Mercedes-Benz CLA review: a genuine gamechanger

With a range of 777km (483 miles), the new Mercedes-Benz CLA is the longest-range EV in many of the world’s car markets.

It surpasses the firm’s other streamlined saloon, the EQS. Even if you look outside of Europe, only the Lucid Air Touring will consistently go further on a single charge.

Unlike the very expensive and large EQS and Lucid, which rely on massive batteries for range, the CLA takes a different approach. Starting at £45,615 (approximately $55,000 / €52,000), comparable to a long-range Tesla Model 3, Mercedes has prioritised efficiency.

Instead of simply fitting an enormous battery, the CLA is engineered to maximise every unit of energy, delivering impressive range through intelligent design rather than brute force.

With a WLTP rating of 5.0mpkWh, the CLA offers an awe-inspiring range from its 85kWh battery pack. But what is it like in reality? 

Well, as you’ll find out, the new CLA could be a genuine game-changer for mainstream electric cars. Let’s get into why. 

The CLE introduces a new platform which supports both internal combustion engines and electric power. The platform will be used for future SUV derivatives and introduces 800V architecture. That should significantly increase charging speeds. 

The main technical innovation lies in the motor, which has been developed in-house and closely integrated with the silicon-carbide inverter. Notably, the rear-mounted main motor utilises a two-speed gearbox. While a similar system in the Porsche Taycan aims to enhance acceleration, the CLA's design prioritises efficiency.

The CLA will initially launch as the rear-wheel-drive CLA 250+, with a four-wheel-drive CLA 350 4Matic variant also on the way.

While many dual-motor electric vehicles use an asynchronous motor for the front wheels (due to its ability to freewheel when disengaged), the CLA 350 will instead feature a synchronous motor, complete with a clutch, for enhanced efficiency.

An entry-level CLA model, equipped with a 58kWh LFP battery, will join the range later down the line. 

Inside, the CLA is a slightly adjusted version of Mercedes’ current style. There’s a 10.3-inch digital driver display, plus a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Passengers also get their own 14-inch infotainment screen. 

While the infotainment uses new software, it has a familiar look and feel to previous Mercedes systems. Its home screen prominently displays a large map, now enhanced with Google traffic data for improved accuracy.

A media widget is also present, and an ever-present toolbar at the bottom provides quick access to climate control and several other shortcuts.

Key car functions are readily accessible with one or two taps, complemented by a small but effective array of physical buttons. The only puzzling omission is the heated seats, frustratingly hidden within a menu.

While it has all the technology you would ever need, the quality of the CLA’s interior is not class-leading. There’s a lot of glossy black plastics and scratchy materials, none of which shout “premium”. The seats, however, are comfortable and give you a reasonably low driving position, if desired. 

However, the interior feels surprisingly cramped. Despite being only slightly smaller than a BMW i4 externally, it offers less interior space.

Rear-seat legroom is barely sufficient for a tall adult, and while there's 405 litres of boot space and a 101-litre frunk (opened via a lever), a more practical Shooting Brake estate will be released shortly after the saloon.

While the CLA might miss the mark on a junior luxury car interior, its on-road performance fully compensates. It delivers an impressively mature and cohesive driving experience, precisely what one anticipates from a Mercedes, regardless of its size.

It's sufficiently fast, and similar to a Taycan, the gear change is only noticeable during full-throttle acceleration. The underlying technology will likely remain unnoticed by most owners.

Mercedes has introduced a new brake-by-wire system, eliminating the spongy and inconsistent brake response found in previous electrified models.

The braking now feels completely normal. The company has also developed an innovative method for controlling regenerative braking: a column-mounted drive selector allows the driver to cycle between freewheeling, medium, one-pedal, and adaptive modes with a simple push and pull, functioning as effectively as traditional paddles.

The car's rear-wheel drive system contributes to uncorrupted steering, and its relaxed performance seamlessly integrates into the driving experience.

The CLA features a comfortably thick-rimmed steering wheel, and the steering action is generally free from kick-back.

However, in Comfort and Eco modes, the steering feels a bit too light, while in Sport mode, it's firmer but loses some detail. Although never quite perfect, the steering is certainly adequate for a car of this type.

As for ride comfort, the new CLA is poised, capable and pretty quiet over more damaged roads – leaving you with an impression of strength and capability. The steering, which puts a pleasantly thick-rimmed wheel into your hands, is accurate and free from kick-back. 

But in Comfort and Eco it seems a shade too light, while in Sport it’s firmer but seems to lose detail. It’s never quite perfect. This impression is echoed when you take to the many UK roads with low-frequency, high-amplitude bumps, the kind that cause bounce in many cars. 

In Comfort mode, the car does okay, but here and there, you can’t help thinking ‘comfort’ isn’t quite the word; a bit more control would do wonders. Select Sport mode and you get a shorter ride, but it’s often a bit too short. Bottom line: as in so many cars with a choice of two rates, one is slightly too firm, the other a shade floppy.

Efficiency is where the CLA must excel if it is to become the class leader Mercedes desires - and things are looking positive. Under ideal conditions for an EV, our CLA 250+ in AMG Line achieved an impressive 4.8mpkWh, translating to a real-world range of 408 miles. Remarkably, the CLA 350, despite having an additional motor, performed almost as well, which is unusual for a dual-motor variant.

The new Mercedes CLA marks a significant milestone for European car manufacturers, particularly in its ability to directly challenge and surpass the Tesla Model 3 in key areas like efficiency, range, and charging.

This achievement places it well ahead of offerings from rivals such as BMW, Hyundai, Kia, and BYD, all while maintaining a competitive price point similar to Tesla's. It’s one of the most remarkable cars we’ve driven this year, even with UK-optimised suspension.