UK Drive: The Mercedes CLA feels like the future of long-distance EVs

What is it?

The world of electric vehicles is progressing at a fearsomely rapid pace and this car – the new Mercedes CLA – is hoping to be at the very forefront of that new wave. It kickstarts a whole new era for Mercedes, bringing a long range in a package which is smaller and more accessible than its previous EVs.

On paper, the CLA looks like it could be the ideal EV to combat those range anxiety fears, but is that the case? We’ve been behind the wheel to see what it’s like.

What’s new?

There’s very little on the new CLA that you’ll find shared with other Mercedes models. It sits atop a brand new platform and while it does launch with an electric powertrain, Mercedes has also introduced a hybrid version for those who need it. That dedicated platform allows the CLA to bring both powertrains, widening its appeal in the process.

The in-tech is sharper and newer, too, thanks to the help from both Microsoft and Google. It’s all housed within a super-large display which should be sharper and more intuitive to use than ever.

What’s under the bonnet?

Efficiency is the name of the game with the new CLA. It’s why the exterior has been designed to be as slippery and aerodynamic as possible in an effort to maximise the range that you’ll get from this car’s 85kWh battery. In fact, Mercedes claims a range of up to 462 miles, which is one of the longest that you’ll get from any EV currently on sale. In a slight tweak to nearly all electric vehicles, the CLA also gets a two-speed gearbox designed to boost efficiency when you’re travelling at motorway speeds.

The CLA also uses an 800-volt charging architecture as standard, unlocking a very rapid charge speed of up to 320kW. Find an ultra-rapid charger and you’ll be able to manage a 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 22 minutes – so you won’t have to be waiting at the charging station for too long when you’re in a hurry.

What’s it like to drive?

In many areas, the CLA feels quite normal to drive. It’s not an overly large car, so it’s a breeze to position on the road, while a nice, low seating height feels a touch sporty. There’s plenty of adjustability, too, so you can get comfortable easily. With a 0-60mph time of 6.3 seconds, the CLA isn’t as wickedly quick as some other EVs, but it’s more than up to the task of getting you up to speed in good enough time. There’s more than enough in reserve for a safe overtake, for instance.

That two-speed gearbox is ever-so-slightly noticeable, with a momentary pause in power when you’re accelerating hard. However, it’s the refinement and comfort of this car which shines through; the CLA delivers a truly upmarket-feeling ride, particularly when you’re travelling at motorway speeds.

How does it look?

Like most recent Mercedes cars, the CLA has an exterior design which feels dictated entirely by aerodynamics. It’s not to say that it’s ugly – not to our eyes, at least – but there’s not too much to write home about in terms of styling touches or exciting features. It’s all quite smooth and all quite rounded in all.

Of course, there’s a case of ‘spot the Mercedes star’ to play with the CLA and, if you look closely, you’ll find them on what appears to be every panel of the car. The front grille gets a unique lighting signature, too, and does look very futuristic at night.

What’s it like inside?

The interior of the CLA is dominated by the large central infotainment screen, but what else is on offer? There are some well-sized cupholders in the middle of the cabin and handy door bins for some extra storage. Overall, spaciousness isn’t bad, either, and though the floor at the rear feels a tad high, there’s still enough room for taller passengers to get comfy back there. Overall build quality is good, though the CLA doesn’t feel as ‘special’ as some other Mercedes vehicles inside. That said, it’s all put together nicely.

At 405 litres, the CLA’s boot isn’t bad in terms of size, either, and it’s easy to access and quite deep. It’s trumped by the 470 litres of space that you’ll find in the BMW i4, however, which is one of the CLA’s key rivals in this segment. The CLA does benefit from a handy ‘frunk’ under the bonnet for storing the charging cables, mind you, something the BMW lacks.

What’s the spec like?

Prices for the electric CLA start from £45,615 in standard 250+ Sport Edition trim, which seems like very good value considering the level of technology that you’re getting on board and underneath. It’s this specification which delivers the CLA’s tip-top range of 481 miles, too, so it could be a good option for drivers who want the maximum amount of distance between trips to the plug.

Head in the direction of AMG Line Premium Edition, like our test car, and you’ll see that the price jumps up to £51,770. You do get upgraded Multibeam headlights, more interior ambient lighting and wireless smartphone charging, but the range drops to 462 miles. That newly designed infotainment system is packed with features and looks great, though we struggled to get Apple CarPlay to work on our particular test car.

Verdict

The new Mercedes CLA definitely feels like a step-change in the world of electric vehicles. With its range of over 400 miles, it’s encroaching on the type of distance that average cars could travel on a full tank of petrol and, and if you’re able to charge at home, running the CLA could cost a fraction of the amount it would take to fill an ICE car.

It’s also very usable day-to-day, refined and quiet at speed, and packed with technology. In essence, what’s not to like about the Mercedes CLA?