Mercedes-Benz CLA review: Long-range EV is a class act

We get behind the wheel of the award-winning all-electric Mercedes-Benz CLA

When you get your hands on a car that’s just been crowned European Car of the Year, you expect something special.

After all, it is the first time in more than 50 years that Mercedes-Benz has won the ECOTY award. Back then it was the S-Class that took the honours.

The family-sized Mercedes-Benz CLA doesn’t disappoint, though whether it’s the best Merc since 1974 is another matter.

Built on the all-new MMA platform, the third-generation CLA is competitively priced from £39,150. Initially only available as an EV, a hybrid version will follow.

Apart from its slippery new look (it has a drag coefficient of just 0.21), the big news is that it’s capable of up to 483 miles between charges, making it one of the longest-range electric cars on the market.

At the moment you can only choose the CLA 250+, which has a single 268bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels, and there are three specifications – Sport Edition, AMG Line Edition and AMG Line Premium Edition.

Powered by an 85kWh battery, the CLA (‘CLA 250+ with EQ Technology’, to give it its full name) is capable of 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

Rapid 800V charging architecture means a 10-80% battery boost can take as little as 22 minutes via a suitably fast connection. In theory, the car can charge at speeds up to 320kW and 200 miles of range can be added in just 10 minutes.

If I’m honest, I’m not 100% sure about the CLA’s looks (the four-door’s profile is challenging), but the good news is that it isn’t just available as a saloon – there’s a handsome estate (‘shooting brake’) version too.

Frankly, there’s little to choose between both variants on the road, and they are both the same length, so for many it will be a no-brainer. Either way, the CLA is a class act.

Open the frameless doors, step in, and you’re in for a treat. Mercedes has always created excellent interiors, and the CLA is no exception, though more plastics are now creeping in.

The all-new Superscreen, which stretches the full width of the dashboard, consists of a 10.25-inch driver’s display, a 14-inch central touchscreen, plus an (optional) 14-inch display for the front passenger.

And if you’re into your tech, you’ll want to know that the infotainment system is running Merc’s new MB.OS software. It’s also at the heart of the car itself, which means it’s capable of over-the-air software upgrades too.

The saloon has a 405-litre boot, and there’s also a 101 litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet. The shooting brake gets 455 litres of luggage capacity (1,290 litres with the rear seats folded down). Whichever you choose, rear legroom is adequate rather than class-leading, but the estate has better headroom at the back.

Step inside and the driving position is pretty good, though I would still prefer the option of a lower adjustment, while all-round visibility is again slightly better in the shooting brake.

On the road the CLA is refined and comfortable, successfully smoothing off most the bumps and potholes plaguing our roads.

It’s nimble too, with a lightweight feel for an EV, and rarely feels anything other than composed. Grip is good, the steering is light and precise, while body lean is well controlled.

Unusually, the CLA boasts a two-speed automatic transmission rather than the single-speed typically fitted to most electric cars. It shifts seamlessly, but for the record, first gear handles acceleration, second gear optimises efficiency at higher speeds.

Incidentally, first gear also delivers a relatively high towing capacity (1,500kg).

Claimed energy efficiency is an excellent 5.0 miles/kWh. I can’t say I managed that, but 4.5/kWh is achievable and I’d imagine the CLA’s real-world range is closer to 400 miles – so no complaints.

Ultimately, the CLA is an impressive EV, comparing favourably with its small, but strong, list of rivals including the Polestar 2, BMW i4, BYD Seal, Tesla Model 3 and MG IM5.

Verdict: The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a class act. Whether you choose the saloon or shooting brake, it’s packed with smart tech, delivers an engaging, comfortable and refined drive, and is capable of a superb real-world range.

Review in association with AutomotiveBlog