The New Mercedes CLA Is A Game-Changer for Small Luxury Cars

Mercedes-Benz just dropped its latest creation, the brand-new CLA, a sleek small saloon packed with fresh ideas. This car isn’t just another model—it’s a bold step forward, built on a new platform with tech that’s set to shake up what people expect from a compact Mercedes. Inspired by the super-efficient EQXX concept car, which could travel 1000 kilometers on one charge, the CLA brings cutting-edge engineering to the road. Markus Schäfer, the company’s chief technical officer, grins as he says, “Mercedes always pushes boundaries. We’re bringing EQXX’s lessons to the CLA, making it a leader in charging speed and energy use.” He’s not wrong—this car is aiming to set a new standard.

A Familiar Look with Some Questions

The CLA’s design doesn’t stray far from what you’d expect from Mercedes. Some might call it safe. Gorden Wagener’s design team avoided the ultra-smooth, soap-like shapes of the EQE and EQS, but the CLA still has soft, rounded edges that feel a bit predictable. It closely mirrors the Concept CLA shown earlier, with three-pointed star patterns glowing in the headlights and taillights. The electric version even has a grille lit up by 142 tiny LEDs. Every CLA comes with a panoramic glass roof as standard, letting light flood the cabin.

Compared to the older model, this CLA stretches 35mm longer, spreads 25mm wider, and sits 29mm taller. Mercedes says this makes the interior roomier for passengers. The boot, though, shrinks to 405 liters from the previous 460 liters.

Electric versions make up for it with a 101-liter frunk—a handy storage spot under the hood. Two trims are available: Progressive Line for a clean look and AMG Line for a sportier vibe with 18-inch wheels. In the UK, expect the AMG Line to dominate since buyers there love bold styling. Add the Night package for darker trim or the AMG Line Plus for extra flair.

Tech-Packed Interior

Inside, the CLA is a tech lover’s dream. Mercedes went all out, leaving rivals like the Audi A3 Saloon and BMW 2-series Gran Coupe in the dust. The car runs on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), which Schäfer says unlocks a ton of possibilities. “With MMA, you get next-level video, audio, and a fully immersive experience,” he explains. The standout feature? A massive dashboard screen called the MBUX Superscreen. It combines three displays: a 10.25-inch driver cluster, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and a 14-inch passenger screen. This setup, borrowed from the EQXX concept, is optional—standard models stick with a simpler two-screen layout.

The steering wheel, usually cluttered with touch buttons, has been streamlined for easier use. Powering all this is Mercedes’ new MB.OS software, with the MBUX infotainment system as the main interface. The CLA’s virtual assistant uses generative AI, pulling from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google’s Automotive AI to give smart, natural answers. Instead of a custom navigation system, Mercedes built Google Maps right into the car. Driver assistance tech is everywhere, including MBUX Surround Navigation, which blends 3D visuals of the road with real-time guidance to keep drivers aware of their surroundings.

Electric Power Options

The CLA’s electric versions are a big deal, made possible by the MMA platform. At launch, you get two choices: the CLA 250+ and CLA 350, both tagged with “with EQ Technology” to show they’re electric without the old EQ name. Each uses an 85kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, though a cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP) option might come later.

The CLA 250+ has a single rear motor pumping out 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. It hits 62 mph in 6.7 seconds and tops out at 130 mph. Mercedes claims it can go 431 to 492 miles on a single charge, depending on the setup, making it one of the longest-range EVs out there. The CLA 350 4Matic adds a front motor for all-wheel drive, boosting power to 349 horsepower and 380 pound-feet. It sprints to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and gets 418 to 479 miles of range.

These impressive ranges come from obsessive efficiency tweaks. The motors, inspired by the EQXX, run at 93% efficiency. The rear motor even has a two-speed gearbox, like a Porsche Taycan, to save energy at high speeds. Christian Pfeffer, who leads electric drive systems at Mercedes, hints these motors could appear in bigger models later. The 800-volt system allows super-fast charging—up to 320kW, adding 201 miles in just 10 minutes. Electric CLAs also get customizable sound effects, like “fractal fusion” or “granular fuzz,” for a unique driving vibe. Plus, they’re ready for vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-home charging, which Mercedes will activate later via a software update.

Combustion Engines Still in the Mix

Not ready for electric? Mercedes has you covered with a new gas-powered option. Codenamed M252, it’s a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a non-plug-in hybrid system and a new eight-speed “e-DCT” transmission. This engine is 17% lighter than the old one used in the A-Class and CLA, and a 1.3kWh battery under the driver’s seat boosts efficiency. The hybrid can run on electric power alone for short stretches, almost matching diesel-level fuel economy.

The exact specs for the gas-powered CLAs aren’t out yet, but expect three power levels: 134 horsepower (likely CLA200), 161 horsepower (CLA250), and 188 horsepower (CLA300). Karsten Krebs, a Mercedes powertrain engineer, says the hybrid system is so efficient they didn’t bother with a plug-in hybrid. “It’s the perfect bridge for people not ready for full electric,” adds engineer Jan Becker. If you can charge, though, the electric CLA is the way to go.

When Can You Drive It?

Mercedes hasn’t locked in an exact launch date, but the CLA should hit showrooms in the next few months. This car is more than just a new model—it’s a statement. With its blend of electric and hybrid power, groundbreaking tech, and a design that’s familiar yet refined, the CLA is ready to take on the small luxury segment. Whether you’re drawn to its long-range electric options or the efficient hybrid, this Mercedes is built to impress. Keep an eye out for it soon.

Meantime, you can head over to our used car listings and find a pre-owned Mercedes CLA at a very affordable price.

Source and Images: Car Magazine UK