Mercedes CLA 250+ test drive report: End of the range debate in sight

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Everything is set to change, with past failures consigned to history: Mercedes is looking to turn over a new leaf with the next CLA. A concept car was unveiled at the IAA in Munich just under two years ago, and now the car is finally available. Order intake is expected to be huge. We had the opportunity to take a CLA 250+ for a quick test drive.

No restart in design

At first glance, the announced restart comes as a surprise, as the CLA does not break radically with its predecessor or with the large Mercedes EQ models in terms of appearance. Rather, it seems as if Mercedes is continuing its previous line. After the chic study at the IAA, many had probably expected a clearer departure from the familiar design. This decision is also exciting in light of the fact that a similarly sized C-Class with battery-electric drive is set to be launched next year. The designers must have found a way to clearly differentiate the two models, otherwise such a strategy would be difficult to communicate.

Limited rear space

The sedan is 4.72 meters long, which is roughly the same size as the current C-Class. The wheelbase measures 2.79 meters, which should provide ample room to move around. In practice, the CLA feels generously proportioned in the front, but not so much in the rear. Headroom in the back is also tight. Finally, the trunk reveals that excellent space was not a priority in the specifications. It has a capacity of 405 liters, which is only 20 more than in a VW ID.3, which is, however, around 50 cm shorter overall. At least the compartment under the front hood, with a capacity of 101 liters, is much more than just a small storage space.

The huge glass roof cannot even be opened as an option, and the designers have also decided to do without a roller blind for shade. Mercedes hopes that a coating will prevent the interior from heating up too much. However, the air conditioning is likely to have its work cut out for it. Bold move: a second temperature zone is only available with the premium package for $3,200.

Mercedes has made significant technical upgrades in two areas. The infotainment system with its opulent screens works very quickly and understands almost everything you say to it. It is also remarkable how easy the system is to use despite its enormous range of functions. Other manufacturers sometimes do this far less well.

Impressive charging performance

However, the main focus of technical development is, of course, on the battery. The CLA is the first production Mercedes to feature an 800-volt platform. The advantage over previous electric models such as the EQA and EQB is striking. Those models reach their peak at 100 kW, while the CLA charges at up to 320 kW. Mercedes promises that 325 km of range can be recharged in 10 minutes. This figure is based on the WLTP, under ideal conditions and, of course, only at a charging station that can provide 320 kW. In practice, it will usually be slightly less, but this still represents enormous progress.

Range: 500 km on the highway in one go

70 percent should be recharged in 22 minutes. This means that 59.5 kWh net flows during this period, with an average power output of 162 kW between 10 and 80 percent charge level, plus losses. Mercedes also promises very low consumption figures. The average is said to be 12.2 kWh in the WLTP. On the highway, the figure given for the standard tires in the cycle is 15.1 kWh/100 km.

A quick calculation reveals what this could potentially mean. If you start with a full battery and empty it to 10 percent, you will have already covered around 500 km in the first section with the advertised 15.1 kWh/100 km motorway consumption. After a 22-minute break, you will have enough power for another 390 km.

But in practice, consumption on the highway is surely closer to 18 kWh/100 km, don't you think? Then with a 22-minute break, you'll "only" get 755 km. With their low consumption figures and high charging capacities, cars like the CLA are increasingly undermining the arguments of critics of battery-powered cars. The sedan is suitable for long distances.

Two drive systems

Two drive systems are available at launch. The CLA 250+ with rear-wheel drive already has 200 kW, which accelerates the car to speed in 6.7 seconds. The acceleration is more than just decent. The top speed is 210 km/h. Even with this, the CLA feels very fast. It is a relaxed cruiser that seems to glide through the wind. Wind noise is minimal. Mercedes states the maximum range as 792 km.

The all-wheel-drive model offers even more power with 260 kW, for which Mercedes promises 4.9 seconds in the standard sprint. The WLTP fuel consumption rose minimally to 12.6 kWh, and the range promised in the cycle dropped to 770 km. The all-wheel drive model transfers its power to the road more comfortably in adverse conditions, which seems more important than the even better performance.

Confident pricing

As was to be expected, Mercedes is calculating its prices with considerable confidence. The entry-level model costs just under $56,000, while the all-wheel drive version is already priced at $60,000. It doesn't help much that Mercedes is advertising an "individual customer benefit" of just under $2,800 in the configurator. The CLA is simply expensive.

What's more, like Asian manufacturers in the past, Mercedes now pursues a harsh package policy. This can make certain options very expensive. The head-up display and sound system are only available in the Premium Plus package for $5,400. Matrix lighting costs just $565, but also requires a package that comes at an additional cost. So you don't need any extravagant equipment options to push the price up to more than 60,000 euros. The current number of orders suggests that Mercedes has calculated correctly.

(vbr)