By Chris Ward, March 14, 2025
With the launch of the new Mercedes CLA, you might be forgiven for thinking that this marks the dawn of a new era—one led by what Mercedes is hailing as a breakthrough moment in EV technology. However, what Mercedes is claiming is a lie because, according to ancient German folklore, if you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it.
The previous-generation Mercedes CLA had a major problem: it was simply too compact—too small to be taken seriously. The new-generation CLA faces a similar issue despite being slightly longer and taller.
It will be available with two powertrains: traditional ICE engines and an EV with two battery sizes. Expect multiple model derivatives and optional extras, whichever powertrain you choose.
As for the ICE variants, Mercedes is pushing another lie, boasting that the new-generation petrol engine will offer efficiencies comparable to a diesel—50 mpg and above. However, current mild-hybrid engines are already capable of achieving such figures, as demonstrated by the VW Arteon and Volvo V60.
For the CLA EV variant, Mercedes claims the 85kWh version is good for over 500 miles. Yet, this is another misleading statement, as the figure is based on WLTP testing—about as trustworthy as Mercedes claiming to be honest.
Current EV technology is typically around 20% less efficient than the stated range, meaning the CLA EV is realistically good for around 400 real-world miles, less so when you factor in temperature, topography and driving style. While still impressive, this is hardly surprising given the large 85kWh battery pack. So, is the Mercedes CLA EV as groundbreaking and efficient as Mercedes claims?
Not quite. China is far ahead in EV technology, and this reveal by Mercedes is more like a magician using sleight of hand to distract the audience from the fact that the coin is taped to the back of his hand.
Anyway, we’ll let Autogefühl do the talking—in full screen, full HD, and 4K…
