The Mercedes CLA Delivers Impressive EV Features at a Competitive Price

Despite challenges from the current political landscape, automakers are rolling out well-equipped electric vehicles (EVs) featuring larger battery packs and faster charging capabilities. For those looking to maximize their travel distance between charges, the outlook remains promising, albeit with some caveats.

However, the market has seen a scarcity of sedans priced around or below $50,000, as crossover SUVs have dominated this segment. Enter the Mercedes-Benz CLA compact sedan, which checks all the right boxes for the 2026 and 2027 model years, while also offering a comfortable interior and an enjoyable driving experience.

What’s inside
The CLA with EQ Technology (Mercedes’ term for “EV”) is built on the latest MMA platform and comes in two versions: CLA250 Plus and CLA350 4Matic. Both models feature 85 kWh batteries, 800V architecture, and a maximum charging capacity of 320 kW, allowing for a 10-80 percent charge in just 22 minutes at peak rates. The CLA250 Plus uses a rear motor, delivering 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, propelling its 4,553-pound frame to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.

In contrast, the CLA350 4Matic employs a motor on each axle, producing a combined output of 349 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, enabling it to reach 60 mph in a swift 4.8 seconds despite its 4,729-pound weight. The CLA250 Plus boasts an EPA-estimated range of 374 miles, while the CLA350 4Matic offers 62 miles less. Pricing starts at $48,500 for the former and $51,850 for the latter.

Though classified as a compact sedan, the CLA offers ample interior space. In my experience with the CLA350 4Matic, the front passenger area was surprisingly roomy for my six-foot-three frame, and I appreciated the driving position; the telescoping steering wheel could be adjusted close to me, visibility was excellent, and the optional AMG Line sport seats were quite comfortable.

The rear seating was a bit tighter but still suitable for average-sized passengers. The total cargo capacity is 11.7 cubic feet, including 1.4 cubic feet in the frunk, which thankfully isn’t just a space for wiring and coolant hoses.

Tech amenities
The CLA is the first model to feature the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS0), which enhances over-the-air updates, particularly for improving driver-assistance software over time. Personalization is a key highlight, with the sixth-generation MBUX software allowing users to easily customize themes, interior lighting, and more.

To fully utilize these features, the optional Pinnacle Line package ($5,850) is necessary. This package includes customizable interior lighting, wireless charging, a head-up display, Burmester 3D surround sound, and four-zone automatic climate control, among other perks.

The optional Superscreen—three large screens integrated into the dashboard—was user-friendly. While there was a slight learning curve to quickly adjust settings and music, the software’s voice assistant effectively filled in any gaps. There was no noticeable lag, although finer adjustments like ambient lighting brightness could be a bit tricky, and at night, the illuminated air vents obstructed my view of the side mirrors.

Driving the Mercedes-Benz CLA350 4Matic EV
With impressive EV specifications and a low drag coefficient of 0.21, I was pleasantly surprised by how easily the CLA could exceed 300 miles on a single charge. My week included a mix of city and highway driving, plus a weekend trip to the mountains in Southern California, featuring a 4,200-foot elevation change. Starting with an 85 percent charge, I still had an estimated 150 miles remaining after covering 175 miles at an average of 0.225 kWh-per-mile.

Utilizing downhill regeneration and Mercedes’ MB DriveAssist (a $1,950 option) certainly contributed to this efficiency. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the brand’s SAE Level 2 autonomous MB DriveAssist Pro (a $3,950 option), which isn’t currently available for the CLA. The standard DriveAssist was easy to engage and operated smoothly, provided I wasn’t behind someone who couldn’t maintain a steady speed. With a gentler driving style, I could have easily surpassed 325 miles on a single charge.

Unlike some brands that bury regenerative braking options in complex menus, the CLA allows for easy adjustments via paddle shifters and supports one-pedal driving. The middle setting felt just right, while the most aggressive setting was quite intense, but appreciated, especially since German manufacturers have typically shied away from one-pedal driving in the past.

Overall, the CLA350 delivered a comfortable ride with confident handling and respectable grip on twisty roads. I could feel its weight over mid-corner bumps and on rough surfaces, and the ground clearance could be better for larger speed bumps and driveways. However, most daily commuters and road trippers would likely find it satisfactory. It will be interesting to see if Mercedes’ AMG division enhances this compact sedan with adaptive dampers and stiffer spring rates in the future.

Great EV specs at an average price
Fun fact: the average new car transaction price hovers just under $50,000. Given that the 2027 Mercedes CLA 350 4Matic and its slower 250+ variant are priced around that mark, offer solid charging and range specs, and provide a comfortable driving experience, they have a lot to offer. However, to enjoy the full suite of the latest Mercedes experience, some premium options are necessary.