Mercedes CLA EV is finally here and it has nearly 500 miles range

The smartest, most efficient Mercedes-Benz has just arrived. Mercedes unveiled the highly anticipated electric CLA today, its new entry-level EV. Will it live up to the hype as the latest Tesla Model 3 challenger? Here’s our first look at the electric Mercedes CLA.

Meet the new ultra-efficient Mercedes CLA EV

The new CLA is the first of an entirely new generation of Mercedes vehicles. It’s an improvement in every way over its predecessor with more space, luxury, technology, style, and plenty more.

Mercedes calls it “the compact sedan for the electric age.” Powered by its new EQ technology, the CLA 250+ has up to 492 miles (792 km) WLTP driving range. It’s also based on an 800V system which can add over 200 miles of range in as little as 10 minutes. Mercedes says DC fast charging speeds of up to 320 kW are possible.

The company credits its new 85 kWh NMC batteries for the impressive performance. Compared to its previous battery cells, Mercedes claims the new cells have up to 20% higher energy density.

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Mercedes also fine-tuned the design for maximum efficiency. With a drag coefficient as low as 0.21, the new CLA EV is just ahead of the Tesla Model 3 at 0.22.

New style inside and out

As you can see, the electric sedan debuts a few new signature design elements, including a reinterpreted grille. For the first time, the three-point star is fully illuminated on a production vehicle.

It also features optional MULTIBEAM LED headlights, which form the new Mercedes-Benz star logo. As Mercedes calls it “an unmistakable statement of iconic luxury.”

At 185.9″ long, the new CLA is about 1.6″ longer than its predecessor and about the same length as the Tesla Model 3 (185.8″).

With an extended wheelbase (109.8″), the interior opens up with more head and legroom in the front and rear. And don’t forget there’s also a frunk now, adding another 2.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Although the interior has a minimalistic setup with a 10.25″ driver display, 14″ infotainment, and optional 14″ passenger display, it’s anything but simple.

The smartest Mercedes ever

The new CLA is the first powered by the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), “making it the most intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever.”

It’s the first infotainment system with integrated AI from both Microsoft and Google. The navigation is one of the first based on Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent. Combined with Mercedes-Benz Navigation, the system plans the fastest route, including charging stops, while taking into account other factors like the weather.

Powered by Google Gemini, the CLA now includes a Virtual Assist that can answer most questions with ChatGPT4.0 and Microsoft Bing search. You can activate it by simply saying, “Hey, Mercedes.”

Another cool feature is the floating center console, which is split into two levels and has integrated cupholders and optional smartphone charging.

The electric CLA will be available in two versions: 250+ and 350 4MATIC. The 250+ has an RWD powertrain with 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD 350 4MATIC packs up 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque.

With a WLTP driving range of up to 492 miles (792 km), the new Mercedes CLA 250+ tops its current longest-range EV, the EQS 450+, with up to 481 miles. Although slightly lower, the 350 4MATIC also boasts an impressive up to nearly 480 miles (771 km) driving range.

Keep in mind these are on the WLTP scale. In the US, EPA range is still expected to be around 400 miles. Following the electric CLA, Mercedes will launch a hybrid version that will be available in AWD and FWD.

What do you think of the new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA?