CLA The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA: gorgeous, effortless, intuitive, and flexible


The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a series of luxury subcompact executive cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 2013. The first generation was a four-door sedan based on the platform of the W176 A-Class and W246 B-Class compact cars, marketed as a four-door coupé. In 2015, Mercedes-Benz expanded the CLA family to include a station wagon configuration which it markets as a Shooting Brake. As the V177 A-Class sedan took its place as the budget-conscious sedan, the second generation got longer and wider than the W205 C-Class.
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#mercedesbenz #cla #newcla #newmercedes #mercedescla #mercedesbenzcla #allnewcla

The new CLA offers more to customers in every dimension: more space, more refinement, more comfort, more intelligence, and more efficiency compared to its predecessor. It is the cleverest car Mercedes Benz ever made – and the first model in a completely new family of vehicles. Each new model will be available with both electric and high-tech hybrid drives. The debut is made by the all-electric CLA.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA: the highlights

Intuitive: The most intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever thanks to the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS)

Up-to-date for years and always ready for new features: regular over-the-air updates

The new CLA is the first vehicle to fully operate on the in-house developed Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS), making it the most intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever. The new AI-enhanced system makes it possible to equip every vehicle with a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes‑Benz Intelligent Cloud. This enables regular over-the-air updates[1] for the most important vehicle functions, including driving assistance systems for the first time. This keeps the CLA up-to-date and attractive for years to come.

On the way to a hyper-personalised digital experience: the fourth MBUX generation
MB.OS marks the start of the fourth MBUX generation. It opens up a new world of personalised experiences and intuitive interaction between human and vehicle, setting new standards in the automotive industry. The new MBUX generation is the first in-car infotainment system to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google. This combines multiple AI agents in one system for the first time. MB.OS offers maximum flexibility to seamlessly integrate content from third-party providers. The typical Mercedes interface remains, delivering the familiar customer experience.

Exceptionally intuitive and individual: the new MBUX UI/UX concept
The MBUX Superscreen is powered by state-of-the-art high-performance chips and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine. The new control and display concept is tailored to individual customer preferences. The further developed MBUX Zero Layer on the central display shows the most important information, suggestions and, for the first time, the most recently used apps1. In the app view, apps can now be moved and grouped into individually named folders, similar to how it works on a smartphone. When an app is open, a simple swipe to the left returns to the app view. Another swipe takes the user back to the Zero Layer. Alternatively, they can still go directly to the Zero Layer at any time via the home button.

Intelligent, easy to talk to and empathetic like a friend: the new MBUX Virtual Assistant
With generative AI, the new MBUX Virtual Assistant revolutionises the relationship between vehicle and driver. It enables the kinds of complex, multi-turn dialogues one might have with a friend and has short-term memory. Based on ChatGPT4o and searches with Microsoft Bing, it unites the collective knowledge of the internet. Thanks to Google Gemini, the virtual assistant is also well-versed in navigation-related questions. It can access information from the Google Maps platform to provide users with detailed and personalised answers to questions about navigation, points of interest and much more. The MBUX Virtual Assistant is always present on the Zero Layer as a “living” avatar in the form of the Mercedes‑Benz star. During an active dialogue, it recognises emotions and can respond accordingly.
Intelligent navigation you can trust: bespoke Google Maps solution

In the new CLA, the navigation experience is based on Google Maps[2]. The navigation solution developed as part of the partnership between Google and Mercedes-Benz is one of the first integrations of Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent for in-vehicle conversation services with Google Maps. Mercedes‑Benz Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, based on numerous factors. Integrated visual communication also reaches a new dimension with MBUX Surround Navigation. It seamlessly integrates the driver-assistance view with a 3D representation of the surroundings and route guidance in real-time on the driver display. Drivers benefit from improved situational awareness, seeing what the CLA sees and how the assistance systems support them.

MB.DRIVE sets a new standard with state-of-the-art driving assistance and parking systems
The new CLA models in Europe come as standard with extensive safety features and the DISTRONIC Distance Assist. Additional comfort assistance systems are bundled by Mercedes-Benz under the name MB.DRIVE². MB.DRIVE ASSIST will be optionally available in Europe from market launch. It complements Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Steering Assist, making it a state-of-the-art SAE Level 2 driving assistance system. New in the CLA is Lane Change Assist, which facilitates lane changes with a simple click of the indicator lever. The safety assistance systems can prevent a multitude of accidents.
Effortless on the road: The CLA with EQ technology is the “one-litre car” for the electric age
Remarkably low consumption and high range

The carbon footprint of the new all-electric CLA is reduced by 40 per cent over the entire value chain compared to its non-electrified predecessor. With remarkably low consumption and an impressive range in this segment, the CLA is taking electric mobility in everyday life to a new level. The first models to come to markets are the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology (energy consumption combined: 14.1-12.2 kWh/100 km | CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A)[3] and the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology (energy consumption combined: 14.7-12.5 kWh/100 km | CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A)3. With a range of up to 792 kilometres according to the WLTP³, the 200 kW CLA 250+ with EQ Technology offers a large radius in its class. The CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology with 260 kW is positioned as the performance version at the top end of the model range.
The 800-volt electric architecture makes charging almost as fast as refuelling
The 800-volt system can significantly reduce charging time in conjunction with the new battery generation. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology can be recharged to a range of up to 325 kilometres[4] within ten minutes. Fast DC charging with up to 320 kW is possible for the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC.
New battery generation with high energy density and a smaller carbon footprint
The new all-electric models CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC feature the top variant of lithium-ion batteries with a usable energy content of 85 kWh. The cells have anodes that mix silicon oxide with graphite. Compared to the previous battery with conventional graphite anodes, the gravimetric energy density has been increased by up to 20 per cent. The volumetric energy density of the cell chemistry is 680 Wh/l. The cobalt content has been further reduced. The new battery generation reduces the carbon footprint by about 30 per cent per cell compared to its predecessor. This is thanks to carbon reduction measures, net carbon neutral[5] cell production and the use of electricity from renewable energy sources in anode, cathode and cell housing production.

Sprinter and marathon runner in one: the new two-speed transmission
The two-speed gearbox on the main drive at the rear axle combines dynamism with high efficiency in all situations. The first gear enables excellent acceleration right from the start and a high towing capacity. It also offers great efficiency in urban traffic. The second gear is designed for power delivery at high speeds and high efficiency on the motorway. It ensures outstanding range and long-distance comfort. The top speed is also achieved in the second gear.

“Free” heat for efficient pre-conditioning: multi-source heat pump as standard
The electric CLA is the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to feature an air-to-air heat pump. It no longer takes the detour through a water circuit and, as a so-called multi-source model, can use three energy sources in parallel: the waste heat from the electric drivetrain, the battery, as well as the ambient air. By using this “free” heat, the air-to-air heat pump contributes to the high efficiency of the CLA. It requires only about one-third of the electrical energy that a comparable auxiliary heater would need for the same output.

Flexible for individual needs: all-electric or with high-tech 48-volt hybrid drivetrain

A modern hybrid with three power levels will follow towards the end of the year

All-electric models play a key role in implementing Mercedes‑Benz’s sustainable business strategy. However, the wishes and mobility needs of customers in different regions of the world determine the pace of this transformation. Towards the end of the year, the new CLA will also be available as a hybrid with 48-volt technology and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The modular architecture of the CLA model family allows Mercedes‑Benz maximum flexibility in the drive concept and production. The state-of-the-art combustion engine of the CLA hybrid will initially be available in three power levels. Customers will have the choice between front-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

CLA hybrid models can drive all-electrically and recuperate
The electric motor, inverter and transmission form a highly integrated unit. The electric motor provides intelligent support across the entire speed range. At urban speeds and when less than 20 kW is needed, the hybrid models can drive on electric power alone. So-called electric cruising is possible at speeds of up to around 100 km/h. A special feature of the combustion engine is its ability to recuperate in all eight gears, recovering up to 25 kW of energy.

Gorgeous: emotional expression of athletic power

A desirable statement: athletic proportions and striking character lines

The CLA with EQ Technology captivates with an exciting interplay of intelligence and emotion, redefining desire. The long wheelbase, short overhangs and a powerful GT rear are an emotional expression of athletic power. The car’s sporty proportions are enhanced by a low greenhouse, long bonnet with power domes and large wheels. The car’s muscular and athletic shoulders start at the front wheel arches and extend to the sculptural rear. The clear design language emphasises the sculpted surfaces with reduced lines and precise joints. The striking character lines on the flank create an interesting interplay of light and shade when viewed side-on.

Radiant “face”: panel with illuminated Mercedes-Benz pattern
The iconic and sporty A-shape grille has been reinterpreted for the electric age. The innovative seamless star panel is fully illuminated for the first time on a Mercedes‑Benz production vehicle. A total of 142 individually animated LED chrome-effect stars create a distinctive brand signature. One of the few visual differences distinguishing the CLA hybrid is its classic radiator grille. It features a Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome, framed by an LED lightguide as standard.

Brightens the day and night: star-shaped headlights and taillights
With the optional MULTIBEAM LED headlights, the daytime running lights take the form of a Mercedes‑Benz star. Connecting the headlights is a band of light. The taillights are also star-shaped and connected by an illuminated design element. This combination gives the CLA a strong and unique visual presence. In conjunction with the optional MULTIBEAM LED headlights, it forms the new Mercedes‑Benz signature. It makes a Mercedes instantly recognisable at all times of the day or night – an unmistakable statement of iconic luxury. The standard-fit LED High Performance headlights have a chrome-plated design element in the shape of a star.

Light-flooded ambiance: panoramic roof fitted as standard for a generous interior feel
All CLA models come as standard with an expansive panoramic roof. This one-piece fixed glass roof has no central brace and extends seamlessly from the windscreen frame to the rear. It provides a new interior experience with an almost unobstructed view upwards. At the same time, the panoramic roof contributes to more generous headroom compared to its predecessor. Heat-insulating laminated safety glass, infrared film and low-emissivity (LowE) coating protect against sunlight and heat.

New spatial experience: minimalist interior design focusing on three iconic high-tech elements
The interior of the CLA offers a new luxury experience in this vehicle class. The design follows the principle of reduction to the essentials. It de-emphasises the underlying structure and focuses on a few iconic high-tech elements. The highlight is the optional, floating MBUX Superscreen, which extends across the entire width of the interior. Behind a large glass surface are the 26-centimetre (10.25-inch) driver display and the 35.6-centimetre (14-inch) centre display. After market launch of the CLA, the MBUX Superscreen will be available as an optional extra with an additional 35.6-centimetre (14-inch display) for the front passenger. Another eye-catcher is the centre console. Appearing to float in mid-air, its high position enhances the sporty feel. As in higher vehicle classes, it is split into two levels. The upper section offers an expansive, three-dimensional trim surface – with an integrated double cup holder and optional wireless smartphone charging cradle. The third high-tech element is the large leather-clad door centre panels, which likewise seem to float. They wrap three-dimensionally over the profile of the pull handle, which is designed in a classic tubular form.

Best-in-class equipment: a reinterpretation of modern luxury at Mercedes-Benz
An attractive and versatile range of colours and materials underscores Mercedes‑Benz’s commitment to exceptional design and distinctive features. Options include the new paint colours aqua mint and clear blue metallic as well as newly developed seat upholstery with a technical-looking pearl effect in black/clean white pearl. Also available are trim elements made of open-pore wood, brushed aluminium, a coating with an anodised look and a decorative paper surface that is new in the automotive industry.

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[1] A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras are required to use the services. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed for a fee, provided they are at that point still offered for the corresponding vehicle.
[2] A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras are required to use the services. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed for a fee, provided they are at that point still offered for the corresponding vehicle.
[3] The specified values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement method. The ranges given refer to the European market. The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a car depend not only on the efficient utilisation of the fuel or energy source by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.
[4] At DC fast-charging stations with 500 amps based on the WLTP range.
[5] Net carbon-neutral means that carbon emissions that are not avoided or reduced at Mercedes-Benz are compensated for by certified compensation offsetting projects.
 

Attachments

62,500.- Euros list for the example that I spent a bit of time in. A 250+ EQ model. I suspect that an overwhelming majority of the CLA customers will be leasing rather than purchasing.

A couple of years ago, I had a KIA EV6 as a loaner for about a day and a half. Must say, I found that car more visually exciting and the interior top notch as well. Unlike the CLA today, I actually drove it. I very much enjoyed the experience. And value-for-price was, IMHO, very good. M-B "perceived brand cred" or brand loyalties in general mean little to me nowadays.
 
Germany November top 5 BEVs

ID.7 3340
ID.3 3161
ELROQ 3140
ENYAQ 2313
CLA 1985

The Skoda Elroq has certainly hit a sweetspot here in Germany. I'm seeing these all over the place it seems.

Must say...great value for the price. And with the pending re-introduction of national incentives for BEVs and PHEVs, it, along with other electric/hybrid electric vehicles, will be finding more and more customers.
 
The Skoda Elroq has certainly hit a sweetspot here in Germany. I'm seeing these all over the place it seems.

Must say...great value for the price. And with the pending re-introduction of national incentives for BEVs and PHEVs, it, along with other electric/hybrid electric vehicles, will be finding more and more customers.
It’s also not as tiny as it looks. It’s basically an Enyaq with a shorter ass. With the right configuration it looks really nice as well, especially with 21’s.
 
I’m surprised that they’re selling those ID vehicles. They’re definitely not common here.

The ID.7 especially is a major fleet/company car sales player. ID.3s are the darlings of Germany's urban "on the spot, app supported" e-car sharing service providers. MILES, Share NOW, Sixt Share and WE SHARE ID.3s are all over the place in Hamburg. ID.4s have become popular taxicabs.
 
The ID.7 especially is a major fleet/company car sales player. ID.3s are the darlings of Germany's urban "on the spot, app supported" e-car sharing service providers. MILES, Share NOW, Sixt Share and WE SHARE ID.3s are all over the place in Hamburg. ID.4s have become popular taxicabs.
I guess it’s a regional thing. Most popular EV’s here are Model Y, iX1/iX2, Countryman, and BYD. Also so many TOGG’s, and as far as I know they’re on sale in Germany as well.
 
I guess it’s a regional thing. Most popular EV’s here are Model Y, iX1/iX2, Countryman, and BYD. Also so many TOGG’s, and as far as I know they’re on sale in Germany as well.

Yes, TOGG has potential in Germany. Ethnic Turks and Kurds make up the largest non-ethnic German minority community in Germany. Some estimated 4 mio. citizens in total. Equal to that of ethnic-Germans having immigrated from Russia and the former Soviet republics, especially Kasachstan.
 
Interesting comments from Thomas. The new engine seems good on fuel only 6L/100km and improved handling compared to the EV. The car has great feature of coasting on EV power to save fuel. Only low speed gearbox shifting seems a weakness.

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Every single media outlet is saying the car has trouble/stuttering at low speeds when the electric motor and gas engine handshake. They need to fix that ASAP.

M
 
Autoexpress gave the CLA Hybrid a very good rating of 4.5 stars.

New Mercedes CLA Hybrid 2025 review: an impressive EV alternative
We hit the road in the hybrid version of the new Mercedes CLA to see how it stacks up against its EV brother

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Verdict
The hybrid version of the all-new Mercedes CLA is very nearly as impressive as the pure-electric model, offering the same sleek looks, sophisticated interior, abundance of tech and exceptional cruising ability, topped off with the extra flexibility that comes with never having to be plugged in for a charge. The driving experience isn’t as smooth or refined as the EV, but that’s not surprising, with the only real weak point being an occasionally lackadaisical gearbox.

For a while, Mercedes-Benz was aiming to go all-electric by 2030 and showed its intent by launching a series of pure-electric models such as the EQE SUV and EQS limousine. But like many others, the brand is now unsure when it’ll do away with combustion engines, so its new strategy is to offer hybrid and electric versions of its models side-by-side, both with the same name.

The all-new CLA that was launched earlier this year is a perfect example. The pure-electric version offers a colossal range of nearly 500 miles, remarkable efficiency and super-fast charging abilities. But if that’s not enough to convince you to go electric, the fuel-sipping hybrid version which doesn’t require any plugging in has now arrived.

The MMA platform this swooping saloon sits on was developed with an ‘electric first’ approach. That said, in no way does it seem like the hybrid was an afterthought, because it features a brand-new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was designed to be as compact as possible.

A three-cylinder motor would have been even more compact, but Mercedes went for a four-pot for the superior refinement and a better sound.

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The engine is available in three states of tune – 134bhp, 161bhp or 187bhp – but in every case it’s paired with a 30bhp electric motor that’s been integrated directly into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and powered by a 1.3kWh battery under the front seats.

The e-motor is supposed to allow pure-electric driving at low speeds, or when no more than its 30bhp is needed, so you can cruise along on the motorway with the engine off. During our test drive through the Austrian Alps, we were impressed by how far we seemed to go on battery power alone, especially on the motorway.

That also explains how we managed to average more than 70mpg on a route including city streets, twisty country roads and motorways; this is much higher than the 52.4mpg Mercedes says our all-wheel-drive 220 4Matic test car should be able to average. The CLA hybrid’s ability to recuperate up to 25kW of energy when slowing down, in any gear, to recharge the battery will have helped, too.

However, we did find that you have to be quite gentle with the throttle pedal if you’re trying to avoid waking the petrol engine. Also, because the e-motor only produces 30bhp, it can’t offer much help when accelerating hard before having to hand off to the petrol engine.

Fortunately, the transition between the e-motor and engine is almost seamless. The only exception is that there can be a slight jolt when coming to a complete stop, but it’s not too harsh. Meanwhile, the petrol engine does emit a gruff tone when it’s being worked hard, but it doesn't have the same droning quality or coarse as other small-capacity engines, and it feels very smooth.

Our only major issue with the CLA’s drivetrain is its gearbox, which we would describe as stubborn. The shifts are certainly smooth, but they’re also slow and the eight-speed auto has a tendency to hold onto gears for longer than we’d have liked, so you have to listen to engine revving high.

There is a manual mode, which does solve the latter issue – but only up to a point. Instead of using paddles behind the steering wheel as you’d expect, to shift up you have to push the column-mounted gear selector away from you, while pulling towards it you shifts down. It’s the same mechanism the driver uses to adjust the strength of the regenerative braking in the electric CLA.

If you think that sounds highly unnatural and unintuitive, you’d be right, and it’s especially awkward if you need to change gear when the wheel is at anything other than straight ahead. It doesn’t take long for the car to revert back to automatic mode, either, which takes some of the fun out of the driving experience.

Not that we expected the CLA to be as sharp or engaging to drive as the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series Gran Coupé. The handling feels neutral and tidy, with a slight amount of body lean when cornering, while the steering has the perfect balance between being not too heavy and not too light, not too slow and not too quick.

As well as the Goldilocks steering, Mercedes has nailed the calibration of the CLA’s brake pedal, which is so consistent that you can’t tell when you’re using the regenerative or friction braking systems; they blend together that seamlessly. Meanwhile our all-wheel-drive test car provided excellent traction out of corners and on the wet, snowy roads in Austria.

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The rest of the CLA hybrid is the same as the EV. Overall, the quality is excellent, from the weight and sound of the door when you close it to the leather upholstery. The tech is slick and intuitive too, with the menus loading quickly, although there are a lot of them.

Our test car featured Mercedes’ Superscreen set-up, which consists of a 10.25-inch driver’s display, a 14-inch central touchscreen and another 14-inch display for the front passenger, which is just as pointless as every other separate passenger screen we’ve tried. For those who don’t get to ride shotgun, there’s plenty of space in the back for six-foot-tall adults to get comfortable.

Prices for the CLA hybrid start from £38,700 – about £7,000 less than the electric version. If you’re an indecisive person and thought the three power options were bad, you also have to choose between five trim levels: Sport, Sport Edition, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus.

Standard equipment on all includes a panoramic glass roof, illuminated grille surround, 14-inch central touchscreen, 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control and other driver-assistance tech including blind-spot assist.

Step up to one of the AMG Line trims and you get slightly sportier styling, sports seats, a Nappa leather steering wheel. And if you go right to the top of the range, you add the full Superscreen set-up with 14-inch passenger screen and a Burmester surround-sound system.

Model:Mercedes CLA 220 4Matic Sport Executive
Price:£46,350
Powertrain:1.5-litre 4cyl petrol hybrid
Power/torque:217bhp/300Nm
Transmission:Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive
0-62mph:7.1 seconds
Top speed:147mph
Economy/CO2:52.4mpg/123g/km
Size (L/W/H):4,723/1,855/1,450mm
On sale:Now

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Every single media outlet is saying the car has trouble/stuttering at low speeds when the electric motor and gas engine handshake. They need to fix that ASAP.

M
I think it maybe it is the gearbox that is jerky at low speeds when the engine kicks in. Probably some software calibration needs fine tuning.
 
This car is very beautiful

After having actually checked it out "in the metal" just a few days ago, I'm afraid that I cannot agree. IMHO certainly not "beautiful". Also not "ugly". More like "neither here nor there".

But I am confident that it is indeed a very competent BEV in the sum of it's technical attributes.
 

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Group AG is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Established in 1926, Mercedes-Benz Group produces consumer luxury vehicles and light commercial vehicles badged as Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and Mercedes-Maybach. Its origin lies in Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes and Carl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the first internal combustion engine in a self-propelled automobile. The slogan for the brand is "the best or nothing".
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)

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