The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is a new model that the brand emphasizes as a compact electric sedan equipped with cutting-edge technology all around, from the battery and drive motor to the MB-OS supercomputer and AI concealed behind the dashboard. In fact, this AI resides in Mercedes-Benz’s intelligent cloud system, acting as the most advanced central brain currently available—quite a remarkable claim.
Dennis Brings, Senior Designer of the third-generation CLA, reshaped the small car’s image to be sportier and more aggressive to attract younger customers. The car was designed with a sharp front, a hood featuring two dimensional creases for visual depth, and a slightly longer wheelbase to accommodate the 85 kWh battery. The wheelbase was extended by about 2 inches, overall length by about 1 inch, with slightly increased height and width. Wheel sizes range from 17 to 19 inches. The Thai-assembled 250+ model naturally comes with 19-inch Aero wheels. The glowing Mercedes-Benz star is prominently displayed on the grille, which is surrounded by a luminous star pattern that moves subtly around it. Above the grille is a new headlight assembly with star-shaped daytime running LEDs. The headlights are layered in design, resembling the three-pointed star emblem. The grille, black CLA badge on the body, black dashboard, and metal trim strips are all finished in black. The taillights stretch across the rear with the same star pattern as the grille.
The CLA’s interior continues to deliver a premium feel, especially through the use of a variety of high-quality materials, including leather, Alcantara, and contrasting metal finishes, all stitched with detailed seam work. It features a new console design and sport seats with adjustable side bolsters and headrests. The center console is trimmed with fabric made from recycled soda bottles, aluminum, and striking paper-based trim elements—marking a first for Mercedes-Benz.
The CLA features Mercedes-Benz’s Superscreen, covering nearly the entire dashboard width. Besides the 10.3-inch driver’s instrument cluster, there is a 14.0-inch infotainment screen and an additional 14.0-inch screen for the front passenger to watch movies or listen to music. The driver can only see the passenger screen when the car is stationary; if the driver attempts to view the passenger screen while driving, both screens go blank for safety. Several high-end and standard equipment upgrades have been added, including a rearview mirror that only lowers halfway. Mercedes-Benz explained that the rear row ventilation system limits the rear door window’s downward movement because the motor mechanism occupies shoulder space. Rear passengers have USB ports but no screen. Legroom and headroom are ample and appropriate for the car’s size. The trunk is spacious enough to hold two suitcases, and there is a small storage compartment under the hood.
The CLA 250+ debuts the latest infotainment system, MBUX version 4, running on Mercedes-Benz’s MB.OS operating system that integrates AI from Microsoft and Google. Mercedes-Benz system engineers first developed software for the A-Class in 2018, followed by the impressive Hyperscreen debut in the EQS in 2020, and then the Android OS in the 2023 E-Class. For years, the brand has aimed to end reliance on third-party software packages by developing its own software stack. This development began in 2020, and the new operating system will be implemented in approximately 45 new models over the next two to three years, with new models rolling out in 2026 and 2027.
The MB.OS in the 2026 CLA supports 27 languages and features a virtual AI avatar, 360-degree navigation displaying everything around the vehicle, and provides guidance in English, German, and Chinese. The new MB.OS uses Nvidia’s supercomputer to stabilize Mercedes-Benz Drive Assist Pro at a "Level 2++" autonomous driving capability.
Looking closely, it’s clear this is the smartest car Mercedes has produced in its 140-year history. Practically, it is a Mercedes electric car with an exceptionally long range. The CLA Electric also charges rapidly with the latest NMC battery technology, and its design no longer resembles outdated shapes. The grille features hundreds of glowing stars shining brightly at night, complemented by three screens for driver and front passenger, an 800-volt electrical system enabling lightning-fast charging, and a driving range comparable to Mercedes’ OM 654 diesel engines. For example, on a trip from Bangkok, the battery would likely last as far as Chiang Rai or Ubon Ratchathani.
The 800-kilometer driving range per WLTP standards comes from a usable 85 kWh nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery, giving the small Mercedes electric drivetrain excellent efficiency in all aspects. The two-speed gearbox and even the ability to find trendy cafes serving matcha lattes (not tasty but pretending) that allow dogs and cats inside add to the experience. The CLA launches as a fully electric vehicle, dropping the confusing "EQ" label and now simply called Electric. Soon, a CLA Plug-in Hybrid will follow to ease range concerns among customers familiar with Tesla. Its remarkable range places the CLA Electric among the top for clean energy vehicles, making it stand out alongside MB OS as a key strength for customers seeking premium German EVs.
The CLA’s body is more streamlined, a key design goal for new electric vehicles to maximize aerodynamics. Mercedes-Benz transitioned from the second to third model without alienating conservative customers like me, unlike some BMW designs. This mid-size four-door sedan looks well-proportioned and attractive. Small stars decorate the grille, sparkling vividly at night. Look closely and stars are scattered everywhere on the grille. The LED Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus headlights feature star-shaped daytime running lights, with matching star-shaped taillights. The electric CLA grille contains 142 stars, making the owner feel like they’re in nighttime Dubai.
Globally, plug-in hybrid CLA models (including station wagon/shooting brake variants) will appear soon, but in Thailand currently only the fully electric 250+ rear-wheel-drive model is available. The CLA 350+ 4Matic all-wheel-drive variant has not been launched and is unlikely to be imported by Mercedes-Benz Thailand, as they prefer to focus on a single model. If the 250+ sales perform well enough, the dual-motor model might follow.
The CLA 250+ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 268 horsepower, developed by a Mercedes subsidiary and known for high efficiency. It uses an 85 kWh NMC battery. The CLA 250+ excels in range when driven at suitable speeds and with gentle acceleration, achieving impressive WLTP figures. A 58 kWh LFP battery variant will launch globally mid-year, targeting city users. If CLA Electric sales in Thailand do well, a more expensive dual-motor or a cheaper base model with a smaller battery could appear, depending on market demand and bookings after pricing announcement.
The CLA 250+ electric architecture includes an 800-volt system allowing ultra-fast charging, adding up to 300 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes at a maximum 320-kilowatt DC charging rate. The improved DC charging performance stems from Mercedes-Benz’s Vision EQXX concept, which pioneered long-distance travel with high-power DC charging. The CLA 250+ also features a smooth, rounded shape with a drag coefficient of 0.21, nearly matching the EQXX prototype’s status as the world’s lowest drag production car.
Many ask how the 800-kilometer range compares to diesel engines and how it’s achieved. It’s explained by incremental efficiency improvements, a higher energy density battery with 20% graphite-only composition, and the use of silicon oxide/graphite in the battery, providing more usable electrical energy. The rear motor has a two-speed gearbox, unlike the Porsche Taycan or Audi e-tron GT. Rather than focusing on rapid 0-100 km/h acceleration in about 3 seconds, it uses an overdrive gear to allow the motor to run at the most efficient RPM during steady highway cruising. The air-to-air heat pump uses about a third of the energy compared to traditional auxiliary heaters. The flat underbody and rear suspension’s aerodynamic shields help manage airflow, reducing energy consumption compared to other EVs.
Additionally, the CLA Electric is highly energy-efficient when it comes to regenerative braking, recovering energy effectively. This is a balanced integration of efficiency features that maximize electric energy use. Fundamentally, this is what every electric vehicle should achieve, but many cannot in practice due to high costs.
The CLA is smooth and well-suited for long distances, with a 320 kW charging system enabling it to gain 310 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes of charging. DC charging from 10% to 80% state of charge takes only 22 minutes, which is extremely fast.It drives well, befitting a Mercedes-Benz flagship, but the steering feel and overall experience lean more toward electronic assistance than traditional Mercedes with combustion engines. The AI from Google and Microsoft in the new MB-OS allows complex virtual assistant queries, emotional recognition, and short-term memory. It sounds like it might someday dominate the world and eliminate inefficient humans, but in practice MB-OS works excellently. For example, if the driver looks at a live futsal broadcast on the passenger screen while driving, both screens instantly turn off for safety, reactivating only when the driver looks back at the road.
Overall performance is moderate to good, but the extremely long range and rapid charging make a significant difference in daily use. This Mercedes-Benz electric car is reasonable and technologically interesting, bringing electricity to an ordinary car rather than proclaiming a transportation revolution. It’s agile, attractive, and has a well-appointed interior. The AI and new tech work well, but the standout qualities of the CLA Electric are its comfort, moderate performance, long range, and fast charging, all greatly enhancing the EV ownership experience.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Electric, assembled domestically, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, which is fairly quick but not as intimidating as the much faster EQE53. The CLA Electric’s top speed is 209 km/h. The steering is precise but sometimes feels numb due to the vehicle’s weight. Regardless of driving mode, pressing the accelerator causes immediate forward surge. Driving at a steady pace is smooth and stable, characteristic of Mercedes, but without the old-fashioned feel. The regenerative braking system offers multiple intensity levels, including an intelligent mode that performs optimally. The one-pedal driving mode isn’t frightening and adapts quickly, but it can feel very heavy, potentially causing discomfort for passengers.
Long-distance driving on rural highways from Mu Si to Wang Nam Khiao is excellent, reducing stress with relaxed, quiet, and intelligent controls alongside advanced functions requiring study to master. These systems aim to keep drivers comfortable and alert. Bentleys offer similar features, mainly for rear passengers, at a price up to ten times higher. The CLA is quiet, drives well, and holds steady through corners. Its rear-mounted motor gives a rear-wheel-drive feel, unusual for this class, offering a distinct advantage over front-wheel-drive competitors. It feels reasonable and nearly as fun as the MINI JCW Electric.
Weighing nearly two tons, typical for electric vehicles, the CLA Electric feels lighter than similarly weighted rivals. It’s agile and nimble on mountain roads, ideal for drivers who want an easy-to-control car for everyday driving. The CLA Electric is not an EQE 53 focused on thrilling performance, but one can imagine AMG tuning bringing it closer to that level. It lacks the AMG engine sound that adds charm but serves as a practical daily driver for customers frequently traveling long distances on boring roads with few charging stations. Reluctantly, I acknowledge that longer range is precisely what many customers want, and Mercedes understands this well.
The CLA 250+ Electric achieves its long range thanks to a large lithium battery efficiently using ions. It supports 350 kW charging. New energy management reduces consumption and enables the fastest charging, meaning shorter stops and less coffee expense. Charging enough for 360 kilometers of real-world range (not WLTP) can take just 15 minutes at a powerful charger. You could order coffee during a busy day and be ready to drive nearly 400 kilometers before needing to stop again. Home charging is slower but better for battery longevity. In reality, the CLA achieves an 800-kilometer range at legal highway speeds averaging 100 km/h, a feat even Tesla cannot match. It excels in range thanks to a large battery and efficient energy management, aerodynamic superiority with drag coefficients comparable to fighter jets, and motor efficiency inspired by F1 racing featuring a two-speed gearbox. The battery also excels in capacity and charging speed with chemical innovations and cooling. The CLA doesn’t try to offset weaknesses but is a car with only strengths, especially with pricing expected around 2,100,000 baht or slightly less at the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show next month!