Mercedes-Benz CLA

First Impressions

I walked up to the CLA expecting a small, entry-level Mercedes EV. What I found was something far more substantial. This thing is actually wider and taller than the current C-Class, which completely caught me off guard. The proportions are deceptive thanks to the swoopy, coupe-like roofline, but make no mistake, this is not a tiny car.

This is the first Mercedes-Benz built on the brand-new MMA platform, designed with electric power as the priority. It also debuts the new MBOS operating system, 800V battery architecture, and a dual-gear drivetrain. In short, everything here is new. Mercedes is essentially pressing the reset button on their EV strategy, and the CLA is where it all starts.

Design & Exterior

The front end is a statement. A light bar stretches across the full width, and the grille features 142 tiny three-pointed stars, each with an LED behind it. The illuminated Mercedes logo sits proudly in the centre. It screams Mercedes-Benz, there is nothing subtle about it.

Around the back, the tail lights carry a 3D star pattern that varies by class. The CLA gets a single star, the E-Class gets two, the S-Class gets three. It is a clever hierarchy, like military rank insignia. The electric tailgate is quick and supports kick-to-open, which works snappily. One notable first: there is a proper frunk with around 101 litres of space, a first for any Mercedes-Benz.

Interior & Tech

The cabin feels like a generational leap. Three screens dominate the dashboard: a 14-inch central touchscreen, a 14-inch passenger display, and a 10.25-inch driver display. All are high resolution and mounted nearly vertical at just 6 degrees of tilt, which Mercedes says eliminates the sun glare problems that plagued earlier models. Having used previous EQ cars in harsh afternoon sun, I can confirm this is a welcome fix.

The new MBOS is genuinely fast and fluid, feeling more like a tablet than a car infotainment system. It integrates ChatGPT and Google Gemini, though I did not get to test the AI features thoroughly as they were not fully activated yet. The passenger display lets the front passenger watch YouTube or play games even while driving, with a clever eye-tracking camera that kills the screen if the driver glances at it for more than two seconds. I tested it, and it works impressively well.

Material quality is decent. Mercedes uses recycled plastics to meet sustainability requirements, but the surfaces are well-finished and still feel premium. The rear seats are adequate for city use, though the high floor from the battery pack means your thighs lack support on longer journeys. The flat floor with no centre tunnel is a nice bonus for three-abreast seating.

Driving Experience

Here is where the CLA really won me over. Mercedes has tuned this car to be genuinely fun. The suspension is firm and communicative, not the floaty, disconnected ride you might expect from a comfort-focused brand. I could feel the road surface through the steering and chassis, and the car stays composed through direction changes.

The single rear motor delivers 272 horsepower with instant torque that shoves you forward convincingly. It is not face-ripping fast, but it is genuinely quick and responsive. The dual-gear transmission is a standout feature, previously only seen on the Porsche Taycan family. First gear provides strong low-speed acceleration, then it shifts seamlessly to a taller ratio for efficient cruising. This is a key reason the range figure is so impressive.

Three regenerative braking levels are available via the gear stalk. In D+ mode, lifting off the accelerator barely slows the car at all, it just glides. In D- mode, you get full one-pedal driving that brings you to a complete stop. The middle setting is a sensible default. Heavy braking is the only moment the car's weight becomes obvious, that backpack-full-of-bricks feeling when you stop hard from speed.

Value for Money

For a brand-new platform Mercedes-Benz EV with 800V architecture, rapid DC charging capability, a massive battery, three screens, AI integration, a panoramic glass roof, flush door handles, and a frunk, the equipment list is stacked. Locally assembled models should come very well-specced. Compared to what was available in the EV sedan segment just two years ago, this feels like a generational jump in what you get.

Final Verdict

The CLA 250+ EQ is Mercedes-Benz drawing a line in the sand. Everything is new, the platform, the OS, the battery tech, and it all works cohesively. The driving experience is genuinely engaging, the range virtually eliminates charging anxiety, and the tech inside is cutting-edge. The rear seat and boot are compromised, and those frameless windows dropping halfway in the rain will annoy you in a tropical climate. But as a sporty, long-range EV sedan, this is a seriously compelling package. If you are shopping for an electric sedan this year, the CLA absolutely belongs on your shortlist.