
Mercedes-Benz CLA review: Merc goes star crazy with brilliant new EV
Once you've got over the frankly absurd number of stars on the car – 142 illuminated ones on the grille, a similar number on the panel in front of the passenger (worth upgrading to a screen just to avoid that), stars on the bonnet, boot, in the front lights, in the rear lights and on the wheels – this is, in my view, one of the best Mercs in a generation.
But it has one rather frustrating flaw – for now. Its super-advanced 800v platform means it can charge at the fastest public chargers at speeds of up to 320kW. But only at the fastest, newest public chargers that also use 800v tech. The CLA is not compatible with 400v chargers which, while still quick, make up quite a lot of the UK's public charging network. Mercedes says that its fancy new navigation system will guide you to the right charger, but most users will rather use the navigation system in their phones – which is better. CLAs that arrive next year – hopefully including the gorgeous Shooting Brake – should feature a fix. A couple of SUVs on the same platform is due at some stage, too.
It's a great shame as the CLA is a fabulous car to drive. It's quick – as you'd expect – and has a lovely ride and handling balance that's fantastic in the CLA 250+ and even better in the four-wheel drive 35-+ we get next year.
The tech inside the lovely, comfortable cabin is great and the quality is okay, if not as perfect as we'd want a Merc to be – there are signs of cost-cutting around.
How we test
I drove the new Mercedes-Benz CLA on the international launch of the car in Copenhagen. My test route included driving around the city, out on the country roads and on the motorways. And as usual, I gave the tech a thorough test, as well as assessing all practicality features, including taking a ride in the back seats.
Independent rating: 8/10
Pros: Lovely to drive, long range, excellent efficiency
Cons: Won't work with all chargers – yet, styling a bit chintzy, cost-cutting in places
Mercedes-Benz CLA specs
Price range £45,615 to £51,770
Battery size 85kWh
Maximum claimed range 484 miles
Miles per kWh 5.1
Maximum charging rate 320kW
Battery, range, charging, performance and drive
Initially we're getting the CLA 250+ which comes with a 268bhp electric motor with what is in effect a two-speed gearbox that helps give the Merc saloon a decent turn of speed – 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds.
One of the most impressive features of the CLA is how well engineered it feels, both in terms of the motor's performance and the quality of the ride. You'll rarely notice the twin-speed gearbox – I just detected the slightest jolt when slowing through regenerative braking, but power comes in smoothly with no sudden snap of performance. If this is what a luxury EVs should feel like, I like it very much.
The same applies to the ride comfort. Body control is excellent, the car doesn't feel too floaty while the ride is communicative, letting you know what the road surface is like, but it never feels uncomfortable. For me, the steering could be a touch heavier, but that's solved in the CLA 350+ that I also had a drive in.
That more expensive model will arrive next year with four-wheel drive meaning a motor on both front and rear axles. It gives the steering just a little more weight making it even nice than in the 250+, although the ride and handling balance is just as nice.
That's all hugely impressive, as is the battery tech. The CLA sits on an 800v platform, while the latest generation battery has a lower carbon footprint and higher energy density. It means that a relatively small and light 84kWh battery in the CLA will offer a range of up to 484 miles – over 50 miles more than the most efficient Tesla Model 3.
That figure drops slightly when you go for bigger wheels or the more powerful and four-wheel drive 350+ model, but it's never short of impressive and the efficiency when I was driving the car of 4.5 miles/kWh was good considering the type of fast roads I was driving on.
However, currently the CLA will only charge at fast-chargers with 800-volt tech. That does mean it'll accept a maximum charge rate of 320kW and will add 200 miles of charge in just ten minutes. But with so many UK fast chargers running on 400-volt tech – admittedly not the very fastest – there will be plenty of chargers off-limits to the CLA.
Mercedes is promising a fix for this next year – and hopefully the lovely Shooting Brake model will feature that fix, too. Mercedes is also quick to point out that the advanced new Google Maps-based navigation is set up to not only provide optimum advice on charging places and pre-condition the car, it will also sniff out the charge points that the CLA can actually use. That will require owners to use the in-car navigation rather than the phone-based system most people prefer.
If I was interested in buying a CLA, I'd hold off until a fix for this battery charging issue is confirmed.
Interior, practicality and boot space
The CLA is Mercedes' smallest saloon model, yet it still feels surprisingly practical. Room in the back is okay – although I'm close to six-feet tall I didn't feel headroom was a problem, despite the CLA's sporty, sloping roofline, which gets a standard and rather lovely panoramic roof in every model. The boot is a decent size and shape with 405-litres of room, too.
More of an issue is the space in the footwell – if the driver or front passenger has their seat low down there might not be enough space underneath to slide your feet.
There's no doubting the high-tech nature of the interior with the potential of three screens across the dash, but the big plastic panel doesn't exude quality and there's not the usual careful alignment of the dashboard panel with the doors. The doors also shut with a shimmy rather than a thud – due partly to the lack of pillars to give the car more of a coupé feel.
Generally, the quality inside is okay, but there are a few other areas of cost cutting. For example, there are no rear window switches on the driver's door – instead there are just two switches and another to select either front or rear windows. It's a feature that's disappointing on a Volkswagen, and more so on a Mercedes.
Being Mercedes' smallest saloon, the car feels relatively narrow, making the steering wheel feel just a tiny bit too big – no doubt due to the CLA having to share the steering wheel with its bigger cousins. The driving position is comfortable, though, and the view out is good despite the car's sporty styling.
Technology, stereo and infotainment
The CLA debuts Mercedes very own latest operating system MB.OS, the fourth version of its MBUX infotainment. It incorporates AI from Chat GPT, Microsoft and Google, choosing which platform to direct your questions that are asked via the 'Hey Mercedes' system. It works well and seamlessly with numerous apps available too, mimicking a smart phone.
However, I can't help but think that most users will just connect their Apple or Android devices and use them instead.
The three screens across the dash are smart and clear – you get a ten-inch driver display, a 14-inch infotainment screen and the option of a 14-inch screen in front of the passenger, too. If you don't go for the passenger screen, you have a plastic panel with over a hundred more tiny, illuminated stars staring at you – enough already!
The two-level centre console features a decent amount of storage space, while there are a couple of cup holders and a wireless phone charger on the top.
The star theme is back when it comes to the headlights, with Multibeam LED technology. The daytime running lights are star shaped, the 142 stars are illuminated on the grille, and the rear lights are, unsurprisingly, star-shaped, too. There are plenty of ambient lighting options inside, too.
There's the expected range of driver assistance features under the MB.Drive banner with level two autonomous driving that'll take care of steering, accelerating and braking (with you in charge, obviously) where appropriate. And everything will be kept up to date with over-the-air updates.
The level of kit as standard is impressive, plus there's a Burmester 3D surround sound system upgrade with 16 speakers and Dolby Atmos. There are also various Sound Experience options to choose from to give this EV some sound characters, and you can even sit in the car stationary and simulate revs by prodding the accelerator.
The starting price for the CLA 250+ Sport Edition is competitive at £45,615, just £625 more than a Long Range Tesla Model 3 yet the Mercedes will go 47 more miles on a full charge.
A sportier AMG Line version will cost £49,375, with the current range-topping AMG Line Premium model costing £51,770 – its bigger wheels and sportier styling reduces range, but it can still outpunch the Tesla by 26 miles. The Tesla is quicker, though.
That 484-mile range from a relatively small 84kWh battery is hugely impressive, as is the efficiency – 4.5 miles/kWh on my mixed test route, and not hanging around, is very good result indeed.
Mercedes CLA rivals
Tesla Model 3
BMW i4
Hyundai Ioniq 6
FAQs
How long does it take to charge?
With charging speeds of up to 320kW, you can add 200 miles to the CLA's battery in just ten minutes.
How much does it cost - is it worth it?
Mercedes has clearly been looking long and hard at Tesla pricing, as the CLA is priced very slightly above the Model 3. It'll go a fair bit further on a single charge, though.
Does Mercedes replace batteries for free?
As with all EVs, the CLA's battery is covered for eight years and 100,000 miles.
Why trust us
Our team of motoring experts have decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are reached with every kind of driver in mind. We thoroughly test drive every car we recommend, so you can be sure our verdicts are honest, unbiased and authentic.
The verdict: Mercedes-Benz CLA
The new CLA feels like Mercedes back to its very best – and it hasn't been there for a while. I love the way the car drives, the range it offers and the on-board tech. I can take or leave the styling – there are just too many stars on there! But the biggest drawback – for the moment – is the charging compatibility of the 800v platform. I'd wait for my CLA until that issue is fixed next year.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Reuters
20 minutes ago
- Reuters
South Korean auto shares dip after Korea-U.S. trade deal
Seoul, July 31 (Reuters) - Shares of South Korean automakers Hyundai Motor ( opens new tab and Kia Corp ( opens new tab fell on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. will charge a 15% tariff on imports from South Korea, including autos, as part of a trade deal. Hyundai Motor shares were down 2% and Kia Corp stock lost 3.3%. The deal reduces U.S. tariffs on South Korean autos from 25% to 15%, the same rate as Japanese car imports. Before Washington imposed 25% auto tariffs in April, there were zero tariffs on most South Korean auto imports under a bilateral trade deal, while there was a 2.5 percent tariff on Japanese auto imports. The deal removes the 2.5% advantage in tariffs South Korean automakers had enjoyed over Japanese rivals under the Korea-U.S. free trade deal, analysts said.


Reuters
20 minutes ago
- Reuters
China's JD.com to buy Germany's Ceconomy in deal valuing it at $2.5 billion
DUESSELDORF, Germany, July 30 (Reuters) - ( opens new tab is acquiring Germany's Ceconomy ( opens new tab in a deal that values the electronics retailer at 2.2 billion euros ($2.5 billion), allowing one of China's largest online retailers to expand outside of its home market. Ceconomy's MediaMarkt and Saturn brands will give which competes with Alibaba ( opens new tab and Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab, access to one of the largest online shops for electronic goods in Europe and a network of about 1,000 stores in several European countries. About 50,000 people work at the two chains. The deal, announced on Wednesday, values Ceconomy at 4.60 euros a share and CEO Kai-Ulrich Deissner told Reuters it would likely be completed in the first half of next year. "It's exactly the right partner at the right time," Deissner said. "Through the partnership, we have access to technologies, world-leading retail expertise, and supply chains that are unparalleled worldwide." Ceconomy's management board and supervisory board will recommend accepting the offer to shareholders, it said in a statement. Its Duesseldorf headquarters would remain, it said. "We will work with the team to strengthen the capabilities, while applying our advanced technology capabilities to accelerate Ceconomy's ongoing transformation," said Sandy Xu, CEO of in a statement. "Our goal is to further grow Ceconomy's platform across Europe and create long-term value for customers, employees, investors and local communities." The Kellerhals family, the largest single shareholder of Ceconomy with just under 30% of the shares, has accepted an offer for 3.81% of its shares and intends to remain an investor with a stake of approximately 25.35%. Shareholders Haniel, Beisheim, BC Equities, and Freenet ( opens new tab, which together control approximately 27.9% of the shares, intend to sell their shares to "There will be no compulsory redundancies for three years following the closing of the transaction," Deissner said, adding that he does not anticipate any major problems from antitrust authorities. Europe is emerging as a hotspot for Chinese deals and investments and the region is expected to attract more money from China driven by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war, said advisers. Deals into Europe more than doubled to $8.45 billion in 2024, the highest since 2021, and made up more than a third of all China outbound M&A, according to LSEG data, despite increased scrutiny of foreign investments into the region. "There's potentially more of an incentive for China and the EU to work closer together on the economic front, in view of the trade policies of the Trump administration," said Alan Wang, a global transactions partner at law firm Freshfields. Ceconomy plans to keep its 23.4% stake in French retailer Fnac Darty ( opens new tab after the deal, Deissner said. "The stake in Fnac Darty will remain. We view it as a long-term strategic option, which we are committed to," he said. Ceconomy last week confirmed it was in advanced negotiations over a potential takeover. Ceconomy had annual sales of 22.4 billion euros in its 2023/24 financial year, of which 5.1 billion euros were online. had looked at an acquisition of British electronics retailer Currys (CURY.L), opens new tab last year. Fitch Ratings said on Wednesday the takeover could bolster Ceconomy's credit profile. "A takeover by JD may lead to an upgrade of Ceconomy's rating, benefitting from JD's stronger credit profile, given the latter's market position as one of the largest global e-commerce platforms with $160 billion revenue providing services across retail, technology, logistics, and healthcare sectors," it said. "We believe that the acquisition of Ceconomy would boost JD's presence in Europe through the former's over 1,000 stores under MediaMarkt and Saturn brands, and its online presence (24% of sales)," it added.


Auto Blog
2 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Why Stellantis' New European Design Chief Matters for Future Cars
A new creative mind for Europe Gilles Vidal, the former vice president of design at Renault Group, was named by Stellantis on Friday as the company's new head of design for its European brands, effective October 1. He replaces Jean-Pierre Ploué, who is departing the firm. Vidal will be in charge of the creative design approach for Stellantis' well-known European brands, which range from light commercial vehicles to city automobiles. Jean-Pierre Ploué — Source: Stellantis 'Gilles will build on the outstanding work carried out by Jean-Pierre Ploué, whom I salute for contributing to the revival and development of many of our brands and products,' said Ralph Gilles, Stellantis Chief Design Officer, to whom Vidal will report. Other executives offered equally effusive opinions about Vidal. Dodge Brand President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Gilles — Source: Joe Wilssens 'His deep understanding of European automotive culture and his forward-thinking design philosophy will be essential as we continue to redefine mobility and strengthen the identity of our European brands,' said Jean-Philippe Imparato, Europe Chief Operating Officer at Stellantis. The hiring of Vidal coincides with a pivotal moment for Stellantis, which is attempting to rebound under new CEO Antonio Filosa. In its key markets, including Europe, demand remains sluggish, and Chinese competitors, led by BYD, are gaining ground. This week's unexpected first-half net deficit of €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion) highlights the difficulty Stellantis faces. Jean-Philippe Imparato — Source: Stellantis A triumphant return For Vidal, the appointment is a homecoming. Joining Groupe PSA in 1996, he played a key role in creating some of the most celebrated car designs. Between 2015 and 2019, he oversaw the design of many Peugeot models, including the Peugeot 308, 3008, and 208, which were all named European Cars of the Year. After 25 years designing vehicles for Citroën and Peugeot, Vidal left PSA in 2020, joining Renault to guide its design as well as that of Renault's electric-vehicle brand, Ampere. There, his designs for the Renault Scenic and Renault 5 also garnered European Cars of the Year awards. He also oversaw the design of Renault's electric-vehicle brand, Ampere. In fact, half of Vidal's 10 career awards have been European Car of the Year. Vidal will work closely with Gilles, who will report to Imparato. 'I am enthusiastic to return to my roots. In a world where technology and design should walk hand in hand to transform customer experience, I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,' Gilles Vidal said. 'I look forward to tackling them by working closely with Jean-Philippe, Ralph, and their teams.' Source: Renault Rebuilding Stellantis' bench Vidal's appointment should help strengthen the beleaguered automaker following Carlos Tavares' resignation as Stellantis CEO on December 1, 2024. His departure brought about the resignation of some of his loyal lieutenants as well, including Stellantis' Chief Software Officer Yves Bonnefont, Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson, and CFO Richard Palmer. As a result, refilling Stellantis' executive ranks is crucial. The ability of Stellantis' new CEO, Antonio Filosa, to attract top talent is important. In America, Filosa, formerly CEO of Stellantis North America, brought back Tim Kuniskis as Ram CEO following a six-month retirement before quickly promoting him to oversee all of Stellantis NV's American brands, marketing, and retail strategies. Vidal's departure from Renault weakens a company that has seen its top ranks empty out, as Renault CEO Luca de Meo, Chief Financial Officer Thierry Pieton, and Executive Vice President of Engineering Gilles Le Borgne have all recently left the company. Tim Kuniskis has been named Head of American Brands, Marketing, and Retail Strategy, while continuing to serve as CEO of Ram. — Source: Renault Final thoughts Stellantis's Filosa knows the challenges the company faces in Europe and is willing to attract the needed talent to revive the company's continental brands. As the company faces rising sales of Chinese vehicles, U.S. import tariffs, and an ever-quickening pace of EV adoption in Europe through government regulation, the hiring of Vidal is a crucial and cunning move. Source: Stellantis 'We are thrilled to welcome Gilles back to this key role. His deep understanding of European automotive culture and his forward-thinking design philosophy will be essential as we continue to redefine mobility and strengthen the identity of our European brands,' Imparato said. About the Author Larry Printz View Profile