Five cool features of the new Mercedes CLA
March 18, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
The new Mercedes CLA is here, and this electric saloon is packing a lot of cool new tech. Here are 5 features which stand out.
This is the new Mercedes CLA, and it’s gone all-electric for the first time. It’s an alternative to the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, and there will be a petrol hybrid version later this year to take on the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.
So the CLA is up against some stiff competition, but it’s loaded with plenty of features to help it stand out. Here are five cool things about the new Mercedes CLA EV.
1. It’s the longest-range EV in the UK
The Mercedes CLA EV has an all-new battery which uses some clever chemical makeup to make it more energy-dense than the packs you get in other electric cars. The result of this is up to 492 miles of range, more than any other EV sold in the UK.
This is down to more than just the new battery. The CLA also has a clever two-speed gearbox on the rear axle which allows for spritely performance off the line and higher efficiency at motorway speeds. A standard-fit heat pump allows you to warm up the cabin without eating away at your battery.
2. Super-fast charging
Charging times can be a bit of a sticking point if you’re looking to switch to an EV for long-distance driving. The CLA’s near 500 miles of range should be plenty for motorway slogging, but if you do need to top up then you can do so very quickly thanks to the 800-volt electrical system.
The new Mercedes CLA can charge at up to 320kW, which will allow for a 10-80% top-up in just 22 minutes, and you can add around 200 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Of course this will rely on you finding a station which supports 320kW charging, but if you do then topping up can be just as quick as filling up with petrol.
3. All-new infotainment setup
Mercedes tends to lead the pack when it comes to infotainment. When the current A-Class launched it started the trend of huge screens which span the width of the dashboard, and the new CLA takes this one step further.
If you opt for the optional passenger display then the entire dashboard is essentially one giant flat screen. It also has AI built-in for the voice command system, which allows you to pose complex questions, such as asking for recipe ideas. The system will be kept fresh for years to come as well thanks to over-the-air updates, which provide software upgrades without having to visit your local dealership.
4. New petrol-hybrid engine
In addition to the all-electric CLA, you’ll also be able to buy a hybrid version at a later date if you’re not quite ready to switch to an EV. It uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, and it can drive on electric power alone at low speeds.
This is unusual in a mild hybrid, because they usually just use a tiny battery to boost efficiency around town. The CLA has a small electric motor in the gearbox and a tiny 1.3kWh battery, but it can recuperate energy through regenerative braking to keep that battery charged up at all times.
5. Driver assistance
The new Mercedes CLA will be available with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance tech. As standard you get adaptive cruise control which keeps you a safe distance from the car in front, and there are a lot of optional features to make your daily commute that bit less stressful.
You can add lane-change assist which will switch lanes for you when you flick the indicator stalk, and in some markets you’ll be able to get a system which allows you to drive hands-free in certain situations. The availability of this system will depend on regulations in your country though, and it’s not yet approved in the UK. A launch of this technology is planned in China in 2025, followed by a possible release in the USA next year.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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