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Mercedes CLA ups its game on tech

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The all-new, third-generation Mercedes CLA is the smallest saloon car you can buy with a three-pointed star on the bonnet. It’s been a hit since first appearing in the UK in 2013 and the big news is this latest version is the first ever CLA available as an EV.

And Mercedes reckons it's finally built a car to beat the Tesla Model 3. Its German engineers have thrown everything at tuning it for maximum efficiency to give a bonkers range of 484 miles from a single charge.

WHAT'S NEW?

Absolutely everything, Mercedes calls this its “most efficient, most intuitive, and most intelligent” car ever. Quite a statement for one of the cheaper models in its range.

This CLA sits on a new platform, designed to accommodate electric or regular petrol powertrains. Mercedes is also using it as a launchpad for its next-generation in-car tech - catchily titled MBUX 4. You find an enormous touch screen, with new software woven together with Al from Google and Microsoft.

UNDER THE BONNET?

All CLAs in the UK get an 85kWh battery, paired with a 268bhp electric motor that powers the rear wheels.