Mercedes-Benz CLA Review 2025 | One step closer to the 500-mile electric car
Mercedes-Benz CLA cars for sale
4.0
Expert review
Pros
Long range on EV
Great to drive
Comparably well priced
Cons
Interior is a bit plasticky
Tight rear passenger access
Others have a bigger boot
The CarGurus verdict
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is a landmark electric car. It brings together genuine long-distance range, sophisticated design, and cutting-edge interior tech in a compact, desirable package. It’s also proof that Mercedes can still innovate in meaningful ways: the two-speed gearbox, clever aerodynamics and charging tech all show real engineering ambition.
Yes, there are other such cars that have more passenger space, longer warranties and a slightly lower list price. But none of that undermines what is easily one of the best electric saloons on sale today. If you want a premium EV that feels as futuristic as it looks — and can travel farther than almost anything else without stopping — the Mercedes CLA deserves a place at the top of your shortlist.
What is the Mercedes-Benz CLA?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology (catchy name, right?) represents the start of a new generation of EVs for Mercedes. This sleek, four-door “coupe-saloon” sits below the C-Class and replaces the previous petrol-powered model with a bespoke electric architecture designed for efficiency above all else.
At launch, UK buyers can only have the Mercedes CLA 250+ with EQ Technology, a rear-wheel-drive model powered by a 268bhp electric motor and an 85kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery. It manages up to 484 miles on a charge, which is 5.7 miles per kWh in terms of efficiency, making the CLA one of the most efficient electric cars on sale. Impressive by any standard, never mind a near-two-tonne executive saloon. It also has rapid charging of up to 320kW, making this one of the fastest-charging electric vehicles that you can buy.
There will be other versions of this electric Mercedes CLA, including a smaller 58kWh battery option as an entry point to the range, and a CLA 350 4Matic (complete with all-wheel-drive and a 0–62mph in 4.8 seconds) for a sportier option. A mild hybrid petrol model will also join the range in early 2026.
Styling-wise, the CLA is classic modern Mercedes: clean, elegant, and aerodynamically honed. Its swooping roofline and short overhangs lend it a coupe-like stance, while details such as the illuminated Mercedes stars in the grille and new LED light signatures make it instantly recognisable as part of the new “electric” generation.
How practical is it?
Despite the CLA’s sleek, coupe-like styling, it’s surprisingly usable day to day. The 405-litre boot is slightly smaller than that of a Tesla Model 3 or BMW i4, but the floor is long and flat, and the rear seats fold in a useful 40/20/40 split. There’s also a big ‘frunk’ that’s ideal for storing the charging cables. The narrow boot opening is the biggest compromise, but Mercedes also has a solution for that, because in 2026, you’ll be able to buy the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake, which will get a hatchback boot and almost-estate body shape.
Inside, there’s enough room for four adults, although headroom is a bit compromised in the back due to the raked roofline, and the small door aperture can also make sliding into the rear seats a bit tricky. Anyone over six foot will feel a bit cramped. And, while legroom is decent, foot space under the front seats is tight. Going for the higher-roofed Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake should bring more headroom, so that’s another reason to consider the estate version of the Mercedes CLA.
Up front, things are much roomier and more accommodating, even if you’re very tall. The seats are supportive and electrically adjustable as standard. Visibility is okay for a saloon of this type, and there are thoughtful storage touches throughout the cabin.
The only disappointment is that the dashboard feels a bit plasticky for a car of this price. Most of the materials feel fine, but the bluff slab of plastic in front of the passenger feels a touch tacky for such a premium car, even when dotted with backlit Mercedes three-pointed stars (when you haven’t got the third screen for the passenger). It’s all just a bit too much piano-black gloss plastic, and while it doesn’t feel cheap, the Polestar 2 and BMW i4 both have smarter, classier interiors.
What’s it like to drive?
The CLA is all about efficiency and refinement rather than outright performance, although with 268bhp and 247lb ft of torque, even the 250+ isn’t slow. The 0–62mph sprint takes 6.7 seconds, which feels about spot on; responsive and punchy, without feeling over the top.
Unlike most electric cars, the Mercedes CLA uses a two-speed gearbox on the rear axle, similar to what you’ll find in the Porsche Taycan, but employed here for efficiency rather than performance. We certainly couldn’t feel the CLA’s gearbox doing its thing. The power delivery is the uninterrupted, powerful stream that is typical of most EVs. It’s all very smooth and easy to modulate, as are the various brake regen’ modes, including the one-pedal mode.
We haven’t driven the hybrid CLA yet, but it gets a 48V 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol engine in a variety of power outputs, with the most powerful getting nearly 200bhp and all-wheel drive. If it’s got similar handling and ride comfort to the electric CLA, it promises to be peachy to drive, because the CLA with EQ Technology is confident, mature and yet surprisingly good fun.
It’s not a car that begs to be thrashed, but it’s responsive and sure-footed, with a lovely rear-drive balance and plenty of grip (in the dry conditions that we have tested it in, at least). The steering is precise and well-weighted, and the ride comfort is remarkably good.
You can’t get adaptive suspension on the CLA, but you don’t need it because the standard passive suspension is excellent for isolating you from poor road surfaces, yet it also keeps the car’s body from leaning too much, even during quick direction changes. It really is a lovely, light-footed, enjoyable car to drive. Up there with the BMW i4 in terms of its ride and handling balance, despite the BMW being a far more expensive proposition.
If you want something a little sharper to drive, the forthcoming dual-motor CLA 350 will deliver that extra punch, but for most buyers, the single-motor setup of the 250+ hits the perfect balance of refinement, range, and performance.
Technology, equipment and infotainment
Dominating the CLA’s dashboard is Mercedes’ MBUX Superscreen: a wall of glass integrating a digital instrument display, a 14.0-inch central touchscreen and – on top-spec models - a third passenger display. There’s built-in ChatGPT voice assistance, intelligent navigation that plans charging stops, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s all fairly easy to use, but you are very dependant on the screen, where you’ll find your air-con and just about every other control for the car’s systems.
Touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel are fairly good for hopping between icons on the screen, though, and the touchscreen graphics and response times are very good. We’d say that the system in a BMW i4, Kia EV6, Alpine A390 or Hyundai Ioniq 6 are easier to use, but with a bit of familiarity, the Mercedes’ infotainment is easy to live with. The inclusion of a selfie camera might divide opinion, but the CLA feels very modern and tech-focussed, and this is no doubt a new era of Mercedes that is deliberately targeted at a younger audience.
Equipment levels on the CLA are pretty generous. Even the entry-level Mercedes CLA Sport Edition includes a panoramic roof, heated front seats, adaptive high-beam assist, a parking camera, and a 10.25-inch driver display, as well as the MBUX touchscreen infotainment system. Step up to the AMG Line trim and you get sportier AMG body styling, sport seats, 64-colour ambient lighting and wireless phone charging. The AMG Line Premium Edition tops things off with 19-inch alloys, Multibeam adaptive LEDs and a “Night Package” featuring 142 individually illuminated stars in the grille, which is a neat party trick that does look very cool at night. Even if we don’t want to think about how much it’ll cost to fix if it gets damaged…
Mercedes-Benz CLA running costs
The new, electric Mercedes CLA 250+ is competitively priced next to rivals like the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 and Hyundai Ioniq 6, and it drastically undercuts the BMW i4. While others offer lower monthly PCP and leasing deals, the Mercedes still feels like decent value given the equipment, tech, range and brand swagger that you’re getting.
It should also prove to be one of the more efficient electric cars to run, and therefore one of the cheapest when it comes to fuel costs.
The petrol Mercedes CLA starts from usefully under £40,000, which is a bit punchy next to alternatives like the Audi A3 saloon, but undercuts bigger executive saloons like the BMW 3 Series.
Servicing intervals are every 12 months or 10,000 miles, and Mercedes offers pre-paid service plans, although they’re not cheap. Depreciation should be gentle by EV standards, given Mercedes’ badge appeal and the CLA’s outstanding range. Expect residual values to stay strong, especially once the full charging compatibility update is introduced.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Reliability
Mercedes offers a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty on all of its new cars, plus eight years or 100,000 miles of cover for the high-voltage lithium-ion NMC battery. That’s pretty standard for many car manufacturers, but it’s worth pointing out that Tesla, Lexus, Kia and Hyundai all offer much longer standard warranties. You can pay for an extended warranty through Mercedes, and you also get three years roadside assistance as standard.
It’s too soon to know how reliable this car will be in the long term, but Mercedes as an overall brand came 22nd out of 31 manufacturers included in the What Car? 2025 Used Car Reliability survey: way below BMW, Tesla, Kia and Hyundai.
- The electric Mercedes CLA gets 800V charging for rapid charging speeds of up to 320kW, which – in ideal conditions and with a powerful enough rapid charger - is good for a 100-mile top-up in close to five minutes. That does make this one of the fastest charging cars out there, but most drivers will still rely mostly on a 7kW home charger that will take roughly thirteen hours to fully charge the 85kWh battery. Customers who order early may have to use a converter (which will be provided) to charge the Mercedes CLA at a 400V rapid charger, though, which are far more common than the 800V ultra-rapid chargers. Cars arriving later into 2026 shouldn’t have this issue.
- We’ve found the CLA to be efficient in the real world, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you manage around 300 miles even on a cold motorway run (when electric cars are at their least efficient). In warmer weather, you may well see around 400 miles and more from the CLA 250+.
- Historically, Mercedes is well known for its bright shade of silver paint. Silver is to Mercedes what red is to Ferrari, if you will. It’s interesting, then, that the CLA isn’t offered with the usual silver paint. You have six shades to choose from, including a flat grey, a metallic red and a bright electric blue, but no silver.
- If you want the best value: As a retail buyer, we’d suggest looking at the base CLA hybrid or the electric CLA 250+, depending on your lifestyle and which powertrain you favour. Stick to the entry-level Sport trim, and go easy on the options, and you’ll have a great all-round executive car.
- If you want the best company car: The electric CLA 250+ is a no brainer for company car buyers. Even with Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax rates increasing gradually, electric cars are still vastly cheaper to run as a company car for the foreseeable future. Company tax benefits on leasing an electric car will also make the battery-powered Mercedes CLA a much better bet if you’re leasing through your company.
- If you want the best family car: Again, go for one of the lower-end CLA hybrid models, or the CLA 250+ if you’d rather go electric and save some money on fuel and tax. Sport trim has all of the kit you need to keep the kids happy, but maybe go for one of the darker interior finishes.
- If you want the best long-distance cruiser: We’d actually suggest that you go for the electric CLA if you do a lot of mileage. The fuel savings - even as a retail buyer - will be substantial if you big miles, and it’s a fantastically refined, comfortable cruiser. Plus, the efficiency and rapid charging should make public charging stops as painless as possible.
