CLA is all the range

THE world of electric vehicles is progressing at a rapid pace and this car - the new Mercedes CLA - is hoping to be at the forefront of that.

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On paper, the CLA looks like it could be the ideal EV to combat range anxiety, but is that really the case? We've tested it to find out.

WHAT'S NEW?

It sits atop a brand new platform, and while it does launch with an electric powertrain, Mercedes has also introduced a hybrid. That dedicated platform allows the CLA to bring both powertrains, widening its appeal.

The tech is sharper and newer, too, thanks to the help from both Microsoft and Google, and it is all housed in a super-large display.

WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?

Efficiency is the name of the game here. The exterior has been designed to be as slippery and aerodynamic as possible to maximise the range from this car's 85kWh battery.

In fact, Mercedes claims a range of up to 462 miles, one of the longest you'll get from any EV currently on sale. The CLA also gets a two-speed gearbox designed to boost efficiency on the motorway.

It uses 800V charging architecture as standard, unlocking a very rapid charge speed of up to 320kW. Find an ultra-rapid charger and you'll be able to manage a 10-80% charge in just 22 minutes.