Mercedes launches series production of the CLA
At least that is what the blog JESMB, which is usually very well informed about Mercedes-Benz, reports. “We are currently in the ramp-up phase,” a Mercedes spokesperson commented on the information to JESMB. In other words, pilot production in small quantities is over, and production at the compact car plant in Rastatt, Germany, is being scaled up.
This also has an impact on the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim power unit plant: that is where the electric motor for the rear axle is manufactured, i.e. the permanent magnet synchronous machine (PSM) with integrated two-speed gearbox specially developed for the MMA platform – you can read more about the drive called eATS 2.0 in our technology DeepDive on the MMA.
Mercedes presented the series version of the CLA in mid-March. The 260 kW all-wheel-drive version called the CLA 350 4MATIC will not be available until a little later, while the CLA 250+ rear-wheel-drive version with a particularly long range will be available at the start. This only has the aforementioned eATS 2.0 on the rear axle, but the same 85-kWh battery with up to 320 kW charging power as the all-wheel drive model. Thanks to the switch to 800 volts, a charging time of 22 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent is possible. With the drive trimmed for efficiency, a range of up to 792 kilometres according to WLTP should be possible.
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| CLA 250+ | CLA 350 4MATIC | |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | RWD | AWD |
| Power | 200 kW | 260 kW |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Acceleration | 6.7 s | 4.9 s |
| Top speed | 210 kph | 210 kph |
| WLTP range | 792 km | 771 km |
| Battery capacity | 85 kWh | 85 kWh |
| Charging power DC | 320 kW | 320 kW |
| Charging time DC 10-80% | 22 min | 22 min |
| Price | – | – |
As JESMB writes in another article, Mercedes will accept orders earlier than planned (i.e. the start of sales to customers). “On 11.04.2025, the sales managers of the respective branches informed the sales staff that the order release for the CLA will be brought forward to 29.04.2025”, the blog states. However, this only affects the CLA 250+; the order release for the CLA 350 4MATIC is still scheduled for mid-June.
JESMB estimates the base price in Germany for the CLA 250+ at around €51,000 for the version with 17-inch rims, classic door handles and manual seat adjustment. Higher equipment levels with aerodynamically retractable and electrically extendable door handles, electric seat adjustment and other extras are likely to be significantly more expensive. The large MBUX Superscreen will not be available until August 2025 anyway.
In Belgium and Luxembourg, the unofficial order release for major customers has already taken place. The CLA 250+ EQ is available there as a Business Edition (special Benelux model) for 56,870 euros (incl. 21 per cent VAT in Belgium). This price already includes metallic paintwork, 18-inch rims, multibeam LED headlights, the parking package with reversing camera, the flush-fitting door handles, the panoramic roof and the two separate displays (10.25-inch cockpit display and 14-inch infotainment touchscreen). The CLA 250+ Sport Edition from €59,895 (again including 21 per cent Belgian VAT) already includes the AMG Line, sporty 19-inch wheels, sports seats, the memory package for the front seats, a dual-zone climate control system and the Night package with tinted windows from the B-pillar upwards.
As an ‘Essential Line’ is also available in Belgium from 53,240 euros, JESMB estimates the price at around 51,500 euros. However, the packages customised for the Benelux countries are not offered in this form in other countries, so the actual prices are likely to differ.
jesmb.de (production; in German), jesmb.de (orders; in German)
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