I’ve been totally won over by the super-efficient electric Mercedes-Benz CLA

Introduction

Mercedes has been working hard on its new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform for a few years now, having promised it’ll be a way more efficient base for its new cars than the firm’s earlier electric output. The CLA fastback saloon is first in line for the treatment, and with a mighty 484 miles of claimed range, Merc might just have delivered on its pledge.

It’s a real treat for the eyes, even in the entry-grade CLA 250+ Sport Edition trim tested here, with a sleek, curvy design that’s aerodynamic as well as appealing. Shiny chrome door handles and showy wheels are reserved for the AMG Line Edition along with an AMG Line Premium Edition, if you want to be a bit more ostentatious.

Prices start at £45,615, which for a skinflint like me actually sounds like quite a lot of EV for the money. It’s going up against established rivals like the Tesla Model 3, undercuts the BMW i4, and represents a break from the usual glut of raised crossovers and SUVs.

The styling

I think the CLA is one of the best Mercs I’ve seen in a long time. Even in the rather more basic Sport Edition that I was driving, the overall exterior styling is very tempting indeed. The front end is really distinctive with that illuminated grille and badge arrangement. It would be easy to pass this off as a bit gimmicky, but it really does work to great effect, especially after dark.

The wraparound front lights are supplemented by air intakes down on the corners of the front end, while the bonnet sits flush with the front panel that presumably also helps with the aerodynamics. The roofline is super sleek, with a swept back windscreen and sloping rear glass, which runs into the fairly stubby boot section. In-between, there are chrome door handles that pop-out on the posher trims, but even the colour coded handles on my car worked well enough.

That back end is really delicious though, with a slender taillight bar that’s topped off with circular rear lights at each end, infused with a Mercedes-Benz logo. I love the way this car looks really minimalist, with not that much in the way of trim embellishments spoiling the uncluttered lines. Higher spec models get more sophisticated alloy wheels, but I was perfectly happy with the no-frills, 18in five-spoke alloys on my car, with lots more sidewall to soak up the worst our roads could throw at them.

Inside, the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Sport Edition is also less showy than the more premium trims, but I quite liked that too. The seats proved to be very comfortable, although were manually adjustable, rather than electric. Weirdly though, they were heated and had massage functionality built in, which had to be accessed via the infotainment screen. There was a full glass panoramic roof too, although people in the rear get most benefit from it as the panel doesn’t quite cover the front portion of the cockpit.

The drive

The first time I got behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Sport edition I felt a little bit underwhelmed, especially having driven something like the EQS. However, the Sport model might be less showy, but it turns out to be a great car to drive. It’s got decent proportions for starters, which makes the CLA much easier to get around town and in and out of irritatingly small multi-storey car parks.

Drive is enlisted using a column shifter and modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual. It was slick enough for the most part sticking with Comfort. There’s enough torque to get out of junctions without fuss and can also cruise along motorways effortlessly. Most impressively of all though was just how efficient this car seemed to be. I was getting mid 4 miles per kilowatt hour readings without really trying, which I felt was very impressive.

That range allowed me to use the car for the best part of a week, including doing a couple of longish motorway runs, while only needing to top up once. The CLA 250+ Sport edition will be a great choice for anyone who wants a German badge on their drive but doesn’t fancy the range anxiety that comes with bulkier SUVs.

The technology

My CLA 250+ loan car didn’t have too much screen craziness going on. There was a 10.25in driver display that could be customised to suit, while the 14in central touchscreen had everything I needed without being too over the top. I really like the experience delivered by the current MBUX system and it made most everyday tasks fairly straightforward. Some functionality wasn’t immediately obvious to access, but it did get easier as I became more familiar with it.

Something that stood out in our unpredictable climate was the Thermatic climate control, which kept the cabin feeling just right, even when there was a sudden cold snap. Added convenience came with the Keyless-Go tech, that meant there was no start or stop button to worry about. I even got on well with the voice control system, yay!

The sound system seemed to be a generic Mercedes-Benz package, with speaker output that seemed to come from behind me for some reason and occasionally sounded a little on the meagre side. Higher trims get beefier audio, as you’d expect.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ verdict

I’m a big fan of the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Sport edition. I like its rather more understated persona as opposed to the AMG models, although I guess they’re the ones most people will aspire to – even if they start at nigh on ten grand more. It drives very nicely and the efficiency plus that overall range is excellent.

This is a no-fuss EV that makes range anxiety seem redundant. What’s more, the CLA 250+ Sport edition is super comfortable, even as the less plush variant. With few electric alternatives in the small executive class, it’s a standout choice – with none of the badge baggage that comes with a Tesla Model 3.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ technical specifications

Powertrain	Permanent magnet synchronous electric motor
Battery	85kW
Power	268bhp
Torque	247lb ft
0-60mph	6.7sec
Top speed	130 mph
Range	484 miles
Charge rate	320kW
Cargo volume	405/101 litres (boot/frunk)