The electric version has a whopping 492 miles of range, and the new CLA also has an all-new, AI-based infotainment system with plenty of clever tech which can be kept fresh using over-the-air updates.
New Mercedes CLA design
The Mercedes CLA has always been aimed at style-conscious buyers since it first launched back in 2013, and this new one is certainly striking to look at. It’s also the first time the CLA hasn’t been based on the existing A-Class hatchback – instead, it’s an all-new car.
That said the basic design will be pretty familiar to Mercedes fans, It has a similarly low-slung side profile to the outgoing CLA, and the downturned front grille is quite similar to the current car’s. That new full-width light bar does make it look a bit like it has a moustache though.
We don’t reckon there are enough Mercedes badges on this car. From just this front angle we counted 142 three-pointed star emblems, 143 if you include the left-hand headlight you can’t see here. It needs to be a round 150 to really drive the point home that you drive a Mercedes.
The rear of this new CLA looks pretty similar to the outgoing one, albeit with a new light bar across the tailgate – and taillights featuring the same LED signature as you get up front.
New Mercedes CLA motors and batteries
This is the first time the Mercedes CLA has been offered as an EV, but a petrol-powered version will also be available soon.
It’s powered by an all-new collection of EV parts which you’ll also see used in a future GLC EV – a new SUV to replace the EQC. At its heart is a new 85kWh battery, and in certain versions of the CLA it can deliver a whopping 492 miles of range according to official figures. That’s 56 miles more than a Tesla Model 3 can manage, and it’s 86 miles up on the Polestar 2. It also makes the new CLA the longest-range electric car in the UK.
The new CLA also has some new charging tech which allows for seriously rapid top ups. It can charge at 320kW DC, which means you can gain more than 200 miles in just 10 minutes. That’s almost as quickly as you can refuel a petrol car, although it does rely on finding a charger which supports that sort of speed.
A petrol hybrid version of the CLA will also be coming later this year for those of you who aren’t ready to switch to an EV. There aren’t too many technical details about that car just yet, other than the fact it’ll use a new 1.5-litre petrol engine with a mild hybrid system.
New Mercedes CLA interior and infotainment
The interior of the new Mercedes CLA is a bit of a screenfest, because the whole dashboard is dominated by displays.
It features the latest version of the brand’s so-called Superscreen, and as standard you get a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 14.0-inch touchscreen in the centre. A 14.0-inch passenger screen is also available as an option, and they can use this to watch streaming services or Youtube videos on the move.
The system itself is based on all-new software which makes use of AI to make life easier. There are intuitive voice commands which can control most of the car’s functions, and you can even ask it general questions about pretty much anything you’d like to know and it’ll use AI to give you an answer.
The interior design itself is pretty interesting. There’s no real dashboard, just a big upright panel with all your screens. The tall centre console may also remind you of the Smart #3, and there are plenty of funky materials to choose from. These include open-pore wood, shiny metallic trims and upmarket leather.
New Mercedes CLA price and specs
Prices for the new Mercedes CLA haven’t been confirmed yet, but there are rumours out there that the petrol and electric versions will be similar in terms of cost. Assuming the new car fetches a premium over the outgoing one, a figure of around £40,000 seems likely.
Full pricing and specs will be revealed when the car goes on sale in the coming months, but all models will come with a panoramic glass roof, the twin-display Superscreen setup and an energy-efficient heat pump to keep you warm.
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