New Mercedes CLA Electric: The Coupe With 492 Miles of Range
Key Insights:
The new Mercedes CLA electric delivers an impressive 492-mile range – enough to drive from London to Edinburgh on a single charge,
Ultra-rapid charging adds over 200 miles in just 10 minutes and has a two-speed gearbox that optimises efficiency for both city centres and motorway driving.
Expected to cost £40,000 and hit UK roads in 2025 with an electric version first, and then a hybrid version!
Electric cars just got exciting. Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the highly anticipated electric CLA, and it's an absolute game-changer for drivers. With a staggering 492-mile range that crushes the competition, ultra-rapid charging that adds 200 miles in just 10 minutes, and cutting-edge tech that feels straight from the future, this sleek four-door coupe is rewriting what we expect from electric vehicles.
Let's have a look at what makes this electric saloon so special and why it might be worth waiting for if you're considering a premium EV through salary sacrifice!
The Game-Changing Electric CLA in Britain
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled what might be the most capable electric car to hit UK roads in 2025 - the new CLA. This sleek four-door coupe marks a significant milestone for the German manufacturer as it expands its electric vehicle lineup with a model that combines head-turning design, cutting-edge technology, and a range that could finally end any lingering range anxiety for British drivers.
The new CLA will be available in electric and hybrid variants, with the electric models launching first. With its impressive specifications and tax advantages, it's set to be a compelling option for those looking for a Tesla Model 3 or BMW alternative.
Electric Powertrains: Class-Leading Range for British Roads
The electric CLA will launch with two powertrain options: The CLA 250+ and the CLA 350 4MATIC.
| Model | CLA 250+ | CLA 350 4MATIC |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Power | 268bhp | 349bhp |
| 0-62mph | 6.7 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Range | 492 miles | 479 miles |
| Battery | 85kWh | 85kWh |
| Top Speed | 130mph | 130mph |
To put that range in perspective, you could drive from London to Manchester and back on a single charge, with plenty to spare. Even with the heating on full blast during winter, you'd likely still achieve well over 400 miles of real-world range.
Both models utilise an innovative two-speed automatic gearbox - a feature that helps optimise efficiency. The first gear is specifically designed for steady acceleration in urban settings like busy UK city centres, while the second gear is optimised for motorway cruising and power delivery at higher speeds.
A smaller battery variant with 58kWh capacity will join the lineup later, potentially offering a more affordable entry point into the CLA electric range for UK buyers.
Charging Technology: Perfect for UK Infrastructure
The new CLA incorporates advanced 800-volt architecture, allowing for fast charging capabilities (which will work well with the UK’s growing network of ultra-rapid chargers). When connected to a 350kW DC fast charger (like those increasingly available at GRIDSERVE and Ionity locations across Britain), the car can add over 200 miles of range in just 10 minutes, leaving you barely enough time to grab a coffee.
This rapid charging capability dramatically reduces downtime on longer car journeys. The CLA also offers up to four levels of regenerative braking, allowing drivers to tailor the system to their preferences – particularly useful for recuperating energy in stop-start traffic.
The CLA Re-imagined: Design
The new CLA maintains the sleek, low-slung profile of its predecessor but has grown in all dimensions, offering improved interior space while achieving an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.21 – helping deliver that exceptional range even when faced with driving rain and headwinds on exposed UK motorways.
Design Highlights Include:
A distinctive front end featuring a light bar and LED headlights with a three-pointed star pattern,
A panoramic glass roof comes as standard,
Available wheel sizes from 17 to 19 inches, with optional aerodynamic wheel covers,
A "frunk" offering 101 litres of additional storage space – ideal for stowing charging cables or shopping bags.
Inside, the dashboard is dominated by a floating "Superscreen" that spans the width of the cabin, comprising a 10.25-inch driver display and 14-inch central touchscreen, with an optional 14-inch passenger screen available. The interior features high-quality materials, including open-pore wood, brushed aluminium, and innovative decorative paper surfaces – creating a premium feel for those long commutes.
Technology: Road Ready Intelligence
The CLA is the first Mercedes to feature the new fourth-generation MBUX operating system. This system is connected to Mercedes' Intelligent Cloud, enabling regular over-the-air updates to maintain and enhance functionality throughout the car's life.
Notable Technology Features Include:
Integration of AI from both Microsoft and Google, with UK-specific voice recognition that understands regional accents,
A new Maps-based 3D navigation system that visualises nearby objects and incorporates UK-specific routing information including Clean Air Zones, ULEZ boundaries, and congestion charging areas,
MBUX Virtual Assistant utilizing the latest version of ChatGPT combined with Bing search – capable of answering questions about UK-specific topics like nearby charging points or local services,
Comprehensive safety suite using five radars, eight cameras and 12 sensors to deliver SAE Level 2 driver assistance – designed to work on everything from narrow country lanes to multi-lane motorways.
Hybrid Options: Coming Later in 2025
For those not yet ready to make the full switch to electric, Mercedes will introduce hybrid versions of the CLA later in 2025. These will feature a new 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and an eight-speed DCT gearbox.
The hybrid models will be capable of electric-only driving at speeds up to 62mph and will be available with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations – perfect for navigating road conditions in all circumstances.
How Much Will The Mercedes CLA Cost?
While official pricing hasn't been confirmed, the new CLA is expected to start from around £40,000. Salary sacrifice schemes like The Electric Car Scheme, are a great way to access electric vehicles whilst enjoying significant tax benefits. Especially now, as the current 2% Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rate for electric vehicles is guaranteed until 2028, employees can make substantial savings!
Our Verdict
The new Mercedes CLA represents a genuine step-change in electric vehicle capability for drivers. Its combination of premium design, cutting-edge technology, and class-leading range make it a perfect fit for all driving conditions – from city commutes to long-distance motorway journeys.
Its impressive charging capabilities align perfectly with the UK's rapidly expanding ultra-rapid charging network, while the sophisticated interior and advanced technology create a package that feels thoroughly modern.
While the Mercedes CLA isn't yet available through salary sacrifice schemes (as it hasn't been released), The Electric Car Scheme offers a wide range of other premium electric vehicles that you can access today with significant tax benefits. You can browse our quote tool to discover current EV options that could save you 20-50% compared to a personal lease agreement. From Polestar to the Mini, there are plenty of exciting electric vehicles available right now through salary sacrifice.
Last updated: 20.03.25
All images in this blog have been taken from the official Mercedes website.
