Which Mercedes CLA Version Should We Choose?

Which Mercedes CLA version should we choose? Electric or mild hybrid? Front-, rear- or all-wheel drive? We review all the available versions.
 

The new Mercedes CLA is the first model built on the multi-powertrain MMA platform developed with an electric-first approach. As a result, the electric versions Mercedes CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic were launched first, followed by the mild hybrid variants, and in the meantime the electric lineup has been expanded with additional versions.
 
Thus, the Mercedes CLA range is very broad and choosing the ideal version becomes more complex: electric or mild hybrid? Front-, rear- or all-wheel drive? Small or large battery? We take a look at all available versions.
 
Mercedes CLA 200 EQ (from €49,420.70)
The most affordable Mercedes CLA EQ is called CLA 200 EQ and comes with a smaller LFP battery of 58 kWh net, which nevertheless offers a decent WLTP range of up to 541 km thanks to very low consumption of just 12.3 kWh/100 km.
 
The rear-mounted motor delivers 224 PS and 335 Nm, providing good performance. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 7.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 kph.
 
The charging power of 200 kW is significantly lower than that of the higher versions (320 kW), but the 10–80% charging time is competitive at just 20 minutes. With a price just under €50,000, it is noticeably more expensive than the base Tesla Model 3, but the price is reasonable for a modern electric Mercedes.
 
Mercedes CLA 250 EQ (from €55,859)
This is the best-selling electric version in the range, featuring a Li-ion battery with NMC chemistry and 85 kWh net capacity. Exceptional aerodynamics give it even lower consumption than the base version, at just 12.2 kWh/100 km, contributing to a record WLTP range of 792 km.
 
The rear-mounted motor produces 272 PS – 48 PS more than the CLA 200 EQ – while torque remains the same at 335 Nm. The Mercedes CLA 250+ accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in 6.7 seconds, with the same top speed as the base version, 210 kph.
 
Although the battery is substantially larger, charging from 10 to 80% takes no longer than in the base version. Thanks to the much higher charging power of 320 kW, the battery charges from 10 to 80% in just 22 minutes.
 
Mercedes CLA 350 4Matic (from €60,381)
This is the top electric model. It uses the same 85 kWh net battery and, in addition to the 272 PS rear motor, it features a 109 PS motor on the front axle that engages when extra traction or power is needed.
 
The drivetrain delivers a total of 354 PS and 515 Nm, resulting in a much quicker 0–100 kph acceleration of just 4.9 seconds.
 
Despite the significantly higher power, WLTP consumption is almost identical: 12.5 kWh/100 km versus 12.2 kWh/100 km for the CLA 250, slightly reducing WLTP range to 771 km compared to 792 km for the CLA 250+.
 

Two new versions are in preparation:
 
Mercedes CLA 250 EQ (around €53,000)
Without the “+” in the name, this version is expected to have a smaller battery than the CLA 250+ but the same 272 PS motor. Some sources suggest it could use a 64 kWh LFP battery, similar to the base version of the upcoming C-Class EQ.
 
Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic EQ
Replacing the former top gasoline version, Mercedes will offer a flagship electric variant that has already been spotted during road testing.
 
With two motors like the CLA 350 4Matic, the CLA 45 4Matic could deliver between 500 and 550 PS and, thanks to excellent aerodynamics, still offer a WLTP range of over 700 km, using the same 85 kWh net battery.
 
The base price is estimated at over €80,000, with the AMG CLA 45 set to rival the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
 
Recently, the mild hybrid gasoline version was also launched, available with three powertrains, two of which can be combined with all-wheel drive.
 
Mercedes CLA 180 (from €46,243)
All mild hybrid models feature front-wheel drive and use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the new modular FAME family, along with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission, powered by a 1.3 kWh gross Li-ion battery.
 
The gasoline engine produces 136 PS and 200 Nm, supplemented by 30 PS and 200 Nm from the electric motor, for a total of 156 PS and 280 Nm. For a base version, performance is decent: 0–100 kph in 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 218 kph.
 

Mercedes CLA 200 (from €48,957)
The powertrain is identical in terms of electric motor, battery, and transmission, but the turbo engine delivers more power and torque: 163 PS and 250 Nm. This results in a total of 184 PS and 330 Nm, improving performance to 0–100 kph in 8 seconds and a top speed of 232 kph.
 
Mercedes CLA 200 4Matic (from €51,158)
This is the all-wheel-drive version of the CLA 200. An inter-axle coupling can transfer up to 50% of the power to the front axle. Power and torque remain unchanged at 184 PS and 330 Nm, while performance is similar: 0–100 kph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 228 kph.
 
Mercedes CLA 220 (from €52,027)
The most powerful mild hybrid CLA version uses the same 1.5-liter turbo engine with a high 12:1 compression ratio, operating on the efficient Miller cycle, and producing 190 PS and 300 Nm.
 
Combined with the same 30 PS and 200 Nm electric motor, the system delivers 211 PS and 380 Nm.
 
Performance: 0–100 kph in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 240 kph.
 
Mercedes CLA 220 4Matic (from €54,228)
This is the all-wheel-drive version of the CLA 220. Acceleration from 0–100 kph is slightly quicker at 7.1 seconds, while top speed is slightly lower at 237 kph.
 
In total, the new Mercedes CLA offers eight versions, with two more to be added in the future. In addition, those who want more space can choose the CLA Shooting Brake, which for now can only be ordered in electric form. Unlike the standard CLA, it is not available with the smaller 58 kWh battery, but only with the larger battery in the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic versions. Mild hybrid versions will follow later.