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The New Mercedes CLA Makes Mercedes-Benz’s EV Future More Convincing

The electric-first Mercedes CLA pairs up to 374 miles of EPA-estimated range in the 250+ with a quicker, all-wheel-drive 350 4MATIC. Here’s what the specifications and early drive reports establish.
Entry341 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA gives the brand a stronger electric-car case with up to 374 miles of EPA-estimated range in the rear-wheel-drive CLA 250+, rapid-charging capability and a less powerful, longer-range option beside the quicker all-wheel-drive CLA 350 4MATIC. The distinction matters: the CLA is not one answer to every EV buyer’s needs, but its two U.S. launch versions make efficiency and performance a clear choice rather than a single compromise.

Why the CLA matters to Mercedes’ electric future

The CLA is the electric-first third generation of Mercedes’ compact luxury sedan. The broader model family is also planned to include a 48-volt hybrid, so the electric CLA is part of a wider product strategy rather than the only powertrain direction. In a March 2025 prototype-drive report, Ars Technica’s Tim Stevens wrote, “Mercedes-Benz may well have a winner here with the new CLA.” That is a reviewer’s early assessment, not a verdict based on a complete long-term or comparative test. Ars Technica’s March 2025 report

The strongest case is measurable: Mercedes-Benz USA later published EPA estimates of up to 374 miles for the CLA 250+ and 312 miles for the CLA 350 4MATIC, with an 85 kWh usable battery in both. Those U.S. ratings are more useful to American shoppers than the prototype-era European range claim, because WLTP and EPA figures come from different test cycles and should not be compared as though they were interchangeable.

Two U.S. electric CLA models, with different priorities

U.S. model Drive and output Mercedes-estimated 0–60 mph EPA-estimated range Announced U.S. MSRP
CLA 250+ Rear-wheel drive; 268 hp, 247 lb-ft 6.6 seconds Up to 374 miles $47,250
CLA 350 4MATIC All-wheel drive; 349 hp, 380 lb-ft 4.8 seconds 312 miles $49,800

Specifications, range figures and prices in this table are from Mercedes-Benz USA’s November 25, 2025 announcement. The MSRPs are announced starting prices at that date, not current dealer quotes or transaction prices. Mercedes-Benz USA’s U.S. announcement

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CLA 250+: prioritize range

The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive 250+ is the range leader in the U.S. lineup. Mercedes lists 268 hp and 247 lb-ft, with an estimated 6.6-second run from 0 to 60 mph. Its up-to-374-mile EPA estimate gives it a 62-mile advantage over the 350 4MATIC on the published figures.

CLA 350 4MATIC: prioritize traction and acceleration

The dual-motor 350 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive and raises output to 349 hp and 380 lb-ft. Mercedes estimates 4.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, 1.8 seconds quicker than its estimate for the 250+, while its EPA range estimate is 312 miles. The trade-off is direct: more power and driven wheels, with less rated range.

What the European range claim does—and does not—say

In March 2025, Ars reported a prototype-era Mercedes claim of up to 750 km (466 miles) under the European WLTP cycle, using an 85 kWh usable battery, alongside projected consumption of 11.9 kWh per 100 km. The report noted that an EPA rating was not yet available and floated roughly 400 miles as a guess. That estimate was not a Mercedes-certified or EPA figure; Mercedes-Benz USA later published the U.S. ratings of up to 374 miles for the 250+ and 312 miles for the 350 4MATIC. Ars Technica’s prototype-era figures and caveat Mercedes-Benz USA’s later EPA estimates

The useful takeaway is not that one test cycle proves the CLA will travel a particular distance on every trip. EPA range is a standardized estimate, while actual distance depends on conditions and use. For U.S. model comparisons, use the EPA numbers for the specific trim rather than importing the European WLTP figure or the earlier unverified EPA guess.

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Charging: high peak capability, but check the exact car

Mercedes says the CLA’s 800-volt system supports up to 320 kW of DC charging and claims that as much as 202 miles of range can be added in as little as ten minutes. These are manufacturer-stated maximums, not a guarantee that every charger, battery state or charging session will deliver that rate or range recovery. Mercedes-Benz USA charging specifications

Compatibility was a launch-period caveat. In a July 2025 drive, Ars reported that early U.S. demonstration cars supported 800-volt DC stations but not 400-volt Tesla Superchargers; the publication quoted Mercedes as saying customer orders in 2026 would include a converter for 400-volt as well as 800-volt charging. That report also said customer cars could use the 800-volt Mercedes and Ionna networks. MotorTrend’s first-drive account likewise described the early 400-volt limitation and anticipated converter, while noting that its described configuration needed an adapter at CCS-type 800-volt stations. These are reports about launch-period cars and equipment, not a safe assumption about every CLA now on sale. Ars Technica’s July 2025 drive MotorTrend’s first-drive account

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  • Before relying on a particular fast-charging network, confirm the exact car’s installed charging hardware and connector support with the dealer or Mercedes-Benz.
  • Check the network’s current vehicle and adapter requirements rather than assuming that an 800-volt rating alone establishes compatibility.
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What early drives say about how it feels

The available drive impressions are encouraging but limited. In its July 2025 production drive, Ars described the ride as good and the CLA as capable rather than a performance car, while finding the dual-motor version much quicker. Those are the reviewer’s impressions from that drive, not controlled comparative results, and they should not be attributed to the inaccessible March story named in the original headline. Ars Technica’s July 2025 production drive

The model split helps put that impression in context: the 250+ emphasizes rated range, while the 350 4MATIC delivers the stronger acceleration estimate and all-wheel drive. The specs establish a meaningful difference in intent, but they cannot by themselves settle ride comfort, handling, cabin quality or real-world efficiency against rivals.

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Which CLA fits which buyer?

  • Choose the CLA 250+ if: the higher published EPA range is your priority, rear-wheel drive suits your needs, and the lower announced starting MSRP is more appealing.
  • Consider the CLA 350 4MATIC if: you want all-wheel drive and stronger acceleration and can accept the lower EPA range estimate and higher announced MSRP.
  • Check charging before committing if: your routine depends on a particular 400-volt or 800-volt public network. Launch-period compatibility reports do not establish the hardware fitted to a specific delivered car.

Mercedes’ figures make the CLA’s electric proposition credible on paper: substantial EPA range in the 250+, a faster all-wheel-drive alternative, and high claimed DC charging capability. Whether it feels like a convincing step for a given buyer still depends on the exact car, charging access and a drive that answers personal questions about comfort and control.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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