Mercedes surprises with a new electric CLA: 272 HP, 652 km of range, and cheaper

The electric Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake already had a rather unique lineup, with the entry-level CLA 200 and the higher-end CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic. Now, Mercedes-Benz has introduced a mid-tier model that makes sense: the CLA 250, without the “+” suffix. This version retains a power output of 272 horsepower but reduces the battery capacity slightly, which in turn lowers both range and price.

This new variant fills a gap in the lineup that previously had a significant difference between the CLA 200 and the 250+. The new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake 250 uses a 71 kWh battery and achieves a WLTP range of up to 652 kilometers—a figure that is more than sufficient for long trips without the need for the higher-battery version.

Externally, it will hardly differ from the rest of the range. The CLA Shooting Brake retains its characteristic family-oriented sedan silhouette, with a 4.72-meter length and a design heavily focused on aerodynamics. The major advantage over the regular CLA is found at the back, where a tailgate greatly simplifies access to the trunk. The cargo space offers 455 liters and can expand to 1,290 liters when the seats are folded down, while there is also a second compartment of 101 liters in front.

The interior follows the philosophy of the new CLA, featuring a tech-oriented atmosphere and a high level of standard equipment. The star is the MBUX system, complemented by digital screens and a setup designed to blend the ambiance of a premium model with relatively simple operation. The Shooting Brake also offers the interesting option of folding down the rear seats to increase cargo capacity, making the CLA a much more practical alternative to a conventional sedan.

The electric motor is located at the rear axle, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, so there is no acceleration penalty compared to the 250+ model despite having a smaller battery capacity. The top speed is 210 km/h.

The choice of this configuration has an obvious consequence: it sacrifices some autonomy compared to the CLA 250+, but it also allows for reduced weight and, most importantly, a lower price. The CLA 250 achieves 652 kilometers of WLTP range, compared to 525 kilometers for the CLA 200 and the 767 kilometers currently advertised for the CLA 250+ Shooting Brake in Spain. In other words, the new model falls right at that intermediate point that many buyers were likely looking for.

In addition, it retains much of the electrical technology from the rest of the range. The CLA 250 uses an 800-volt architecture and can charge at DC with a maximum power of 250 kW, achieving a 10 to 80% charge in about 20 minutes under optimal conditions. It supports up to 11 kW at AC. It also features two-way charging, a feature that Mercedes-Benz is gradually introducing to this new generation of electric models.

And this is likely the key to this version. The CLA 250 isn’t intended to surpass the 250+ model in range, but rather to offer a more balanced combination of price, performance, and battery capacity. For those who don’t need to reach the 750 kilometers WLTP range of the higher-end model, having 652 kilometers of range with 272 horsepower can be a much more practical option.

As for the prices, which have not been officially confirmed yet, the CLA 250 Shooting Brake is priced at 52,500 euros, while the AMG version costs 57,500 euros.

With this addition, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake electric model now has a much better range of options. The CLA 200 is the entry-level model, with 224 horsepower and a range of 525 kilometers; the new CLA 250 sits in the middle tier with 272 horsepower, a 71 kWh battery, and a range of 652 kilometers; the CLA 250+ retains 272 horsepower but increases the battery capacity to 85 kWh, allowing a range of over 760 kilometers; and the CLA 350 4Matic serves as the high-performance option, with 354 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a range of around 740 kilometers in Spain.

The result is a version that, on paper, could even be one of the most interesting in the entire range. There’s no need to pay for an 85 kWh battery to get 272 horsepower and more than sufficient range for traveling, allowing Mercedes-Benz to fill one of the most obvious gaps in the electric CLA Shooting Brake.

Version

Power

Battery

WLTP Range

0-100 km/h

CLA 200 Shooting Brake electric

224 HP

58 kWh

524-525 km

7.6 s

CLA 250 Shooting Brake electric

272 HP

71 kWh

652 km

6.8 s

CLA 250+ Shooting Brake electric

272 HP

85 kWh

767 km

6.8 s

CLA 350 4Matic Shooting Brake electric

354 HP

85 kWh

742 km

5.0 s