New electric CLA: This is how Mercedes’ electric rescue vehicle performs

After three years of Mercedes trying to hold us over with general press statements, it’s finally time to get down to business. In a fortnight, the new CLA will celebrate its world premiere as the first model based on the MMA modular system (here is our technology Deep Dive). Because they could hardly wait, they invited us for a test drive of the prototype shortly beforehand.

The recessed handles automatically pop out from the door of the prototype, the frameless windows are two millimetres lower, the wide door swings open, and you slide comfortably into a bucket seat that is pleasantly low for an electric car. The first impression was that it’s all too easy to imagine the digital mayhem the German company created with its ‘pillar to pillar’ screen across the entire width of the cockpit – the wide hyperscreen from other Mercedes models sends its regards. And secondly, today, it’s all about driving. We’ve really talked enough about the CLA and looked at its design templates since the premiere of the EQXX in 2022.

Mercedes’ electric future is picking up speed in an astonishingly brisk and manageable way, fuelling a little bit of the driving pleasure that is actually known from the competition some 200 kilometres further south. Even the smallest Mercedes models are now saying goodbye to front-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the CLA is comparatively light for an electric car at just over two tonnes, and even the preliminary base model of the electric family has 200 kW. The all-wheel-drive model theoretically achieves more than 280 kW with an 80 kW drive in the front, even if the system output will ultimately be somewhat lower. And the speedometer – digital and colourful, of course – reaches up to 240 kph for a reason. What’s more, for the first time, they have also flanged a two-speed gearbox to the rear axle – or, more precisely, integrated it into the housing of the electric motor developed in-house. Without the driver being able to feel it, he (or she) can accelerate more quickly and doesn’t immediately run out of breath in the left-hand lane afterwards.

This is impressive and feels much better than in the EQA and EQB, not just because of the lower centre of gravity. The German carmaker favoured efficiency over the vigour of the electric beacon of hope. Repeating the mantra of the “one-litre car for Generation E,” they promise consumption close to 12 kWh/100 kilometres and talk of a range of “at least 750 kilometres” with a battery capacity of 85 kWh. To achieve that, they increased the last bit of efficiency in every discipline and every trade, honed the body in the wind tunnel to become the cW world champion, and optimised electronics and thermal management.

There was neither a charging stop nor a serious consumption measurement during our short maiden voyage. Although the onboard computer gives an initial impression with an indicated consumption of 14 kWh/100 kilometres and a remaining range of over 500 kilometres with a charge level of around 70 per cent, the arbitrary test route of the short prototype test drive should not be taken too seriously.

However, two things make you sit up and take notice. On the one hand, there is the almost ghostly silence when driving because the wind flows so smoothly around the sleek bodywork, and there is hardly any resistance. And then there is the almost endless idling. Even if the CLA is the first electric Mercedes to enable sensible one-pedal driving, notably little energy is lost in the drive.

There is much to suggest that the CLA will become the range champion, at least among German-made cars, when it goes on sale in the summer. However, the company only needs a huge range for its reputation. In everyday use, it has never been as unimportant for a Mercedes as it is for this one. That is because the CLA is the first electric car from Stuttgart with 800-volt technology and thus charges with over 300 kW. This means that in 15 minutes, it has enough power for 400 kilometres and only enough for an espresso at the pit stop, if at all.

While the driver can enjoy either vigour or efficiency or, in the best case, both, the CLA is not quite as impressive for the passengers. Yes, the front passenger will have their own screen and can pass the time in the digital universe. However, even in the somewhat stretched CLA, the rear passengers still don’t have as much room as in other models of around 4.80 metres. And even if the huge panoramic roof gives the illusion of plenty of space, the coupé saloon is not a space miracle. At least not for the kids. But for the suitcases. In addition to a boot on par with its conventional predecessor, Mercedes finally has a frunk – for the first time in almost 100 years.

The large battery pack pushes the price to over €50,000

Following the decision to discontinue the A- and B-Class, the CLA will become the manufacturer’s entry-level model, even if it will likely start at well over 50,000 euros. Only later will a smaller LFP battery (58 kWh) bring the price down and, of course, the mildly hybridised combustion engines from China, which Mercedes has included in the MMA for the sceptics. Nevertheless, the vehicle has a huge responsibility. Now that sales are down, profits are eroding, and the new competition from the US or China has overtaken Mercedes in terms of electric mobility, this EV is supposed to pull the cart out of the mud and make the star shine again.

Mercedes equipped the car well to take back the EV market. In addition to the efficient drive, the MMA also includes the next step in digitalisation and the first in-house operating system. This MB OS ensures that the cars no longer have an expiry date.

CLA estate, GLA, GLB and GLC will follow

After the German car manufacturer stumbled badly at the start of the electric age, they have now apparently got their act together and will launch an electric car this summer in the form of the CLA, which may actually become the new star in the Mercedes firmament. And may even soon form an entire constellation.

After all, the CLA is just the start, and within 24 months, Mercedes wants to present a CLA Shooting Brake as the first electric estate with a star, as well as the successors to the GLA and GLB. Because one platform alone is not enough for the future, the electric GLC is already warming up from the next larger modular system and is due to arrive within a year. And then things will get really exciting, because, as Mercedes’ best-selling model for years, it is also a fixed star in the balance sheet.