Latest news with #CLA35
Auto Blog
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Mercedes-Benz Confirms EV Pricing Cut Ahead
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Take a jet ski, and/or a snowmobile and combine it with a motorcycle, and you'll get something like a Polaris Slingshot. This is a ton of fun for brief jaunts, but can it be a daily driver? Ever feel like dealers don't understand you? We break down the key complaints that show why the car buying process is broken. Mercedes EVs will get several thousand dollars more affordable Mercedes-Benz brought the EQS to market in 2021. Since then, it's been plagued by lukewarm critical reception and less-than-remarkable sales figures. The vehicle was the Stuttgart-based automaker's first foray into mainstream EVs. More importantly, its arrival heralded Benz's dramatic shift towards electrifying all its products. Both decisions might have been a bit premature, and fast-forwarding to today, we see the pendulum swinging the other way. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Full screen 2025 Audi S3 vs Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: the executive decision Watch More First, pricing. Information originally leaked via a dealer employee on TikTok. Still, it was later confirmed by the automaker via Motor1 that almost anything with an EQ badge is getting a hefty price cut for the 2026 model year. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan is now available starting at $66,100, a $9,950 reduction. The EQS sedan sees a decidedly less dramatic trim, shedding $4,150 and still starting just over six figures. By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. Meanwhile, electrified SUVs see substantial slashes. The 2026 EQE SUV drops by $12,950, now commanding $66,100, and the range-topping EQS SUV sees the most significant drop of all. Its new MSRP of $91,100 is a tremendous $15,300 less than what the 2025 model year vehicle retailed for. The only Mercedes-Benz EQ vehicle left unscathed is the compact EQB SUV, which was already the entry-level model at $53,050. Mercedes-Benz EQ line becomes more competitive Aside from EV rebates, the EQ lineup becomes immediately much more competitive with a price drop. At around $90,000, the EQS SUV is a direct rival to the lauded BMW iX, offering a similar range, slightly less power, and more standard luxury features, including ventilated seats and rear seat pillows. The EQE Sedan now costs less than its direct competitor, the BMW i5. Simultaneously, the base car offers more torque and range than the standard i5. That said, we could start to see sales rise. Of course, all this is likely to tank prices on the secondhand market even further, so you might do even better there. Final thoughts While most Mercedes EQ models aren't particularly well-loved — blame their bulbous styling — a price drop might be just what the cars need to get their footing in the market. Unfortunately, it comes at a time when the path forward for electrification is murkier than ever. Assuming the EV market doesn't completely evaporate with the tax incentives, we can expect the car to sell better into 2026 as Mercedes supplements its electrified lineup with models like the EV GLC and CLA. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
Auto Blog
02-08-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
You'll Want To Grab A New Mercedes-Benz EV ASAP
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Somebody is selling the ultimate E46, made using an M5's V10 and pieces of newer M3 and M4 models. It's not cheap, but it is well-priced. Production stops due to a changing EV market If you want a new Mercedes-Benz EQ electric vehicle, you'll have to settle for what's on the lot – for now. Mercedes has temporarily suspended new orders for its battery electric EQS and EQE sedan and utility vehicles, citing 'current market conditions' as the reason for the decision, according to various reports. 2025 Audi S3 vs Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: the executive decision Watch More Mercedes-Benz Alabama Assembly plant — Source: Mercedes-Benz While ordering is projected to reopen, deliveries won't be expected until the fourth quarter, according to a dealer memo dated July 31. At Mercedes-Benz's assembly plant in Vance, Alabama, production of the battery-electric EQS and EQE SUVs for the U.S. market will cease on September 1. The company will continue to build them for other markets, while gasoline-powered GLS and GLE SUV production at the plant is unaffected. Electric vehicle (EV) production in Vance is forecast to plunge nearly 55 percent from 1,179 vehicles in August to 534 in December, according to a report in Automotive News. About 60% of the vehicles built in Vance are exported. By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. EVs are not the hot product in showrooms Sales of both electric SUVs have dropped significantly in the first half of the year, according to the same report. Consumer demand for the EQS SUV declined 32%, while deliveries of the EQE SUV tumbled 35%. It's even worse for EQ sedans. According to Edmunds and Automotive News, the EQE sedan requires 113 days to sell despite an 18% discount, while the EQS needs 87 days with a 15% discount. Compared to other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, it takes dealers 72 days to typically move the EVs. The impending end of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit on September 30th is also part of the reason why Mercedes-Benz is following the lead of other manufacturers: slowing down or delaying production to assess its impact on EV demand. Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 — Source: Mercedes-Benz Still, according to Mercedes-Benz, the battery-electric CLA is still on track to reach showrooms later this year, with a CLA hybrid to follow come time after that. Meanwhile, the EQB is ending production at the end of the model year, as scheduled. Mercedes-Benz's newest EV will not be part of a separate EQ lineup, as in the past, but will instead adopt the 'CLA with EQ Technology' moniker as part of a reversal in marketing strategy. Electric vehicles will be designated as having 'EQ Technology,' and plug-in hybrids will be designated as having 'EQ Hybrid Technology.' Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Automakers have struggled with how to market their EVs alongside their internal combustion engine (ICE) siblings. Audi marketed the E-tron SUV and E-tron GT sedan, their first EVs, as separate models. More recent EV models, such as Q4 or Q6, use even numbers, while ICE models, such as Q5 or Q7, use odd ones. BMW designates its EV models with an 'i' before the name, such as iX3, alongside the ICE-powered X3. 2025 Audi A6 e-tron Avant — Source: Audi Final thoughts Cox Automotive notes that June 2025 EV sales dropped 1.6% in June from the month before, and 3.5% year-over-year. Dealers had a massive 125-day supply of EVs in June, whereas a 60-day supply is considered optimal. Compounding the issue is a hefty 80-day supply of ICE models. Nevertheless, the top five EV brands in June were Tesla, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Ford, and Cadillac, with Chevrolet posting a strong 24.4% increase in sales and Kia reporting a robust 48.2% upturn. Despite overall declining demand, Cox states that momentum remains steady, but what happens next remains to be seen. Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC — Source: MBUSA Most in the industry are expecting EV demand to increase in August and September as those intending to buy an EV will likely do so before the expiration of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit. Given that the impact of U.S. tariffs has yet to fully filter through to the Monroney sticker on most vehicles, getting a new EV sooner rather than later seems wise. The slackening demand in the face of disappearing government incentives for EV sales and infrastructure may lead to dealers not boasting such large inventories of EVs going forward. Given the large inventories on dealer lots, now is the time to get the best selection. About the Author Larry Printz View Profile
The Advertiser
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Mercedes-Benz gives its smallest cars racy Edition R and Edition R+ specials
Mercedes-Benz has been rolling out sporty Edition Rs across its lineup, and now its smallest passenger cars have received the special-edition treatment. Not only that, but there are even hotter Edition R+ variants. All are available to order now. The special edition lineup is comprised of Edition R versions of the Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan and hatch and the CLA35 four-door 'coupe', and Edition R+ versions of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S hot hatch andCLA45 Ssports sedan. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Over the standard A35 and CLA35, the Edition R adds: Power continues to come from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The Edition R+ takes the A45 S and CLA45 S and adds AMG Performance Seats. The CLA45S Edition R+ also gains a fixed rear wing, a first for the flagship CLA. Edition R+ models, like the vehicles they're based on, use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It's mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. Despite the additional equipment, the Edition R and Edition R+ specials are no more expensive than the vehicles they're based on – and in most cases they're cheaper. Comparing list prices, the Edition R versions of the A35 are $3500 cheaper, while the special CLA is $4300 cheaper. The Edition R+ versions of the A45 and CLA45 are priced identically to the vehicles they're based on. Mercedes-Benz has previously offered Edition R versions of the AMG C43 and GLC43. While these special editions feature more aggressive styling than the vehicles they're based on, they're not the flashiest special editions to grace Mercedes' local showrooms. Late last year, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S Limited Edition was revealed for our market, featuring decals, extensive yellow accents and bright green paint, among other changes. The CLA is at the end of its lifecycle, with a new generation due in Australian showrooms next year – though hot AMG versions have yet to be revealed. The A-Class won't be replaced, but a report out of Europe has confirmed the end of production for the current model has been postponed from 2026 to 2028. MORE: Everything Mercedes-AMG A35 • A45 • CLA45 Content originally sourced from: Mercedes-Benz has been rolling out sporty Edition Rs across its lineup, and now its smallest passenger cars have received the special-edition treatment. Not only that, but there are even hotter Edition R+ variants. All are available to order now. The special edition lineup is comprised of Edition R versions of the Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan and hatch and the CLA35 four-door 'coupe', and Edition R+ versions of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S hot hatch andCLA45 Ssports sedan. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Over the standard A35 and CLA35, the Edition R adds: Power continues to come from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The Edition R+ takes the A45 S and CLA45 S and adds AMG Performance Seats. The CLA45S Edition R+ also gains a fixed rear wing, a first for the flagship CLA. Edition R+ models, like the vehicles they're based on, use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It's mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. Despite the additional equipment, the Edition R and Edition R+ specials are no more expensive than the vehicles they're based on – and in most cases they're cheaper. Comparing list prices, the Edition R versions of the A35 are $3500 cheaper, while the special CLA is $4300 cheaper. The Edition R+ versions of the A45 and CLA45 are priced identically to the vehicles they're based on. Mercedes-Benz has previously offered Edition R versions of the AMG C43 and GLC43. While these special editions feature more aggressive styling than the vehicles they're based on, they're not the flashiest special editions to grace Mercedes' local showrooms. Late last year, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S Limited Edition was revealed for our market, featuring decals, extensive yellow accents and bright green paint, among other changes. The CLA is at the end of its lifecycle, with a new generation due in Australian showrooms next year – though hot AMG versions have yet to be revealed. The A-Class won't be replaced, but a report out of Europe has confirmed the end of production for the current model has been postponed from 2026 to 2028. MORE: Everything Mercedes-AMG A35 • A45 • CLA45 Content originally sourced from: Mercedes-Benz has been rolling out sporty Edition Rs across its lineup, and now its smallest passenger cars have received the special-edition treatment. Not only that, but there are even hotter Edition R+ variants. All are available to order now. The special edition lineup is comprised of Edition R versions of the Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan and hatch and the CLA35 four-door 'coupe', and Edition R+ versions of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S hot hatch andCLA45 Ssports sedan. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Over the standard A35 and CLA35, the Edition R adds: Power continues to come from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The Edition R+ takes the A45 S and CLA45 S and adds AMG Performance Seats. The CLA45S Edition R+ also gains a fixed rear wing, a first for the flagship CLA. Edition R+ models, like the vehicles they're based on, use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It's mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. Despite the additional equipment, the Edition R and Edition R+ specials are no more expensive than the vehicles they're based on – and in most cases they're cheaper. Comparing list prices, the Edition R versions of the A35 are $3500 cheaper, while the special CLA is $4300 cheaper. The Edition R+ versions of the A45 and CLA45 are priced identically to the vehicles they're based on. Mercedes-Benz has previously offered Edition R versions of the AMG C43 and GLC43. While these special editions feature more aggressive styling than the vehicles they're based on, they're not the flashiest special editions to grace Mercedes' local showrooms. Late last year, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S Limited Edition was revealed for our market, featuring decals, extensive yellow accents and bright green paint, among other changes. The CLA is at the end of its lifecycle, with a new generation due in Australian showrooms next year – though hot AMG versions have yet to be revealed. The A-Class won't be replaced, but a report out of Europe has confirmed the end of production for the current model has been postponed from 2026 to 2028. MORE: Everything Mercedes-AMG A35 • A45 • CLA45 Content originally sourced from: Mercedes-Benz has been rolling out sporty Edition Rs across its lineup, and now its smallest passenger cars have received the special-edition treatment. Not only that, but there are even hotter Edition R+ variants. All are available to order now. The special edition lineup is comprised of Edition R versions of the Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan and hatch and the CLA35 four-door 'coupe', and Edition R+ versions of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S hot hatch andCLA45 Ssports sedan. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Over the standard A35 and CLA35, the Edition R adds: Power continues to come from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. The Edition R+ takes the A45 S and CLA45 S and adds AMG Performance Seats. The CLA45S Edition R+ also gains a fixed rear wing, a first for the flagship CLA. Edition R+ models, like the vehicles they're based on, use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It's mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system. Despite the additional equipment, the Edition R and Edition R+ specials are no more expensive than the vehicles they're based on – and in most cases they're cheaper. Comparing list prices, the Edition R versions of the A35 are $3500 cheaper, while the special CLA is $4300 cheaper. The Edition R+ versions of the A45 and CLA45 are priced identically to the vehicles they're based on. Mercedes-Benz has previously offered Edition R versions of the AMG C43 and GLC43. While these special editions feature more aggressive styling than the vehicles they're based on, they're not the flashiest special editions to grace Mercedes' local showrooms. Late last year, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S Limited Edition was revealed for our market, featuring decals, extensive yellow accents and bright green paint, among other changes. The CLA is at the end of its lifecycle, with a new generation due in Australian showrooms next year – though hot AMG versions have yet to be revealed. The A-Class won't be replaced, but a report out of Europe has confirmed the end of production for the current model has been postponed from 2026 to 2028. MORE: Everything Mercedes-AMG A35 • A45 • CLA45 Content originally sourced from:
Car and Driver
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The 2026 CLA35 sedan is Mercedes-AMG's most affordable performance special, undercutting its GLA35 platform-mate by several hundred dollars. In typical AMG fashion, this little car offers more power, sharper handling, and better stability than the more pedestrian CLA thanks to its retuned turbocharged engine, firmer suspension, and standard all-wheel-drive system. The same is true of the CLA45 S, only that model makes 416 ponies to the CLA35's 302. Both cars are sleeker and swankier than rivals like the Audi S3 and Cadillac CT4-V, but the aggressively sloping roofline is a detriment to rear-seat and cargo space. Expert Tip: If you're after a luxury sports sedan that's more sporty than luxurious, the manual-only Acura Integra Type R is a good time, and it will save you thousands over the comparable CLA35. What's New for 2026? Signaling a close to this sedan's second generation, a limited-production CLA45 S Final Edition model joins the lineup for 2026. It's essentially an appearance package, with sizable '45 S' decals adorning the sides of its gunmetal-colored body and yellow accents brightening the car's interior and side mirrors. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class is expected to start around $58,000 and go up to $76,000 depending on the trim and options. CLA35 $58,000 (est) CLA35 Exclusive $60,000 (est) CLA35 Pinnacle $62,000 (est) CLA45 S $69,000 (est) CLA45 S Exclusive $70,000 (est) CLA45 S Pinnacle $72,000 (est) CLA45 S Final Edition $76,000 (est) The CLA45 S is the most intense member of the CLA family, but its high base price pushes it into competition with larger, more refined sports sedans like the BMW M340i and Audi S5, so we'd stick with the CLA35 and go light on the options. We would suggest the mid-tier Exclusive trim, as it opens the door to the Driver Assistance package and adds an augmented-reality navigation system, a traffic-sign recognition system, active LED headlamps, and illuminated door-sill plates. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Engines: 302-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (CLA35); 416-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (CLA45 S) 302-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (CLA35); 416-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (CLA45 S) Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic 8-speed dual-clutch automatic Drivetrain: all-wheel drive While both models boast the company's latest turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the CLA35 makes 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque while the CLA45 S develops a rousing 416 ponies and 369 pound-feet. Both models come with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and the brand's 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, which can send all of the engine's torque to the rear wheels. The CLA45 S also offers a tail-sliding Drift drive mode. Optional adaptive dampers allow drivers to adjust the ride for comfort or sporting behavior. 0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Tests: 4.4 seconds (CLA35); 3.7 seconds (CLA45) In Comparison: At our test track, the 302-hp CLA35 managed a quick 4.4-second 60-mph time, and the CLA45—back when it made only 382 horsepower—blasted to 60 in just 3.7 seconds. We haven't put the 416-hp CLA45 S through its paces yet, but it should be slightly quicker than the old non-S variant. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG EPA City Ratings: 20-22 mpg 20-22 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 28-29 mpg The EPA hasn't released fuel-economy information for the 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class yet, but the 2025 CLA35 earned ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the CLA45 S returned 20 and 28 mpg, respectively. We expect the 2026 CLA-Class will post identical numbers. For reference, compared to the much less powerful Mercedes-Benz CLA250 with all-wheel drive, the CLA35 incurs a 6-mpg penalty on the highway. Its 29-mpg rating, however, is similar to what competitors such as the Audi S3 and BMW M235i Gran Coupe see. For more information about the CLA-Class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: Mercedes gives shoppers several seating options to make the CLA's cockpit-like cabin their own. You can spec bright red or sage green leather upholstery, aluminum or wood trim, and the brand's multicontour seats (with or without ventilation functions). No matter how you build it, the front seats are pleasantly spacious. Second Row: There's limited headroom in the second row due to the car's sloping roofline. Legroom is also tight, and amenities aren't as generous in the rear seat, but at least there are dedicated rear-seat air vents on the back of the center console. Cargo Capacity: The AMG CLAs provide 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, enough to house a couple of overnight bags or an average grocery haul. The rear seat also folds down in case you need to haul additional cargo. Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 10.3-inch touchscreen 10.3-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Audio System: 12-speaker Burmester stereo The CLA35 and CLA45 S are equipped with Mercedes-Benz's MBUX infotainment system, which the driver can control via finicky capacitive buttons on the steering wheel or with the console-mounted touchpad. The digital instrument-cluster screen and the standard 10.3-inch infotainment display live under one large horizontal piece of glass and take up much of the dash. Bluetooth connectivity and a 12-speaker Burmester sound system are provided, as is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The CLA-Class is available with driver-assistance features that can help keep you out of harm's way during your travels. Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high-beam headlights automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high-beam headlights Optional Safety Features: lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control For information about the CLA's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Mercedes, unlike some of its luxury competitors, doesn't include complimentary maintenance, but it offers comparable warranty coverage on the CLA. Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: None C/D Test Results and Specs Whenever a model debuts or sees significant revisions, we test it and publish the results. While the chart below may list data for an earlier model year, the numbers still apply to the current model, as it hasn't seen meaningful changes and doesn't warrant a new test. Specifications Specifications 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 VEHICLE TYPE front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE AS TESTED $66,340 (base price: $47,895) ENGINE TYPE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement 122 in3, 1991 cm3 Power 302 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque 295 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm TRANSMISSION 7-speed dual-clutch automatic DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.4 in Length: 184.8 in Width: 72.2 in Height: 55.3 in Passenger volume: 89 ft3 Trunk volume: 12 ft3 Curb weight (C/D est): 3626 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 4.6 sec 100 mph: 10.1 sec ¼-mile: 13.0 sec Top speed: 155 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 25/23/29 mpg More Features and Specs
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Is A Super Efficient Electric Car Designed With No Compromises
After seeing it in concept form in 2023 and letting us ride in a camouflaged prototype at the end of last year, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the third-generation CLA, the compact four-door coupe that serves as the brand's entry point. While there will be a gas-powered hybrid version on the same platform, the new CLA was designed first and foremost as a zero-compromise EV, and the electric version will be one of the longest-range, fastest-charging and most-efficient electric cars you can buy. The electric CLA's platform, battery pack, electric motors, electrical systems and more were all previewed and real-world tested by the Vision EQXX, and it's the first Mercedes to debut the brand's new operating system and overhauled infotainment system, also previewed by the EQXX. Every bit of the CLA, from the powertrain to the tech stack, is totally new. When I got to see the new CLA in person in Germany a few weeks ago, I got to walk around the car with Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius, who described the CLA as resetting the company's clock as it will usher in a totally new era for the brand. While the brand will keep making internal combustion engines into the early 2030s, Källenius says there is no question that Mercedes' future is fully electric, and this new CLA is leading the way. Full disclosure: Mercedes-Benz flew me to Stuttgart and put me up in a car-themed hotel so I could get to see the new CLA under embargo and do deep dives into its engineering and design, as well as another car I can't tell you about yet. Read more: You Can Buy A 400-HP V-Series Cadillac For Less Than A Honda Accord The third-gen CLA rides on Mercedes' new modular MMA platform, which accommodates both fully EV and hybridized internal combustion powertrains but was designed first and foremost for the electric versions. That's definitely the way to go, versus something like the BMW i4 where an electric powertrain was shoved into a platform that was initially designed for just ICE cars. One big benefit? While the gas-powered CLA is front-wheel drive for better packaging, electric CLAs are rear-wheel drive (with all-wheel drive as an option) and they have a large frunk under the hood. In the U.S. we'll get the electric CLA in rear-wheel-drive CLA250+ and all-wheel-drive CLA350 4Matic guises, both of which get a silly "with EQ Technology" moniker added onto the name to denote the electric powertrains. The single-motor CLA250 has 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, with Mercedes claiming a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.6 seconds. That's three-tenths off from the current gas-powered CLA. Upgrade to the dual-motor CLA350 and you get 349 hp and 380 lb-ft — 47 hp and 85 lb-ft more than a current CLA35 and more torque than even the CLA45 S — which will hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, the same as the CLA35. Top speed for both models is a respectable 130 mph. Mercedes isn't giving full details about the CLA hybrid yet, as it's hitting dealerships about six months later than the EV, but we know it'll feature a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a 27-hp electric motor and a 1.3-kWh battery pack. Mercedes says the hybrid will be able to do up to 60 mph on electric power alone, and it can recuperate up to 25 kW of energy when braking. Källenius says the electric CLA is "orders of magnitude" more efficient than the gas car, being an electric equivalent of a one-liter car. Both electric CLAs have a nickel manganese cobalt battery pack with 85 kWh of usable capacity, and the MMA platform has an 800-volt architecture for mega charging speeds. It supports DC fast charging speeds of up to 320 kW — 120 kW more than the EQS — which can add up to 202 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The entry-level single-motor model, which has a longer range, needs just 22 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent, while the dual-motor car needs 33 minutes for the same amount of charge. The CLA supports AC charging at up to 11 kW, and in the U.S. the CLA will have the Tesla-style NACS port as standard as well as a J1772 port for slow chargers, with an adapter for CCS fast-chargers. The CLA will also be the first Mercedes EV to support bi-directional charging for vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid. The original CLA had a drag coefficient of 0.24, impressive for any sort of car let alone a gas-powered compact, but the new CLA EV blows past it with a 0.21 drag coefficient, which is lower than any other production Mercedes save for the EQS and makes the CLA more aerodynamic than almost every other car on sale. Sometimes there can be a big variance in drag coefficient between model variants, but Mercedes says there's minimal difference with the CLAs, especially because most of the wheels have aero-focused designs. Every CLA also has pop-out door handles, which now have a mechanical release instead of an electric one for quicker operation, better feel and more durability. Slamming the CLA's door also provides a super satisfying thunk that better evokes hefty classic models. Another big boost to efficiency comes from the CLA's rear motor, which has a two-speed transmission like the Porsche Taycan. The first gear is for quick acceleration in city driving while the second gear is for highway cruising; the car will automatically shift depending on the drive mode and situation. In all-wheel-drive models the 107-hp front motor can disconnect when it's not needed, and Mercedes says the rear motor has 93 percent efficiency over long distances. The CLA also has a standard multi-source heat pump that uses ambient air, the battery and waste heat from the drive system to power the climate control system and other functions, as well as improve battery pre-conditioning. All that adds up to seriously long ranges for every version of the electric CLA. Mercedes says the dual-motor CLA350 has a range of 479 miles on the European WLTP cycle while the single-motor CLA250 will do up to 492 miles — that's nearly as good as the EQS, which will do 507 WLTP-cycle miles in its most efficient guise from a 33-kWh-larger battery pack. In the U.S. EPA cycle the longest-range EQS is rated at 390 miles, so expect the CLA's rating to come in at around 375 miles. Mercedes has said the CLA will have an average energy consumption figure of 5.2 miles per kWh, which bests the Lucid Air and Hyundai Ioniq 6, the two most efficient EVs currently on sale. In addition to being even more slippery, the new CLA's design looks really damn good as well. I've always been a fan of the CLA (and really any four-door coupe), but the new one is certainly Mercedes' best effort yet and a major step up from the outgoing CLA in terms of proportions, details and overall premium look and feel. The wheelbase has been stretched by 2.4 inches compared to the old car while overall length is up by 1.3 inches, and the new CLA is also an inch wider and just over an inch taller. One big contributing factor to the CLA's more upscale vibe is the additional side quarter windows, which not only give occupants more light inside and a better view out, but also makes the car appear even longer. Shorter overhangs help a lot, too, along with crisp lines above the wheel arches and slightly flared fenders. There will truly be no mistaking the CLA at night, especially if you go for the electric version. While the CLA hybrid (above) has a fairly normal grille up front — the only design difference for ICE vs. EV — the electric model comes standard with a black "grille" panel with a large central star that's surrounded by a pattern of 142 individual "chrome-effect" illuminated stars. These stars remain on while you're driving along with the central logo, and they animate when the car is unlocked or charging. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love this. The CLA has a similar headlight shape and connected central lightbar as other Mercedes EVs, but the headlights themselves have three-pointed star elements, either in chrome on base models or as running lights if you opt for the fancier headlight setup; with the latter, the stars are separate from the high and low beams, so they'll always be visible when the lights are on. The taillights are similarly shaped, with three-pointed elements and a lightbar with dozens of short vertical segments. Open the frameless doors and you're greeted with Mercedes' next interior design era, which is inspired by zen gardens. As promised by the EQXX, the CLA is the first Benz to feature the company's new pillar-to-pillar screen setup, which is called Superscreen. Essentially the whole dashboard is one long glass panel, combining a 10.3-inch gauge cluster, a 14-inch central touchscreen and an optional 14-inch passenger touchscreen. If you don't want the passenger screen, there's a black panel with an illuminated star pattern that matches the ambient light color. Illuminated climate control vents are placed in either end of the screen, with additional thin vents below the center screen. The CLA's ambient lighting is nicely placed, not as overwhelming as it can get in cars like the new E-Class. At the front of the floating center console just below those vents is a row of touch-sensitive buttons for a few frequently used features, but otherwise the CLA is devoid of buttons, with basically everything controlled by your voice or the infotainment system (more on those two things later.) Mercedes finally redesigned its door-mounted seat controls at least, with the new ones being both better looking and actually moving when you adjust them, and the steering wheel has simplified haptic controls. Get your pitchforks out, though, because there are only two window switches with a button to choose between the front and rear windows, like on Volkswagen's ID cars and the latest Volvos and Polestars. That center console has a nicely sized cubby with an optional wireless charging pad, a pair of cupholders and a large open space below it; I didn't get to sit in the hybrid CLA, but it doesn't seem to have much less space if any than the EV thanks to its clever powertrain packaging. Under the armrest is a large enclosed storage space, and the new door panel design is also quite nice looking with spacious cubbys as well. Mercedes' color and materials designers got to have a lot of fun with the new CLA. Upholstery schemes for the sporty seats include bright brown leather, a lovely cream that even has a light-colored steering wheel, black with lime green accents, and a white and black motif with a mix of suede and leather with red accents. The center console, door cards and other areas can have real aluminum or wood trim, along with a new option of a finish made from recycled paper. There are lots of areas with nice material mixes and contrast stitching, and everything feels high quality and very well made, a big step up from the old CLA and even other more expensive models. The new CLA's 16.2 cubic feet of trunk space is actually down almost two cubes compared to the old model, but in person it seemed more spacious to me, so maybe the trunk shape has been better optimized. Under the hood you get a 2.5-cubic-foot frunk that's big enough to hold carry-on bags and other things, impressive engineering considering how tiny the frunks are in other EVs that have ICE versions — another benefit of MMA's EV-first approach. In terms of space for humans, despite having a standard fixed panoramic sunroof that extends extremely far back, the new CLA has 0.6 inch more headroom for front passengers and 1.1 inches more in the rear. Front legroom is slightly greater than the old car while rear legroom is slightly down, likely because of the batteries under the floor. Despite all of the above, the biggest deal when it comes to the new CLA might be its technology and infotainment system, as that is what will rapidly spread across the entire Mercedes lineup over the next two and a half years. Debuting in the CLA is the production version of the operating system that Mercedes has been teasing for a few years now, which was developed completely in-house and is powered by a new supercomputer and improved software and cloud connectivity. can handle over-the-air updates for every vehicle system, including things like driver-assist features. For instance, the CLA will have the necessary hardware for advanced Level 2 hands-free systems that will become available after the car launches. Mercedes is still using the MBUX moniker for the infotainment itself, which has been overhauled to be more intuitive and personalizable. The slicker graphics are powered by the Unity Game Engine, and the system is designed so it requires fewer actions to accomplish tasks or navigate between menus. For instance, you can now swipe at the edges of the screen to go back to the previous page, and there are customizable folders and app grid layouts. The home screen, which always shows the map view and has shortcut controls for the climate menu, will also display recently used apps and show suggestions for apps or functions based on how you use the system. Mercedes says it is seeing big drops in Apple CarPlay usage as its current MBUX software improves, and this new system will lower that number even further. The navigation system, which uses Google Maps data, shows a real-time view of the car and the surroundings. It's constantly taking into account all sorts of data parameters to give you the fastest and most efficient route, dynamically responding to traffic or how you're driving. Sometimes the car will say two shorter stops is more efficient, or maybe just one longer stop, and it'll do all that decision-making and battery pre-conditioning for you. At Mercedes-Benz's branded charging stations, the CLA will automatically reserve a charger in advance 15 minutes before you arrive. If you get the third screen, your front seat passenger can stream videos using apps like Disney+ or YouTube, watch IMAX-enhanced movies on Ridevu or connect a gaming controller to play cloud-based video games like Forza through the Boosteroid service. People really do use these passenger screens, especially in China where Mercedes sees a 50-percent greater usage than when the EQS' Hyperscreen first debuted. Unlike cars like the E-Class, where the passenger screen has a special coating that makes it appear black to the driver, the CLA's passenger screen will turn off if the car's internal cameras sense the driver's eyes have looked over for a prolonged period of time. A 16-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos is available, with the Dolby tech now available for audiobooks on Audible — the Germans used 1984 as an example in our demo and didn't understand why us American journalists started cracking up. Mercedes' biggest standout feature is the CLA's MBUX Virtual Assistant, which incorporates AI technology from both Google and Microsoft. Mercedes says this upgraded assistant can accomplish "advanced, natural, multi-turn dialogue" and that it even has a "short-term memory." You can string multiple thoughts and questions together, or ask it to accomplish two separate tasks, like changing the temperature and the radio station at once. Examples that were demo'd for us included asking the car to pick out a restaurant for a dinner date, specifying that we wanted a specific price range and a table with a view. After presenting us with some options, the assistant asked if we wanted the car to call the restaurant so we could make a reservation. The assistant will even recognize your emotions, with the Mercedes logo in the top right corner of the screen changing color based on how you're talking. I've already thought that Mercedes' current voice assistant is one of the best in the business and this new version seems a couple steps up beyond that. Källenius says Mercedes' EQ lineup was hugely important for the brand, as it brought in many early EV adopters and customers that had never bought a Benz before and proved that the company's EV technology was more than competitive. Now, though, he says the company is refocusing and using the CLA strategy as a blueprint to chase mass EV adoption amid "ever-increasing" take rates. Classic model lines like the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class will gain next-gen electric variants, sharing more traditionally Benz styling with their gas equivalents in the same way as the CLA and G-wagen. We'll see the next-gen GLC debut this fall with a new design language for the company's rear-wheel-drive cars. Källenius describes the company's next few years of launches as Mercedes' biggest new product offensive in 100 years. Next up and also riding on this MMA platform will be a Shooting Brake wagon version of the CLA that won't come to America, and GLA and GLB crossovers that will. The GLA and GLB will share the CLA's electric-first approach. Also in the pipeline are AMG versions of the electric CLA, which will boast more aggressive styling and tons of power. But first, Mercedes needs to actually launch this CLA. The 2026 CLA EV will go on sale in the U.S. this fall, with the hybrid to follow about six months later. I expect it to start at in the low $50,000 range. 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