I got to spend some time with the Mercedes CLA Electric at Auto Zurich 2025, and while the model has been on sale in the UK for a few months, I finally got around to evaluating its design, comfort, features and tech. Here’s what I learned during my time with the new CLA.
Design
The all-electric CLA appears noticeably larger in person than the first-generation petrol CLA I saw in 2014, with a longer wheelbase, wider stance and more planted proportions. The fastback roofline, long bonnet with power domes and short overhangs give it the unmistakable profile of the CLA that now reads more like a compact GT.
At the front, the CLA carries a shark-nose look with an illuminated star panel that integrates 142 individually animated LED stars around a central lit emblem. With Mercedes shifting to the digital ‘chrome grille’ design starting with the GLC Electric, we’re not sure if CLA’s grille would evolve further into the car’s lifecycle.
Star-shaped headlights are mounted above a clean lower intake and are linked by a continuous light band, so the car has a very clear light signature when viewed head-on. The surfacing along the sides is clean, with strong shoulders over the wheel arches and frameless doors that reinforce the coupe-like looks.
A fixed panoramic glass roof runs almost the full length of the cabin, and 17- to 19-inch aerodynamic wheels sit near-flush with the body. Aerodynamic work on the underbody, wheel spoilers and panel gaps helps the CLA achieve a drag coefficient of 0.21, which is outstanding.
Under the front lid sits a 70-litre (2.5 cu ft) frunk that can take a small gym bag or charging cables, supplementing the main boot.
Interior & features
The dashboard is built around a 10.25-inch driver display and a 14-inch central screen running the latest MB.OS-based MBUX system, with the option of a third 14-inch passenger display on the Superscreen. The graphics use a game-engine-based interface, and the new MBUX Virtual Assistant supports natural speech queries.
Comfort and convenience features include a fixed panoramic glass roof with infrared film and LowE coating instead of a physical blind, heated front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, automatic climate control with an air-to-air heat pump for cabin heating, wireless smartphone charging and smartphone integration.
The centre console has twin cupholders and a wireless charging pad, while the large door panels integrate substantial grab handles, and overall storage for small items is in line with what buyers expect from a compact premium four-door EV.
Experience in the CLA
I experienced the CLA 350 with EQ Technology, entering via frameless front doors. Getting into the driver’s seat as a 183 cm (6 ft) person with long legs meant my thighs brushed the steering wheel slightly during ingress, which tall drivers will want to factor in. Once seated, the driving position felt low but natural for this body style, and I could drop the seat and still keep a clear view out.
The sport seats offered strong lumbar support and pronounced side bolstering, with under-thigh support that I would describe as adequate for my build. Pedals and steering wheel give a sporty impression, and I had enough headroom despite the low roofline. I could find a comfortable driving position without compromising forward visibility.
The car I sat in used the dual-screen layout rather than the full MBUX Superscreen. Most functions are controlled through the central touchscreen, but there are physical keys for volume, mute, voice control and the drive mode selector, which helps reduce screen dependence for the regularly used adjustments.
Moving to the rear, the sloping roof means you need to watch your head when getting in. With the front seat set to my position, I sat in a slightly knees-up posture because of the battery under the floor. Headroom was just acceptable, but I did not feel fully relaxed; this space is not ideal for adults of around 183 cm (6 ft) on longer journeys.
Knee room itself is reasonable, back support is fine, and the adjustable headrests work well. A centre armrest with cupholders and a phone slot is provided. The panoramic roof and small quarter-glass cut-outs help the rear feel less enclosed, but the basic seating posture remains upright with limited under-thigh support.
Specifications
Mercedes offers the CLA Electric in two configurations. The CLA 250+ uses a rear-mounted electric motor with 200 kW (272 hp) and 335 Nm of torque, delivering 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h (130 mph).
The CLA 350 4MATIC adds a second motor for all-wheel drive, producing 260 kW (354 hp) and 515 Nm and reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 4.9 seconds, with the same 210 km/h (130 mph) top speed.
Both variants use an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery with silicon-oxide-enhanced anodes. WLTP range for the CLA 250+ is 694-792 km (431-492 mi), while the CLA 350 4MATIC is rated at 672-771 km (418-479 mi).
An 800-volt electrical architecture enables DC fast charging up to 320 kW, adding about 285-325 km (177-202 mi) of range to the CLA 250+ and 275-315 km (171-196 mi) to the CLA 350 4MATIC in 10 minutes at suitable stations. Both models feature a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, recuperation up to 200 kW, and hardware for bidirectional charging for future Vehicle-to-Home and Vehicle-to-Grid use.
Pricing
The CLA Electric is priced (OTR) starting at GBP 45,615 (Sport Edition), and maxes out at GBP 53,120 (AMG Line Premium Edition+) in the UK.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
