Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Review: Real-World Drive

The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric delivers a refined and efficient driving experience, but real-world testing reveals a mix of strengths and compromises. From its smooth drivability to surprising braking performance in wet conditions, the CLA 250+ positions itself as a comfortable electric saloon rather than a performance-focused EV.

Performance and Acceleration

A full-throttle run in the CLA 250+ feels slightly unusual for an EV. With 268bhp, it sits around the class average, and without launch control, it lacks the punch some rivals offer. It accelerates to 60mph a few tenths behind the , and there’s a noticeable pause as it shifts into second gear—less seamless than the . However, once in second gear, the car regains momentum and maintains acceleration effectively, reaching 110mph slightly ahead of the ID 7.

Interestingly, testing showed that up to 70mph, the CLA could be marginally quicker with battery levels below 10% compared to above 90%, thanks to improved initial traction. More importantly, it maintains consistent performance at low charge levels, which is a strong advantage for everyday driving.

Driving Experience and Regeneration

The CLA Electric stands out for its smooth and intuitive drivability. Instead of traditional paddle controls, regenerative braking is adjusted via the drive selector stalk. Drivers can choose between freewheeling, one-pedal driving, multiple regen levels, and an adaptive mode.

Most drivers preferred the freewheeling setting, which, combined with a progressive brake pedal, creates a relaxed and natural driving feel. The one-pedal mode, while effective, can feel overly aggressive in daily use.

Unusual Controls and Usability Issues

One notable usability issue is the absence of a dedicated Park mode. The button at the end of the selector stalk powers the car on and off. This can be frustrating in real-world scenarios, as it resets infotainment and driver assistance systems when used unintentionally. While Neutral with the handbrake is an alternative, it feels less intuitive than a conventional Park function.

Braking Performance Concerns

Braking performance is one of the CLA’s weakest areas. In dry conditions, stopping distances are acceptable but inconsistent. In wet conditions, however, the results are less impressive. The CLA required 64.3m to stop from 70mph—well above the typical benchmark of around 55m.

For comparison, the stopped in 50.5m, while the managed 56.2m. Even the recorded a similar figure at 62.8m. This suggests that tyre selection prioritizing efficiency over grip may be impacting wet braking performance—an unusual compromise for a brand known for safety.

Powertrain Options and Positioning

Alongside the single-motor CLA 250+, Mercedes also offers the dual-motor CLA 350 4Matic. While twin-motor EVs typically promise stronger performance, they often come with trade-offs in efficiency and cost. As with many electric models in this segment, choosing between variants depends heavily on whether buyers prioritize range and comfort or outright performance.

Overall, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric excels in comfort, efficiency, and ease of use, but falls short in areas like braking consistency and intuitive controls. It remains a compelling option for those seeking a refined electric saloon, provided its limitations are understood.