2025 Mercedes CLA 250 Plus Review
The new electric Mercedes CLA marks an important step for the brand. This is the first fully electric CLA built after the EQ lineup and it also introduces Mercedes’ new MMA 800V platform. In many ways, it feels like a fresh start and sets a new benchmark for compact German electric sedans.
Below is a well-organized, real-world focused breakdown based directly on hands-on driving and usage.
Range, Efficiency and Real World Consumption
Mercedes claims a WLTP range of up to 700 km, but real-world driving gives a more realistic picture.
Real-world data observed
Average consumption: 17.4 kWh/100 km
Driving type: Mostly highway at 120 km/h
Outside temperature: 10 to 14°C
Usable battery capacity: 85 kWh
Estimated real-world range
Around 488 km per charge
This makes the CLA Electric a strong long-distance cruiser, especially considering its size and performance.
Charging Performance and Battery Behavior
The CLA sits on an 800V architecture, allowing very high charging speeds on paper.
Charging capabilities
AC charging: Up to 22 kW
DC fast charging: Up to 320 kW
However, charging speed depends heavily on battery temperature and state of charge.
Real charging session
Battery temperature: 13°C
Starting charge: 42%
Peak charging speed: Around 111 kW
Actual speed during session: About 100 kW
Charging duration tested: 7 minutes
Because the charging destination was set too late, the battery did not preheat properly. This resulted in a slower and flatter charging curve. With proper route planning and preconditioning, faster speeds should be achievable.
Driving Experience and Performance
The electric CLA 250+ sends power to the rear wheels, keeping the classic Mercedes driving feel alive.
Key performance details
Power output: 272 hp
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
0 to 100 km/h: 6.7 seconds
Top speed: 210 km/h
Two-speed gearbox for better highway efficiency
Thanks to instant electric torque, the car never feels slow in city traffic, even if the acceleration figures look modest on paper.
Drive modes available
Comfort
Sport
Eco
Individual
Brake recuperation can be adjusted using the steering wheel paddles:
No recuperation
Normal recuperation
Strong recuperation
Active steering and a smooth adaptive cruise control system make long drives easy and relaxed.
Exterior Design and Platform Details
The CLA Electric rides on the new MMA platform and brings several modern design elements.
Exterior highlights
AMG Line trim in Uni White
Black 19-inch AMG wheels
Flush door handles
Frameless coupe-style windows
Epic illuminated grille with star pattern
Full glass roof extending into the rear window
360-degree camera system
Wiper blades with integrated washers
Practical additions
Front trunk (frunk): 101 liters
No insulation under the hood
Kick-to-open tailgate that works consistently and quickly
Interior Technology and MBUX Experience
The new MBUX system is one of the highlights of the electric CLA.
Key technology features
No start button, just select drive and go
Integrated dashcam with traffic light view
Advanced driver assistance visualization
Head-up display with route guidance
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless phone charging with USB-C backup
Voice assistant highlights
No need to say “Hey Mercedes”
Natural conversation-based commands
Can handle navigation, climate, media, and vehicle info
Shows live consumption data on request
Can even tell jokes
MBUX also mirrors third-party navigation apps like Waze directly into the driver display.
Sound, Ambient Lighting and Infotainment
Mercedes has leaned heavily into sensory customization.
Sound Worlds feature
Interactive soundscapes linked to throttle input
Modes include:
Fractal Fusion
Roaring Pulse
Granular Fuzz
Silver Waves
The car also produces external sounds, ranging from futuristic spaceship tones to softer pedestrian alerts.
Audio system
Optional 850-watt Burmester Surround Sound
16 speakers
Extensive sound tuning options
Ambient lighting allows full interior mood customization, including color-changing air vent edges based on temperature adjustment.
Front Cabin, Seats and Usability
Seat and trim details
ARTICO faux leather upholstery in black and Power Red
Electrically adjustable seats with door-mounted controls
Seat position memory with driver profile
No massage seats on this car
Seat Kinetics feature moves the seat slightly while driving
Cabin storage
Multiple storage compartments
Double cup holders that convert into storage
Wireless charging tray with USB-C cutout
Open and close trunk function from inside
The steering wheel adjustment is manual, and the passenger screen is optional. This car instead features an RGB starfield design on the dashboard.
Rear Seat Comfort and Practicality
Rear seat space is usable, though not class-leading.
Rear seat observations
Legroom: Good
Headroom: Average due to low roofline
Flat floor improves comfort
Seating position feels slightly low
No fast-grab corner handles
Rear features
ISOFIX child seat mounts
USB-C charging ports
Tablet nets
Hard plastics mixed with soft-touch areas
Fixed parcel shelf with integrated speakers
40:20:40 split-folding rear seats
Tinted rear windows
Boot Space and Storage
Cargo details
Boot capacity: 405 liters
Front trunk: 101 liters
Boot includes
First aid kit
Tire repair kit
Tow eye
The powered tailgate can be opened by foot gesture, button, or manually from inside the cabin.
Software Extras and Entertainment
While charging, the CLA offers extra digital features.
Infotainment extras
Retro-style games (controller required)
Touch-based non-retro games
Selfie camera above center screen
Meetings app for video calls
Deep cleaning mode for windshield washers
Active Park Assist in Real Use
The active parking assistant works but is not fast.
Parking experience
User selects a detected parking spot
Car handles steering and maneuvering
Driver must keep pressing the accelerator
Can abort anytime by steering input
Takes a long time to complete
Confusion possible in complex environments
In one real attempt, the uncut parking process took nearly 2 minutes but completed successfully.
Final Thoughts
The electric Mercedes CLA feels like a proper step into the future for the brand. It combines strong efficiency, advanced software, a comfortable driving experience, and impressive tech integration. Charging performance can vary depending on conditions, but overall range and daily usability are strong.
It already sounds, feels, and drives like tomorrow. Even if it is not perfect yet, it clearly shows where Mercedes is heading with its next generation of electric cars.
2025 Mercedes CLA 250+ Electric FAQs
Is the Mercedes CLA 250+ fully electric?
Yes, the CLA 250+ is a fully electric car. It is the first post-EQ electric Mercedes and is built on the new MMA 800V platform.
What is the power output of the Mercedes CLA 250+?
The CLA 250+ produces 272 horsepower and sends power to the rear wheels, giving it a sporty and balanced driving feel.
How fast is the Mercedes CLA 250+ from 0 to 100 km/h?
The CLA 250+ accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Thanks to instant electric torque, it never feels slow in daily driving.
What is the claimed and real world range of the CLA 250+?
Mercedes claims a WLTP range of up to 700 km. In real world highway driving at 120 km/h, the tested range was around 488 km.
What battery size does the Mercedes CLA 250+ use?
The car uses an 85 kWh usable battery, which helps deliver strong real world range and efficiency.
How efficient is the Mercedes CLA 250+ in daily use?
Average energy consumption ranged between 16.3 and 17.5 kWh per 100 km, with highway driving showing about 17.4 kWh per 100 km.
What charging speeds does the CLA 250+ support?
The CLA 250+ supports up to 22 kW AC charging and up to 320 kW DC fast charging on compatible chargers.
Why was fast charging slower during testing?
Charging speed was limited because the battery temperature was only 13°C and the navigation was set too late for proper battery preheating.
Does the Mercedes CLA 250+ have a frunk?
Yes, the CLA 250+ has a front trunk with a capacity of 101 liters.
What is the boot space of the Mercedes CLA 250+?
The rear boot offers 405 liters of cargo space and also supports kick-to-open operation.
What drive modes are available in the CLA 250+?
The car offers four drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Eco, and Individual.
How does brake recuperation work in the CLA 250+?
Brake recuperation can be adjusted using steering wheel paddles with three levels: none, normal, and strong.
Does the CLA 250+ include advanced driver assistance features?
Yes, it includes active steering, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and a detailed assistance view on the dashboard.
How good is the MBUX voice assistant in the new CLA?
The new MBUX voice assistant works without saying "Hey Mercedes" and supports natural conversation for navigation, media, and vehicle settings.
Does the Mercedes CLA 250+ support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with wireless phone charging.
What audio system is available in the CLA 250+?
The tested car featured an 850 watt Burmester Surround Sound system with 16 speakers and extensive sound customization options.
Is the rear seat comfortable for adults?
Rear legroom is good, while headroom is average due to the low coupe-style roofline. The floor is flat, which improves comfort.
Does the Mercedes CLA 250+ support fast parking assistance?
The active park assist can fully park the car, but it takes time and works best in simpler parking situations.
