Mercedes-Benz CLA (3rd Generation): A New Era for the Compact Luxury Sedan
Design: Sleek and Modern with a Fastback Profile
The third-generation CLA maintains the classic four-door coupe silhouette that defines the model’s identity, blending elegance with sportiness. Slight increases in size — a longer wheelbase and extended body — improve passenger comfort without diluting the car’s dynamic look. The sedan body delivers a refined fastback stance that appeals to buyers seeking both aesthetics and aerodynamics.
Mercedes has also introduced a new Shooting Brake (estate) version, offering a more practical alternative with increased cargo space while keeping the sleek roofline. This is the brand’s first electric station wagon-style model in this class and highlights Mercedes’ broader approach to variety in design.
Electrification and Performance: Next-Generation Powertrains
The biggest transformation in the new CLA is the leap toward electrification. Mercedes now offers the CLA with full electric powertrains built on its advanced MMA (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) platform, moving away from previous combustion-only versions. These electric models — marketed as CLA with EQ Technology — are designed from the ground up for EV performance and efficiency.
At launch, two main electric variants will be available:
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CLA 250+ — A rear-wheel-drive variant producing around 272 PS (268 hp), with a WLTP range of up to 792 km on the 85-kWh battery.
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CLA 350 4MATIC — A dual-motor all-wheel-drive version delivering 354 PS (349 hp) and slightly lower range, but faster acceleration (0–100 km/h in around 4.9 seconds).
Both models benefit from 800-volt electrical architecture with fast-charging capabilities up to 320 kW, meaning quick charging sessions can add significant range in just minutes.
This shift towards high-efficiency, long-range electric models shows Mercedes’ commitment to competing with other premium EVs in the compact class, while hybrids are expected to follow later in the lineup.
Interior and Technology: Digital Meets Luxury
Inside the new CLA, the cabin blends luxury materials with cutting-edge technology. One of the standout features is the MBUX Superscreen option, which can span the dashboard and deliver rich graphics, artificial intelligence interactions, and advanced connectivity. Drivers and passengers can engage with digital assistants powered by AI, and the system integrates navigation, media, and vehicle controls seamlessly.
Mercedes has also updated its virtual assistant technology to include more intuitive conversational abilities and personalized responses — a notable step toward making vehicle interaction more natural and user-friendly.
Practicality and Innovation
Beyond powertrain and tech upgrades, the revamped CLA offers practical improvements — such as a larger boot space of approximately 405 liters in the sedan and even more in the Shooting Brake model. The electric versions also include a front trunk (“frunk”), adding storage that traditional combustion cars don’t offer.
Despite these advances, Mercedes continues to prioritize safety and driving comfort, integrating modern assistance systems and refined suspension setups to keep the ride both smooth and engaging.
Conclusion: A Bold Step Forward
The Mercedes-Benz CLA (3rd Generation) leaps confidently into the future of mobility. By embracing electrification, advanced digital interfaces, and refreshed design, the CLA doesn’t just continue its legacy — it redefines it for a new era. Whether buyers choose the long-range electric variants or the later hybrid options, the latest CLA sets a benchmark in the premium compact segment, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand
