CLA

Released July 2025

The third-generation CLA saloon (C174), sold both as an 800 V electric car with up to 480 miles of range and as a 1.5-litre full hybrid, suited to buyers who want an efficient premium saloon.

Body: Saloon
Powertrain: Electric, Hybrid
Power: 154–268 bhp
Range: 328–480 mi
Boot: 405 l

What reviewers say

Reviewers agree the CLA is comfortable, quiet and refined, and that the electric version's efficiency, range and fast charging make it the pick of the range. The common criticisms are tight rear seats and some cheap-feeling plastics; Parkers and Auto Express found the hybrid sluggish and its gearbox hesitant, and Carwow couldn't match the official range in its test.

From autocar.co.uk, parkers.co.uk, autoexpress.co.uk and carwow.co.uk

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Performance

Powertrain: Electric, Hybrid
Power: 154–268 bhp
0–62 mph: 6.7–8.8 s
Top speed: 130–147 mph
Engine or motors: Electric: rear motor, 165 kW (224 hp) CLA 200 or 200 kW (272 hp) CLA 250+. Hybrid: 1,499 cc four-cylinder petrol of 100, 120 or 140 kW plus a 22 kW electric motor and 1.3 kWh battery; combined system output 115, 135 or 155 kW (bhp converted from Mercedes' kW figures)
Torque: 335 Nm (electric); hybrid system torque 280 Nm (CLA 180), 330 Nm (CLA 200), 380 Nm (CLA 220 4MATIC)
Gearbox: Single-speed (electric); 8G-eDCT 8-speed dual-clutch (hybrid)
Drive: Rear-wheel drive (electric); front-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive (hybrid)

Range and charging

Zero-emission range (WLTP): 328–480 miles
Battery: 58–85 kWh
Fastest charging: 200–320 kW
Economy (WLTP): 53.3–56.5 mpg
Range detail: WLTP electric range 328 miles (CLA 200) or 480 miles (CLA 250+)
Charging: Usable battery 58 kWh (CLA 200) or 85 kWh (CLA 250+); DC up to 200 kW (10–80% in 20 minutes) or 320 kW (22 minutes); 11 kW AC, 0–100% in 6.5 or 9 hours
Efficiency: 12.7 kWh/100 km (CLA 200), 12.6 kWh/100 km (CLA 250+); 56.5 mpg (CLA 180 and 200 hybrid), 53.3 mpg (CLA 220 4MATIC), WLTP combined
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km (electric); 114–121 g/km (hybrid)

Practicality

Body: Saloon
Seats: 5
Boot: 405 litres
Length: 4,723 mm
Width: 1,855 mm
Weight: From 1,703 kg
Boot: 405 litres
Towing: 1,500 kg braked (electric); 1,600–2,000 kg (hybrid)
Size: 4,723 mm long, 1,855 mm wide without mirrors (2,021 mm with), 1,468 mm high (electric) or 1,450 mm (hybrid); 11.2 m turning circle; kerb weight 2,062–2,072 kg (electric), 1,703–1,778 kg (hybrid)

Pros and cons

Pros

CLA 250+ has a WLTP range of 480 miles
DC charging up to 320 kW (CLA 250+); 10–80% in 22 minutes
Hybrid versions return up to 56.5 mpg

Cons

Electric versions weigh over 2,000 kg
Top speed limited to 130 mph on the electric models
Roof load not permitted (0 kg)

Closest rivals

Model	Body	Powertrain	Power	Range	Boot	Released
BMW2 Series Gran Coupé	Saloon	Mild hybrid, Petrol	168–296 bhp	–	–	Mar 2025
AudiA6 Saloon	Saloon	Petrol, Mild hybrid, Plug-in hybrid	201–295 bhp	71 mi	492 l	Apr 2025
AudiA5 Saloon	Saloon	Petrol, Mild hybrid, Plug-in hybrid	148–630 bhp	52–74 mi	445 l	Jul 2024

Sources

Photo: media.oneweb.mercedes-benz.com

Spot a mistake? Tell us