Mercedes CLA

FIRST DRIVE Saloon marks a brave new world for brand as it heralds a fresh platform and tech, but there’s an elephant in the room when it comes to charging in the UK

- Jordan Katsianis

THIS is the ‘big one’ for Mercedes. Not in terms of size, because the CLA will, in effect, be the entry-level model for the firm’s future range, but in terms of impact, given that it’s the first of four new cars on the brand-new MMA architecture. It’s also the first to feature a fresh electronic brain that will underpin all Mercedes from now on. We've heard a lot about this new era of EVs, but what does it mean for customers? In the case of the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology, as it’s formally known, this compact saloon is close to offering a range of 500 miles from a single charge, plus ultra-fast charging capability, to alleviate range anxiety. This car has been a long time coming, but now we can test the claims that Mercedes is catching up to EV specialists such Tesla and BYD.

First, though, the CLA may need an introduction, because it also represents a new direction and naming structure for the brand. This is the CLA with EQ Technology, and models with that name have an all-electric powertrain. But a hybrid-powered CLA will arrive soon with an identical body and interior. A next-generation Shooting Brake bodystyle has also been revealed, but there will be no successor to the A-Class hatchback; this CLA now takes over as the entry point into the Mercedes lineup.

The company will launch the CLA with this 250+ powertrain, but an entry-level 250 with a smaller battery, plus a dual-motor 350 will be coming along in the next six months. By this time, we'll have more details on the hybrid, and a high-performance electric AMG. A CLA 45 S with a high-performance four-cylinder petrol engine doesn't seem to be on the cards, however.