Mercedes-Benz unveils new all-electric CLA

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its all-new, all-electric CLA, the first model in a completely new family of vehicles and operates entirely on the in-house developed Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), making it the cleverest car the brand has ever made.

With its fastback silhouette, the CLA measures 4,723mm long and offers a wheelbase of 2,790mm, which compared to its predecessor, is an increase of 40mm and 60mm respectively. Its front end features a shark-nose design, with the highlight being a new panel with illuminated Mercedes-Benz pattern, replicating the classic chrome grille, that includes the large iconic Mercedes-Benz star and a total of 142 chrome-effect stars. In addition, it also has frameless doors with chrome trim that feature retractable door handles, contributing to its optimised aerodynamics, as well as aerodynamically refined alloy wheels offering a choice of ten designs and ranging from 17-inch to 19-inch sizes.

The Mercedes-Benz's new AI-enhanced system makes it possible to equip every vehicle with a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, enabling regular over-the-air updates for the most important vehicle functions

Inside, every CLA sports the Progressive Line as standard, with a range of equipment including a multifunction leather steering wheel in a sport design, comfort seats in ARTICO man-made leather/fabric with seat heating and four-way lumbar support, and THERMATIC single-zone climate control with air vents for the second row. Passengers in both seat rows are also treated to slightly more legroom (an increase of 11mm) and headroom (an increase of 16mm in the front and 28mm in the rear), with the latter having a higher roofline and panoramic roof (comes as standard) to thank for that.

The CLA with EQ technology is also the first modern Mercedes-Benz with a frunk that offers 101 litres of additional load space. At its rear, the car offers 405 litres of boot space.

Mercedes-Benz will also be offering the AMG Line as an option, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a front bumper with air intakes and a chrome splitter, and a specific rear bumper. The interior of the AMG Line vehicles will feature sporty accents such as a sports leather steering wheel with a flattened rim and red contrasting stitching on the door panels. It also has sports seats in black ARTICO/MICROCUT and an AMG sports pedal set in brushed stainless steel with black rubber studs.

Highlights of the CLA's interior include its optional, floating MBUX Superscreen, which extends across the entire width of the interior

Initially, Mercedes-Benz will launch the CLA250+ with EQ Technology and the CLA350 4MATIC with EQ Technology. The CLA250+ offers an output of 200kW (268bhp), a century sprint timing of 6.7 seconds, and a WLTP range of up to 792km. The CLA350 4MATIC offers an output of 260kW (349bhp), a century sprint timing of 4.9 seconds, and a WLTP range of up to 771km. Both versions are able to hit a top speed of 210km/h.

Built on the 800V electrical architecture and sporting advanced drive units with a two-speed transmission on the main drive at the rear axle, this allows the CLA with EQ Technology to recharge up to 325km of range in just 10 minutes. Fast DC charging is possible with up to 320kW for both the CLA250+ and CLA350 4MATIC.

The brand has said that by the end of 2025, the model range will be expanded to include additional battery-electric variants and a CLA variant with a high-tech hybrid engine.