An all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA has just been unveiled to the world. The smallest member of the ‘sedan’ family has been shown with a new appearance, new tech and new powertrains.

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As the inventor of the automobile, we’ve rewritten automotive history time and time again – and now we’re doing it again with the all-new CLA. It translates our vision of the most efficient Mercedes ever made, the VISION EQXX, into series production. And the results speak for themselves. This car is ahead of the competition in every area – range, charging speed, consumption, comfort and intelligence – and underlines our ambition to lead in electric and in-car software. And it is just the first of a whole series of new Mercedes-Benz vehicles with all-electric or high-tech hybrid drive
– Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG

New Appearance

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA may seem like a facelift version of its predecessor. It is, in fact, all new from the ground up. The small sedan has grown in most directions offering more cabin space, particular up front. As a result of the increased dimensions it is almost as large as the previous-gen C-Class.Body-wide head- and taillamps are part of the new exterior appearance. Mercedes-Benz designers have also covered the nose, and parts of the tail, with countless Three-Pointed Stars. The overall shape is the same as its predecessor, with a bowed roofline and fastback rear windscreen.

High-Tech Inside

The latest CLA has the same digitised interior treatment as all other current Mercedes. Owners can have up to three screens across the facia. The instrument cluster ahead of the driver measures 10,25 inches. In the centre of the dashboard sits a 14-inch infotainment screen. Both of these are offered as standard across the range. The new CLA can be configured with a 14-inch passenger screen, if you tick that option when buying new.

ICE and EV Powertrains

As mentioned by the big boss, the CLA is the first of a whole series of new Mercedes-Benz vehicles with all-electric or high-tech hybrid drive. The hybrid version has a 1,5-litre turbopetrol engine. In addition there is an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. At urban speeds and when less than 20 kW is needed, the hybrid models can drive using electric power alone. Mercedes press material did not quote any power outputs for this engine, which will be offered towards the latter part of 2025.

Two EVs will be offered straight off the bat. The CLA 250+ offers 200 kW of power and 335 N.m of torque and has a range of 792 km. This RWD version can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 6,7 seconds. A CLA350+ has 260 kW and 515 N.m of twist effort from two motors. It has an equally impressive range of 771 km. Thanks to AWD the 350 can cover the benchmark sprint in 4,9 seconds. Both EVs have a top speed of 21o km/h.