Mercedes-Benz is once again stepping up its game in the electric vehicle market with the upcoming 2025 Mercedes CLA, which promises to be a true rival to the likes of the Tesla Model 3. During a recent test in the snowy Alps of Austria, I got a chance to experience this vehicle in its prototype form, and it’s clear that Mercedes is making bold moves in the world of electric sedans. With a new platform and a focus on efficiency, this CLA is poised to shake up the competition.
Amazon co-founder MacKenzie Scott has donated over $19 billion to charity in just five years
Diamond batteries powered by nuclear waste promise 28,000 years of clean energy
A New Platform for a New Era
The 2025 CLA marks the first vehicle to be built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), a platform that focuses on electric drivetrains and offers a major boost in performance and efficiency. The CLA will be equipped with an 800-volt electrical system, a dual-speed transmission, and an all-new electric motor. Mercedes has placed a significant emphasis on optimizing energy use, ensuring that this car is not just powerful, but also incredibly efficient.
During my time with the prototype, I was struck by how seamlessly everything fit together. With temperatures dropping to -11°C at over 2,000 meters altitude, the vehicle’s performance and handling were impressive even in such extreme conditions. Though the car was still camouflaged, the sleek design was apparent, with aerodynamic features that would surely help maintain high efficiency at higher speeds.
Dimensions and Design: A Class of Its Own
The 2025 CLA will likely measure around 4.70 meters in length, placing it right in line with other high-performing sedans like the Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal, and BMW i4. What stands out is the vehicle’s fluid silhouette, offering an elegant profile that balances efficiency and style. Mercedes has also made sure the design minimizes drag, likely offering a Cx (coefficient of drag) lower than the Mercedes EQS, though not as sleek.
In terms of size, the car may feel a bit “high off the ground” compared to some competitors, but it still boasts a low and wide stance that promises both comfort and performance. Mercedes is also making strides in its interior layout, with features like a central touchscreen and sleek ergonomic designs. The MBUX system is expected to enhance the driving experience, with intuitive controls and a beautiful visual interface.
Powertrain and Battery: Efficiency Meets Performance
NASA warns China could slow Earth’s rotation with one simple move
This dog endured 27 hours of labor and gave birth to a record-breaking number of puppies
The Mercedes CLA (2025) will be available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive configurations, with an electric motor offering up to 272 hp (200 kW). This setup promises impressive performance, comparable to some of the best in the industry. One standout feature is the dual-speed transmission, which is relatively rare in electric vehicles. This system, similar to what’s seen in the Porsche Taycan, will allow for smoother acceleration and increased highway efficiency by switching gears automatically around 100 km/h.
For those seeking all-wheel-drive performance, the vehicle will also come with an additional front motor producing 109 hp (80 kW). The best part? This front motor can disconnect when not needed, minimizing friction and improving energy consumption.
Mercedes is also making sure the car has an option for light hybridization with 4-cylinder engines and 48V electrical systems for those who want a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle.
Battery and Charging: Long Ranges with Lightning Fast Charging
Mercedes is setting the bar high when it comes to battery options. There will be two choices for battery capacity:
- Small Battery: 58 kWh (LFP lithium iron phosphate)
- Large Battery: 85 kWh (NMC nickel-manganese-cobalt)
With the larger battery, the CLA promises up to 750 km of range on a full charge, with energy consumption figures as low as 12 kWh/100 km. This is particularly impressive when you consider how much efficiency is integrated into this vehicle, reminiscent of the Hyundai Ioniq 6’s approach.
Charging isn’t a hassle either: the 800-volt system supports 320 kW peak charging speeds, with 22-minute charging times for 10-80% capacity on compatible fast chargers. That means drivers can get 300 km of range in just 10 minutes—a feature that’s bound to make long-distance travel more convenient.
Interior and Comfort: Luxury Meets Practicality
The 2025 CLA isn’t just about performance—it’s also designed with comfort in mind. Despite previous generations not being the roomiest in terms of interior space, this new model offers improved legroom for front passengers, and rear passenger comfort is also a step up. The vehicle features a low driving position, giving you that relaxed driving experience, and the interior includes a large central display that seems to float across the dashboard, as part of the MBUX system.
Despite the tight, sporty design, the cabin feels spacious, with a slightly lower center console and high-quality materials that exude a luxurious feel. A cool touch? The three-spoke steering wheel, which feels comfortable in hand and features a golf-ball texture on the surface.
Price and Availability: A Premium Offering
While Mercedes has yet to confirm the exact pricing, we expect the starting price for the CLA 2025 to be around €50,000 for the entry-level models with the smaller battery. If you opt for the larger battery or the all-wheel-drive version, the price could push well past €60,000, depending on options. This price range places the CLA 2025 squarely in competition with the Tesla Model 3 and other luxury sedans, offering a premium yet sustainable option in the growing electric vehicle market.
Conclusion: The Future of Mercedes Is Electric
The 2025 CLA is set to shake up the electric vehicle landscape. With a focus on efficiency, performance, and cutting-edge technology, Mercedes-Benz is carving out its place in the competitive world of electric sedans. For anyone looking for a more premium alternative to the Tesla Model 3, the Mercedes CLA offers a truly exciting option. It’s clear that Mercedes is serious about reclaiming its spot at the forefront of the EV race, and the 2025 CLA is only the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying future.