Mercedes' latest CLA model: Concerns over battery life?
**New Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Real-World Performance and Charging Capabilities**
The latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz CLA has arrived, and it's making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market. Built on the new MMA platform, which incorporates lessons learned from the ultra-long range EQXX concept car, the new CLA promises improved efficiency and range.
The CLA 250+, equipped with a single rear-mounted electric motor, boasts a real-world range of 473–484 miles (WLTP/European cycle) from its 85-kWh battery pack. This figure is notably higher than other luxury EVs, achieving over 5 miles per kWh, one of the best in the industry. The CLA 350 4MATIC, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version, has a range of approximately 75 miles less due to increased power consumption.
Both versions of the CLA EV use an 85-kWh battery, and the CLA supports ultra-fast charging at up to 320 kW on compatible stations. Using a Level 3 (DC fast) charger, a 10–80% charge takes about 22 minutes. The new CLA will be the first Mercedes-Benz with a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) port installed from the factory, which is increasingly supported globally.
The CLA is safe, predictable, comfortable, but not particularly engaging to drive. Its interior is comfortable and mostly well-made, but the back seat passenger's legs may feel a bit perched up in the air. The CLA's big screen dashboard is impressive, but the addition of a passenger-side screen designed for streaming movies or playing games raises safety concerns.
In real-world conditions, the CLA should be able to manage at least 600km on one charge. The CLA can add more than 300km of replenished range in about 10 minutes with its 800-volt on-board charger. However, it's important to note that the availability of true 800V chargers in Ireland is still limited compared to other countries.
The CLA's new MB.OS software system allows downloading of entertainment apps like Disney+ or Fortnite during charging. Additionally, there will also be a petrol hybrid version of the CLA available in due course. A trial on trickier, faster Irish tarmac and a range trial in colder, wetter Irish conditions are yet to be conducted.
In terms of storage, the CLA has more than 500 liters of space split between the boot and the "frunk" in the nose. The battery of this CLA is an 85kWh lithium-ion battery with silicon-oxide anodes, which increases the potential energy density and efficiency by 20 per cent compared with current designs. The CLA 250+ model has a rear-wheel drive 272hp motor and a two-speed gearbox.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is an all-electric vehicle, with a potential range of up to 792km on the WLTP official test. During a 260km test route, the new CLA averaged 14.4kWh/100km, meeting the manufacturer's official WLTP claim. The CLA is a replacement for the old model and retains the sleek, low-slung four-door design, although it is marketed as a coupe. There is also a 350+ 4MATIC four-wheel drive version with 353hp.
In conclusion, the new Mercedes-Benz CLA offers impressive real-world range and fast charging capabilities, making it a strong contender in the luxury EV market. However, safety concerns regarding the addition of a passenger-side screen and the limited availability of 800V chargers in Ireland are worth considering.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA, with its improved efficiency and range, presents a fusion of luxury lifestyle and cutting-edge technology, boasting electric vehicles (EVs) as its standard. In addition to offering real-world ranges of up to 792km, the CLA supports fast charging at up to 320kW, making it an attractive option for those seeking electric cars (cars) with advanced charging capabilities.
