We got behind the wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz all-electric CLA range which introduced the brands new modular platform for compact luxury vehicles.
There are two models – the entry level rear-wheel-drive CLA 200 and the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive CLA 350 4MATIC.
Tech Guide got a chance to drive both the CLA200 and the CLA350 4MATIC through the Gold Coast hinterland.
First thing you notice is the screen that goes across the full width of the vehicle with information for both the driver and the passenger.
As you’d expect the CLA handled brilliantly and gave an intense feel for the road with tremendous handling.
The electric CLA offers superb aerodynamics, advanced digital integration via the new MB.OS operating system and ultra-fast charging capabilities up to 320 kW.
The exterior of the electric CLA establishes a new visual identity for Mercedes-Benz compact EVs that complemented by functional aerodynamic efficiency:
The vehicles have a solid black panel grille adorned with 142 illuminated stars and a central illuminated emblem, flanked by a distinctive “shark-nose” front section.
The standard LED High Performance headlamps (featuring a chrome star signature) or optional Multibeam LED headlamps (featuring an illuminated star design).
And for the first time, we see a Mercedes with a frunk with a 101-litre capacity to supplement the 405-litre rear boot.
Both the CLA 200 and CLA 350 4MATIC feature AMG Line exterior trim as standard and are fitted with 18-inch progressive aero wheels with the optional 19-inch wheels also an option.
Also onboard is a panoramic glass roof which is made with a single piece of laminated glass that comes standard on both the CLA 200 and CLA 350 4MATIC.
The glass has been treated with infrared-reflective and low-emissivity coatings for climate comfort.
The new CLA has bigger exterior dimensions than its predecessor which means greater interior space and everyday usability.
The wheelbase is 61mm larger and overall length has grown by 41mm.
The overall width has added 25mm and height has increased by 17mm.
Inside there is 12mm more shoulder room, 16mm more front headroom and 28mm extra rear headroom.
On the technology side, the CLA debut introduces MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System) – an in-house chip-to-cloud architecture that’s also backed by AI through partnerships with Google and Microsoft.
Other tech includes the MBUX Super Screen which integrates the driver instrument display, central media screen and a front-passenger display beneath a single continuous glass panel that runs width of the dashboard.
The passenger screen comes standard on the CLA 350 4MATIC and optional on the CLA 200.
Mercedes has reintroduced tactile roller-rocker controls on the steering wheel and features an expanded centre console which includes wireless smartphones charging and cable pass-throughs.
The connected navigation & EV intelligence systems uses Google Maps for navigation with real-time topographic data, energy usage modelling and an automated charging stop planner so you will never be short of a charge on your next road trip.
Audio-wise there’s the optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with up to 10 speakers and 850 watts of system output, featuring native Dolby Atmos support and dynamic EV soundscapes.
There will also be continuous OTA (over the air) updates to support vehicle systems, infotainment features, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
The new Mercedes Benz electric CLA has been built on a dedicated EV and features a specialized two-speed transmission on the main drive unit (shifting at approximately 110 km/h) to maximize both low-speed acceleration and high-speed highway efficiency.
The CLA 200 Powertrain is a single rear-mounted synchronous motor producing 165 kW and 335 Nm of torque.
It accelerates 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and is powered by a 58 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack supporting up to 200 kW DC fast charging.
The CLA 350 4MATIC powertrain as a dual-motor configuration with fully variable electronic torque distribution producing 260 kW and 515 Nm of torque.
It accelerates 0–100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and is powered by an 85 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery pack supporting 800V architecture and peak DC fast charging up to 320 kW.
There is an onboard voltage booster to provide maximum performance across 400V public DC charging networks.
In the AC charging side, the electric CLA supports up to 22 kW.
The steering wheel paddles enable four recuperation modes: Standard, Strong and Intelligent which is adaptive radar-assisted recuperation when using the car’s navigation system.
All MMA-platform models are equipped with bidirectional V2G hardware capabilities from factory, with local software enablement targeted via future updates pending market infrastructure readiness.
Also onboard is a newly engineered three-link front axle and multi-link rear suspension setup tuned for comfort and dynamic response across all road conditions.
The standard safety features includes Distronic Adaptive Cruise Control (radar-based), Blind Spot Assist with Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, Speed Limit Warning, Exit Warning Assist, Emergency Stop Assist, Steering and Manoeuvring Assist, and a 360-degree Parking Camera system.
But thing to note is the fact that Active Lane Centring is not offered in the local market spec. Mercedes-Benz says it may be added later as a digital extra.
Recommended Retail Pricing
CLA 200 Electric: $72,200 (MRLP) (Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price, excludes on-road costs).
CLA 350 4MATIC Electric: Pricing to be confirmed prior to vehicle arrival.
Standard Equipment Highlights (CLA 200)
Includes AMG Line interior and exterior trim, Artico/Microcut microfiber upholstery, heated front sports seats with memory and lumbar support, illuminated black panel grille, Keyless-Go, MBUX Drive with 360° Parking Assist, metallic paint, 18-inch progressive aero wheels, and panoramic fixed glass roof.
Option Packages
Premium Package: Standard on CLA 350 4MATIC (optional on CLA 200). Adds MBUX Super Screen, Burmester® 3D Surround Sound, Multibeam LED headlamps with illuminated star, head-up display, rear light strip, and hands-free tailgate access.
Sport Package (CLA 200): Adds 19-inch light alloy wheels and rear privacy glass.
Exterior Paints & Trim Options
Standard Paints: Polar White, Cosmic Black metallic, High-Tech Silver metallic, Aqua Mint (non-metallic), Sheer Blue metallic.
MANUFAKTUR Paints: Patagonia Red, Alpine Grey.
Upholstery: AMG Sports Seats in Black Artico/Microcut microfiber standard; Two-Tone Black/White Pearl available as a no-cost option.
