Mercedes-Benz has pulled the covers off its latest all-electric offering, the CLA-Class, marking the beginning of a new era for the brand’s compact sedan lineup. The CLA promises a blend of luxury, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology. But does it live up to the anticipation? Here’s our first look.

Range and Charging

Designed to set new standards in efficiency, the electric CLA 250+ boasts an impressive WLTP range of up to 792 km, making it one of the longest-range EVs in its class. Built on an 800V architecture, the sedan supports ultra-fast DC charging of up to 320 kW, allowing drivers to add around 300 km of range in just 10 minutes. A full charge from 10% to 80% takes roughly 22 minutes.

This remarkable range is made possible by Mercedes’ new 85 kWh NMC battery, which features a 20% higher energy density compared to previous generations. The streamlined design also plays a key role in its efficiency, with a drag coefficient of just 0.21—beating even the Tesla Model 3’s 0.22.

Exterior

The latest model preserves the sleek, sloped-roof, four-door coupe design of its predecessor but now boasts a larger and more commanding presence. This growth is primarily due to the need to accommodate the underfloor battery. As a result, the wheelbase has been extended by 2.4 inches, the height has increased by 1.1 inches, and the overall length has grown by 1.3 inches. Additionally, the greenhouse has been stretched, incorporating rear quarter windows to enhance the sense of space and visibility.

The CLA’s exterior showcases the brand’s new design philosophy, combining elegance with aerodynamics. A refreshed illuminated grille featuring the iconic three-pointed star is a standout addition, giving the sedan a bold, unmistakable presence. Optional Multibeam LED headlights further enhance its futuristic appeal, forming a signature light pattern that reinforces Mercedes-Benz’s luxury identity.

Interior

Step inside, and the CLA-Class reveals a spacious, modern cabin designed around technology and comfort. Thanks to an extended wheelbase, passengers enjoy more legroom in both the front and rear. Additionally, a small front storage compartment—or 'frunk'—adds 2.5 cubic feet of extra cargo space.

The tech-packed dashboard features a 10.25-inch digital driver display, a 14-inch infotainment screen, and an optional 14-inch passenger display. This next-generation system is powered by artificial intelligence from Google Gemini and Microsoft, integrating ChatGPT 4.0 to deliver a conversational virtual assistant. Simply saying, “Hey, Mercedes,” activates the voice assistant, allowing drivers to access navigation, vehicle settings, and even web searches with ease.

The navigation system itself is one of the first to incorporate Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent, which calculates the most efficient route based on real-time traffic, weather conditions, and available charging stations.

Cost Considerations

Mercedes-Benz has yet to announce Irish pricing for the CLA EV, but the model is expected to hit the roads by late 2025. More details on pricing and specifications will be released closer to launch.

Conclusion

The all-electric Mercedes CLA-Class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting luxury EVs on the market. With a sleek design, AI-powered tech, and a class-leading range, it’s clear that Mercedes-Benz has taken a major step forward in electrification. Whether it can truly challenge the Tesla Model 3 remains to be seen, but from this first look, it certainly has all the right ingredients to make a lasting impression.