2025 Mercedes CLA Debuts With Both Electric And Hybrid Powertrains With Good Efficiency
The Mercedes-Benz CLA, the brand’s next entry-level car featuring both EV and hybrid drivetrains, was first shown off as a concept in September 2023. The CLA hybrid and CLA EV will have the same model designation, which is a first for Mercedes. Mercedes’ aim of developing fully customized EVs to complement their combustion-engine counterparts has come to an end.
The entry-level 250+ with EQ Technology, which is said to have a 792-kilometer range, is the first model in the CLA EV portfolio. In the meanwhile, 770 kilometres are promised by the all-wheel-drive CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology. Notably, the difference is less than that of the majority of other EVs when compared to the rear-driven model. Please take notice that these numbers have not yet been homologated under the WLTP cycle.
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The most intriguing aspect, though, is that the rear-wheel drive CLA outperforms Mercedes’ flagship EQS 580, which can go 770 kilometres on a single charge (WLTP) using a 118kWh battery. Mercedes’ attempts to reduce the CLA EV’s energy consumption—its nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery has a capacity of only 85kWh—are responsible for that impressive range statistic. This indicates that the CLA EV’s efficiency is more than 9.0 km/kWh.
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Another important factor in the CLA EV’s efficiency is its new permanent magnet motor, which is located on the back. It is lighter, has a higher torque density, and generates more output in a smaller compact. Instead of the standard single-speed reduction gearing, the motor additionally receives a two-speed gearbox in the Porsche Taycan design. With 272 horsepower from the drivetrain, the CLA 250+ can do the 0-100 kph dash in 6.7 seconds. With a single-speed transmission on its front axle, the four-wheel-drive CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology receives an extra 108 horsepower from the motor, for a total output of 354 horsepower. This reduces its sprint time from 0 to 100 kph to 4.9 seconds.
By disconnecting this extra motor from the front axle while not in use, frictional energy losses are reduced by 90%. In order to keep the battery charged, braking mostly depends on the regenerative effect of the motors, which can supply up to 200kW of stopping power.
The 800V electrical design of the CLA EV enables quick charging at up to 320kW, enabling a 300km top-up in ten minutes. Later on, a 58kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) pack will be available in addition to the 85kWh battery.
The CLA will first go on sale in its EV form, around October in Europe, with the hybrid following a few months later. Joining the sedan will also be a new CLA estate version with both powertrain options, and is expected to be showcased around September at the Munich Motor Show. The CLA sedan is expected to arrive here in India by the end of 2025 as well.
