Mercedes CLA Hybrid

All-new hybrid version of CLA joins the EV as the first of the company's new-generation ICE small cars

- By Ellis Hyde

UNTIL recently, Mercedes was aiming to go all-electric by 2030 and showed its intent by launching a series of pure EVs such as the EQE SUV and EQS limousine. But, like many others, it's now unsure when it'll do away with combustion engines and its strategy is to offer hybrid and electric models side-by-side, with the same name.

The new CLA is a perfect example. The electric version offers a colossal range of nearly 500 miles, remarkable efficiency and super-fast charging. But if that's not enough to convince you to go electric, the fuel-sipping hybrid version, which doesn't require any plugging in, has now arrived.

The MMA platform this swooping saloon sits on was developed with an electric-first approach. That said, in no way does it feel like the hybrid was an afterthought, because it features a brand-new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was designed to be as compact as possible.

The engine is available in three states of tune – 134bhp, 161bhp or 187bhp – but in each case it's paired with a 30bhp electric motor that's been integrated directly into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, powered by a 1.3kWh battery.