New Mercedes CLA coming next year: entry-level coupe gains electric power
November 08, 2024 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
This is the all-new Mercedes CLA, and it’s going on sale in 2025 with a choice of either hybrid or electric power. Read on for everything we know so far.
- New Mercedes CLA coming next year
- Final design teased for the first time
- Styling cues taken from the Concept CLA
- Will be available as both an EV and a hybrid
- All-new interior technology
- Prices expected to start from around £35,000
Mercedes has confirmed that the new CLA is coming in 2025, and the brand’s baby four-door coupe is packing a whole host of new technology. Petrol hybrid and all-electric models will be available to further broaden its appeal.
This means it’ll serve as an alternative to cars like the Audi A3 saloon and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, as well as the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. The EV version shares technology with the EQXX concept, so it touts impressive range.
New Mercedes CLA design
Since the first one launched in 2013 the Mercedes CLA has always been striking to look at, and this third generation looks to be no exception. It’s heavily camouflaged for now, but Mercedes has teased a few of the details.
A lot of the styling details are shared with the Concept CLA Class from last year, including the sleek headlights which appear to have been carried over from that car. They look quite similar to the Smart #3’s lamps in the way the light bar spreads out into the main beams. The three-pointed star daytime running lights are a neat touch as well.
The side profile is just as sleek and low as the current CLAs, something which should help the EV’s driving range. The rear end also has similarly slim LED tail lights with the Mercedes logo in the centre.
New Mercedes CLA engines and motors
When the Mercedes Concept CLA Class was first unveiled last year it was shown as an electric car, however it’s now been confirmed that it’ll be available as both an EV and a petrol hybrid.
This is an unusual move for Mercedes. It usually keeps its petrol and electric models completely separate, like the EQE and the E-Class. Having one model available with both petrol and electric power is a more BMW-like approach.
The electric version borrows technology from the EQXX concept, an ultra-efficient EV which can manage a whopping 764 miles on a single charge courtesy of a 100kWh battery. The CLA won’t have quite such an impressive range, but Mercedes claim the concept will do up to 466 miles on a charge.
It’s the first car to be built on something called the MMA platform. It’s got nothing to do with wrestling, it stands for Mercedes Modular Architecture – a collection of parts which will underpin both the new CLA and two future SUVs.
Not much is known about the petrol variant, other than the fact it’ll use an all-new 48-volt hybrid system with an electrified gearbox, suggesting it’ll be a mild hybrid like Mercedes’ larger models.
New Mercedes CLA interior and infotainment
There are no official pictures of the new CLA’s cabin yet, however the Concept CLA gives you a glimpse at the sort of layout you can expect.
It has a new variation of the Superscreen system we first saw on the new Mercedes E-Class, and it comprises three separate displays. The driver has one directly in front of them with all their driver assistance information, there’s a massive central screen for the infotainment and the passenger can stream videos on the third screen which can’t be seen from the driver’s seat.
The materials used inside are also sustainable. Some of the trim is made using recycled paper and the leather is tanned using vegetable extracts. There’s plenty of ambient lighting as well, which can change colours based on your driving mode.
When will the new CLA go on sale?
The new Mercedes CLA is due for a reveal in 2025, so you can expect it to hit the showrooms at the tail-end of next year.
It’s a bit early to put a price on this new coupe yet, but you can expect it to fetch a premium over the current car. The hybrid model is likely to cost upwards of £35,000, while you can expect a figure of more than £45,000 for the EV.
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