From the July/August 2026 issue of Car and Driver.

Car companies seldom acknowledge design errors openly. Yet this complete reversal in direction speaks volumes. The fresh CLA launches Mercedes-Benz second wave of electric cars, with execution that diverges sharply. Instead of dedicated EV platforms as seen in the EQS and EQE lines, this model shares its base with gas-powered versions, following BMW lead. The EQ badge disappears entirely. The rounded, distinctive looks fade away, along with reluctance toward front storage areas, previous models warned against hood access. Buyers now pick gas or electric power for the CLA.

Mercedes possessed capable EV technology already, delivering strong real-world range in EQ models. Still, the CLA advances further with an 800-volt system, updated cell chemistry for quicker refills, in-house permanent-magnet motors featuring hairpin windings, and a rear two-speed transmission similar to the Porsche Taycan for better low-speed punch and highway economy.

Top efficiency comes from the 268-hp rear-drive CLA250+ starting at $49,300 with its single rear motor, while the CLA350 adds a front motor for 81 extra horsepower. We evaluated the CLA250+, though Mercedes omitted the 17-inch wheel version boasting a 0.21 drag coefficient. That setup claims 374 miles EPA range, dropping to 317 miles on 18-inch wheels. Our test car rode on 19-inch wheels with Bridgestone Turanza 6 summer tires, sharing the 317-mile figure. Yet this setup achieved an outstanding 340 miles in our 75-mph highway evaluation, ranking among the top 10 longest-range EVs tested despite its modest 85-kWh battery. Smaller wheels might push it near 400 miles. The 800-volt setup plus silicon-oxide enriched anodes in the nickel-manganese-cobalt pack enable rapid charging.

Superior EVs combine efficiency with swift charging, and the CLA excels here. Mercedes leveraged it to surpass the Porsche Taycan 24-hour range mark. The team used brief stops with 40 ten-minute charges from roughly 10 to 55 percent state of charge. Between charges, drivers held 131 mph, covering 2309 miles in 24 hours, 181 miles beyond the prior record, at 96 mph average. Short charges in the optimal zone compensated for extra stops, and the CLA navigation now suggests similar brief sessions often under 20 minutes.

The CLA delivers strong charging performance yet trails at the track with steady but modest acceleration, hitting 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, relaxed for an EV. The cheaper rear-drive Tesla Model 3 reaches 60 mph 0.4 second sooner and leads at the quarter-mile, 13.7 seconds versus 14.5. The two-speed shift engages around 65 mph under full throttle but stays subtle otherwise. Sport mode highlights the change with power dip and recovery, while Comfort mode shifts smoothly.

Regen braking uses steering paddles or the column shifter. A one-pedal mode stops the car fully without brakes, plus a traffic-adaptive setting. We preferred zero-regen mode, where even this CLA250+ glides effortlessly after throttle lift, proving most efficient for deceleration. Brakes blend regen smoothly without affecting pedal feel. At 69 decibels at 70 mph the cabin lacks top quietness, slightly louder than a large-tire Nissan Leaf, though smaller wheels may reduce road noise.

Light steering gives this 4550-pound sedan agile character. Peak grip reaches 0.85 g on summer tires tuned more for efficiency than grip, allowing some playful tail slides. Body movements occasionally feel pronounced, yet the suspension maintains composure without harshness. Sport mode adds steering weight while damping stays constant, showing careful ride and handling calibration.

Design choices appear less considered. The front grille features 142 illuminated stars beside the central emblem. Running lights repeat the motif front and rear. Puddle lamps project additional stars on the ground. Subtlety seems absent from current Mercedes styling, though the recent exit of chief designer Gorden Wagener may bring renewed restraint.

The new CLA grows modestly, with wheelbase up 2.4 inches and length by 1.3 inches. Front space improves slightly, yet the driving position feels cramped for a six-foot-five driver, with knees hitting console and door areas. A high beltline and limited glass worsen visibility. Rear headroom gains 1.1 inches but other dimensions shrink, creating a tight space with limited footroom and sloping roofline.

HIGHS: Strong efficiency, rapid charging, impressive range, engaging dynamics.

Mercedes appears to have studied Tesla methods, from simple startup to ten cameras on the car. Five radars and twelve ultrasonic sensors support upcoming hands-free assistance.

The brand adopted the NACS port, yet implementation differs. NACS handles both DC and AC in one compact unit, but Mercedes uses separate ports under one fuel door, limiting NACS to DC only and retaining J1772 for AC. A single legacy port would simplify matters.

This CLA introduces a front trunk to Mercedes EVs, offering three cubic feet that fits a carry-on bag. Internal dividers limit utility to meet child-safety rules, though owners may remove them for more space.

LOWS: Modest acceleration for EVs, restricted visibility, compact rear seat, flashy styling elements.

The Pinnacle Line package at $5850 adds a screen array: 10.3-inch driver display, 14.0-inch center screen, and matching passenger screen. Physical knobs return for some wheel controls like volume and cruise, though touch buttons persist.

Latest MBUX integrates AI from Microsoft and Google. Android-based software uses Google Maps with excellent visuals and solid responsiveness. Screen dimmer control sits oddly in System rather than Light menu. The voice assistant handles basic requests yet falters on follow-ups. Games, movies, and road Zoom calls via selfie camera remain available.

VERDICT: Mercedes EV 2.0 approach represents a near-total reversal.

A compact sedan faces sales challenges, especially an electric luxury model. Absent rising fuel costs, the CLA influence will likely stem from its new methods and tech shared across future Mercedes EVs.

Charging Speed Ahead

The 800-volt architecture and cell updates enable faster charging. Mercedes lists 320-kW peak, and we recorded 329 kilowatts briefly in a 10-to-90 percent test. Above 60 percent charge, speeds match the prior EQS SUV. Yet 10-to-60 percent takes just 12 minutes, adding over 160 highway miles. Overall average reaches 166 kilowatts, competitive with top fast-chargers though below the Taycan with larger battery at 213 kilowatts.

Car and Driver

Counterpoints

The updated Mercedes-Benz CLA performs best in electric form. Its powertrain flows more smoothly than the hybrid version, though throttle response can feel abrupt in town. Efficiency draws clear lessons from the Vision EQXX concept. Comfort and quietness meet Mercedes standards. The cabin disappoints with hard plastics dominating surfaces and an oversized screen that cheapens the feel. At $63,000 the materials seem low-grade. -Andrew Krok

Mercedes-Benz delivers perhaps its most practical EV. The CLA250+ avoids flashy branding, presenting as a stylish comfortable sedan with electric power. Skip the dual-motor CLA350 unless all-wheel drive is essential. The rear-drive model echoes the sensible appeal of classic W123 and W124 models. Their lasting impact suggests this approach may endure. -Andrew Wendler