Mercedes introduces fourth CLA powertrain variant

Model designations will require closer attention in future: with the new CLA 250, Mercedes is filling the gap between the CLA 200 and the CLA 250+. The 200 is the entry-level model in the range and features a 58 kWh LFP battery. The 250+, as the longest-range model in the lineup, combines a 200 kW rear-wheel-drive system with an 85 kWh NMC battery. The new CLA 250 also uses an NMC battery, but with a usable energy content of 71 kWh, and with a WLTP range of up to 674 kilometres, it sits between the 200 (542 km) and the 250+ (792 km).

For now, the model is only available in Germany. At time of writing, the CLA 250 (without the ‘+’ in the model designation) was not available in the UK configurator, for example.

Mercedes has also positioned the CLA 250’s starting price midway between the two existing rear-wheel-drive variants, as it starts at €52,871.50 (including VAT), which is approximately €3,500 more expensive than the CLA 200 but around €2,900 cheaper than the CLA 250+. The range’s only all-wheel-drive model, the CLA 350 4MATIC, starts at over €60,000 – and pairs the 85 kWh battery with a 260 kW all-wheel-drive system. It is worth noting that Mercedes is currently offering a 5% discount for private customers, reducing the new CLA 250’s on-the-road price to €50,233.77.

The technical differences between the CLA 250 and 250+ lie solely in the battery; the powertrain specifications are identical. Both models feature a bespoke, in-house-developed electric motor with a two-speed transmission, 200 kW of power, and a maximum torque of 335 Nm. This enables the CLA 250 (like the 250+) to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h.

Mercedes has confirmed that the new NMC battery uses the same layout as the 85 kWh battery and the LFP pack – meaning 192 prismatic cells are installed in four modules (more details in our tech deep-dive on the MMA platform). However, the manufacturer has not explained precisely how the 14 kWh difference in net energy content arises. Two possibilities are conceivable: either slightly shorter cells are used, which would maintain the 192 cells per battery pack but create some space between the cells in the modules, or the battery may be technically identical to the 85 kWh variant but limited via software. The latter option is supported by the fact that the driving performance matches the 250+ exactly – smaller cells would be slightly lighter, potentially allowing the vehicle to accelerate faster. However, this could theoretically also be compensated for via software.

One thing is clear: although the new 71 kWh battery’s maximum charging power of up to 250 kW does not quite match the 320 kW of the 85 kWh battery, charging from 10 to 80% is slightly faster – after all, less energy needs to be replenished. Mercedes states this takes 20 minutes, the same as for the CLA 200 with LFP cells. This is two minutes faster than the CLA 250+, which, however, recharges significantly more range.

Currently, the new powertrain variant is only available for the CLA saloon in the Mercedes configurator. However, it is likely that the CLA Shooting Brake will also be offered with the new 71 kWh battery in future. For previous powertrains, the Shooting Brake commands a premium of around €1,400 over the saloon. Applying this difference, a CLA 250 Shooting Brake would start at just over €54,000. However, this has not yet been confirmed. The LFP battery is also currently only available in the saloon, while the Shooting Brake is offered exclusively with the 85 kWh battery – as the 250+ and 350 4MATIC.

jesmb.de, heise.de (both in German), mercedes-benz.de (German configurator)