I drove the new all-electric Mercedes CLA — and Tesla should be worried
I fell in love when I first saw the Concept CLA Class at CES 2024. This sleek all-electric car seemed to be Mercedes’ answer to Tesla’s popular Model 3 — an affordable, tech-forward EV in a sedan form-factor. But when I travelled to Germany last February to see the production CLA in person, I was disappointed with the styling.
To my eyes, the CLA with EQ technology isn’t nearly as sexy looking as the concept. Plus, since there’s also a hybrid model, the all-electric CLA is built on a shared platform, which is a recipe for compromises. Then, in early December I got to drive the CLA in-and-around San Francisco for a day. It was an eye-opening experience.
So, what’s the all-electric Mercedes CLA like? Does it beat the Tesla Model 3 at its own game? Are shared platform concerns justified? Here’s what I think.
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2026 Mercedes CLA: Configurations and prices
I drove the all-electric RWD CLA 250+ equipped with the AMG Line and Pinnacle Line packages, optional black 19-inch AMG wheels, Burmester 3D Surround Sound System, and MB.Drive Assist Level 2+ ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). Mercedes did not have the all-electric AWD CLA 350 or hybrid model for me to test.
- Trims:
- CLA 250+ with EQ Technology ($47,250): RWD, 374mi EPA range, 268hp, 247 lb-ft, 0-60mph in 6.6s
- CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology ($49,800): AWD, 312mi EPA range, 349hp, 380 lb-ft, 0-60mph in 4.8s
- Packages:
- AMG Line ($2,100): AMG styling, 18-inch AMG wheels, and AMG floor mats; sport seats, steering wheel, and pedals; and more
- AMG Line Plus ($3,100): AMG styling, 19-inch AMG wheels, AMG rear spoiler, and AMG floor mats; sport seats, steering wheel, and pedals; red seatbelts, illuminated door sills, and more
- Exclusive Line ($2,250): dual-zone automatic climate, 64-color ambient lighting, passive keyless entry, flush door handles, automatic parking, and more
- Pinnacle Line ($5,850): Exclusive Line features plus matrix LED headlights, hands-free power trunk, HUD, passenger display, phone key, 360-degree camera view , and more
- Main options:
- Burmester 3D Surround Sound System ($880): 16-speakers and 850 Watts
- MB.Drive Assist ($1,950): Level 2+ ADAS
- MB.Drive Assist Pro ($3,950): Level 2+ ADAS with additional features
Tons of cool driving tech
Mercedes first introduced MB.OS, its in-house software platform, with the new E-class in 2023. Unlike the E-class, which only uses MS.OS for infotainment, the CLA runs MB.OS for everything — infotainment, automated driving, body & comfort, and driving & charging. As such, the CLA is Mercedes’ first entirely software-defined vehicle (SDV).
With SDVs, all of the car’s software can be updated over-the-air (OTA), just like with your smartphone. This is important, because this allows the CLA to go head-to-head with other SDVs like the Model 3, and puts Mercedes in the same league as Rivian, Tesla, and Chinese manufacturers when it comes to tech-forward features you find in the best electric cars.
The CLA packs several displays: a 10.5-inch instrument display for the driver, 14-inch center touchscreen, a second 14-inch touchscreen for the front passenger as an extra option, and also an optional head-up display (HUD). There’s no rear display. Like on the E-Class, Mercedes calls the CLA’s optional dual 14-inch touchscreen the Supercreen.
With the CLA’s Superscreen, all three displays are mounted behind a single glass surface, creating the appearance of a single pillar-to-pillar screen. The Superscreen also includes a selfie camera for video calls (when stopped) and for selfies, obviously. Video calls require apps, which you can download for Mercedes’ own app store.
MBUX (the UI for MB.OS) runs Linux and implements Android app containers, making it easy for Android developers to port existing Android apps or create new apps for MBUX. Mercedes’ app store currently features apps like Angry Birds, Spotify, TikTok, Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, Tidal, Vivaldi, Zoom, Webex, Disney+, Zync, and more.
Front passengers can even connect Bluetooth headphones and watch videos while the car is in motion. The viewing angle and brightness of the passenger display changes automatically based on the driver’s gaze to prevent the driver from being distracted. MBUX also boasts a ChatGPT4o- and Bing-powered AI virtual voice assistant.
For navigation and routing, MBUX uses data from Google Maps, Google Place Details, and a Gemini-powered AI agent designed to handle navigation- and routing-specific queries. In addition, the CLA comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus four 100W USB Type-C charging ports (two in the front, two in the rear).
The Exclusive and Pinnacle Line packages add a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad and Mercedes’ signature ambient lighting with 64 colors, 20 brightness levels, and three zones. A 16-speaker, 850-Watt Burmester audio system is available as an option. It sounds absolutely fantastic and supports Dolby Atmos via Apple Music and Tidal.
The CLA offers Level 2+ ADAS options. MB.Drive Assist provides adaptive cruise control with automatic steering and lane changes; MB.Drive Assist Pro adds additional features for assisted urban driving (details forthcoming). The CLA I recently drove included fender-mounted cameras that were missing from the CLA I saw in the studio back in February.
Is Mercedes planning to surprise us with hands-free urban driving to compete with Tesla’s terribly named FSD (Full Self Driving)? Time will tell. My time using MBUX was limited, but I found the UI and software more responsive, more intuitive, and less ornate (basically less baroque) than what’s available on Mercedes’ previous EVs.
I only spent a short time driving with MB.Drive Assist Level 2+ ADAS enabled, and the CLA’s assisted highway driving felt noticeably less sure-footed and confidence-inspiring than what I’ve previously experienced with Mercedes’ EQS and EQE sedans and SUVs. This was unexpected since the company’s Level 2+ ADAS is typically rock solid.
Super Efficient and Fun-to-Drive
The CLA is built on Mercedes’ Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, which was designed for both EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. MMA is an EV centric platform that can also accommodate a hybrid powertrain, resulting in better EV packaging. For example, the all-electric CLA features a 2.5 cu.ft frunk (front trunk), good for a small carry-on.
A lot of the CLA’s EV tech — like the 800V architecture and the motor design — carries over from Mercedes’ hyper-efficient Vision EQXX concept. Not only is the all-electric CLA affordable (starting at $47,250), it’s also super efficient (0.21cd, up to 374 miles EPA range from an 85kWh lithium-ion pack) and charges super fast (320kW, 10-80% in 22 minutes).
But there’s one major downside with DC fast charging, at least on the first batch of all-electric CLA models. Initially, cars sold in North America won’t support 400V charging and won’t be able to charge at Tesla Superchargers. The CLA’s 800V architecture requires a converter for 400V charging, which won’t be installed in early cars, and can’t be retrofitted.
A revised version of the CLA equipped with a 800V to 400V converter will begin shipping in the spring of 2026. Ironically, the CLA features a NACS port, but it can only be used for DC fast charging. A separate J1772 port is mounted right next to the NACS port for AC charging, so you’ll need an adapter to use a Tesla destination charger. Are you confused yet?
I really enjoyed driving the all-electric CLA. The chassis is extremely well tuned, and the CLA offers playful handling in the canyons without compromising ride quality, which lives up to Mercedes’ high standards. While the RWD CLA 250+’s performance (268hp, 247 ft.lb, 0-60mph in 6.6s) should be more than adequate for most people, I wanted a little more.
Then again, I regularly drive blistering fast EVs, so my perspective is definitely skewed. I’m pretty confident that the more powerful AWD CLA 350 (349hp, 380 ft.lb, 0-60mph in 4.8s) would keep me satisfied. The CLA provides three levels of regenerative braking which can be changed by pulling or pushing the gear selection stalk on the right side of the steering wheel.
As for the steering, it’s pleasantly quick and precise. It’s also worth noting that the CLA uses one (RWD) or two (AWD) identical permanently excited synchronous motors. The rear motor is connected to the rear wheels via a two-gear transmission, and the front motor can be decoupled from the front wheels. Both these features improve efficiency.
Besides the generously-sized frunk, the all-electric CLA checks a few more items on most EV enthusiasts’ must-have lists. The charging port door is motorized, which means you never have to worry about forgetting to close it after unplugging from a charger. Also, starting the car is a simple matter of pressing the brake pedal — no power button required.
Affordable Luxury and Quality
As I mentioned before, I’m not a big fan of the third generation CLA’s styling. It isn’t terrible or anything, but the proportions seem off to me. While it’s definitely more attractive than the egg-shaped EQS and EQE sedans, it simply doesn’t live up to the sleek lines of the Concept CLA Class I saw at CES 2024. Obviously, you might feel differently.
The good news is that despite being an entry-level sedan, the CLA still delivers the kind of comfort, luxury, build, and material quality you’d expect from a proper Mercedes. NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels are especially low. As such, the CLA bests other “premium” EVs in the same price range — especially its main rival, the Tesla Model 3.
Obviously, the new CLA is a lovely place to spend time in. The interior is well appointed, with comfortable seats and plenty of space for both people and things, including a 14.3 cu-ft trunk. Visibility is excellent. The cowl in Mercedes vehicles is often too high for my liking — especially since I prefer to lower my seat all the way — but I didn’t have any issues here.
I do have one niggle, though. Mercedes decided to follow in VW’s (ID.4, ID.Buzz) and Volvo/Polestar’s (EX30, EX90, Polestar 3) ill-advised footsteps by replacing the standard set of four window switches with two window switches and a toggle button to switch between the front and rear. This doesn’t just feel cheap, it’s also an ergonomic nightmare.
A state-of-the-art EV
After spending a few hours driving the all-electric RWD CLA 250+, I came away highly impressed. Mercedes’ entry-level sedan delivers a truly compelling package. You’re looking at a super efficient (up to 374 miles of range) and comfortable EV that’s reasonably priced (starting at $47,250) and packed with easy-to-use, state-of-the-art tech. q
Add quality to the equation, and you have all the makings of a great Mercedes. Not only does the all-electric CLA offer excellent value, but it competes head-on with other affordable, tech-forward EVs like the Model 3. Perhaps Tesla should be worried. Regardless, if you’re shopping for an EV, the CLA should definitely be on your short list.
Just remember one thing. If you plan to get an all-electric CLA, do yourself a favor, and wait for a car equipped with the 800V to 400V converter, which should be landing in the spring of 2026. Supercharger access matters. And if you’re a car enthusiast like me, you’ll want to get the all-electric AWD CLA 350 — or better yet, wait for the spicy AMG variant.
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