Mercedes-Benz CLA EV: fastest-charging, efficient electric car review
Mercedes-Benz CLA electric car: real-world performance and charging speed
Mercedes-Benz CLA EV: fastest-charging, efficient electric car review
Explore the new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV's real-world range, efficient energy consumption, and record-breaking fast charging up to 350 kW in European tests.
2026-01-20T03:22:29+03:00
2026-01-20T03:22:29+03:00
2026-01-20T03:22:29+03:00
The new-generation electric Mercedes-Benz CLA continues to earn praise, with a European supertest confirming that the model is indeed one of the most technologically advanced and fastest-charging EVs in its class.Platform Potential and Real-World PerformanceBuilt on the MMA architecture with an 800-volt system, an 85 kWh battery, and a 268 hp electric motor, the CLA 250+ boasts ambitious specs on paper, including a WLTP range of 790 km. However, real-world testing provided clear answers.On a long-distance route, experts recorded an energy consumption of 17.4 kWh and a theoretical range of 490 km. In mixed driving, the range reached 605 km, placing the CLA among the most efficient vehicles in its segment.The key highlight is charging speed. The claimed 320 kW turned out to be conservative, with peak power hitting 350 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in just 21 minutes. At an average power of 191 kW, the car added 343 km of range during that time.In a 500 km journey, the CLA set a record time of 4 hours and 28 minutes, outperforming the Porsche Taycan and Lucid Air Grand Touring—a significant benchmark achievement.Performance with a Cold BatteryThe preconditioning system works effectively, but even with a battery temperature of 14°C, the CLA delivered impressive results: a 10% to 80% charge in 23 minutes and an average power of 173 kW. Peak power dropped to 235 kW, yet the time difference was minimal. This underscores the stability and quality of the charging curve.
Mercedes-Benz CLA electric, fastest-charging EV, MMA architecture, 800-volt system, 85 kWh battery, real-world range, energy consumption, charging speed, electric car review
2026
Michael Powers
news
Mercedes-Benz CLA electric car: real-world performance and charging speed
Explore the new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV's real-world range, efficient energy consumption, and record-breaking fast charging up to 350 kW in European tests.
Michael Powers, Editor
The new-generation electric Mercedes-Benz CLA continues to earn praise, with a European supertest confirming that the model is indeed one of the most technologically advanced and fastest-charging EVs in its class.
Platform Potential and Real-World Performance
Built on the MMA architecture with an 800-volt system, an 85 kWh battery, and a 268 hp electric motor, the CLA 250+ boasts ambitious specs on paper, including a WLTP range of 790 km. However, real-world testing provided clear answers.
On a long-distance route, experts recorded an energy consumption of 17.4 kWh and a theoretical range of 490 km. In mixed driving, the range reached 605 km, placing the CLA among the most efficient vehicles in its segment.
The key highlight is charging speed. The claimed 320 kW turned out to be conservative, with peak power hitting 350 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in just 21 minutes. At an average power of 191 kW, the car added 343 km of range during that time.
In a 500 km journey, the CLA set a record time of 4 hours and 28 minutes, outperforming the Porsche Taycan and Lucid Air Grand Touring—a significant benchmark achievement.
Performance with a Cold Battery
The preconditioning system works effectively, but even with a battery temperature of 14°C, the CLA delivered impressive results: a 10% to 80% charge in 23 minutes and an average power of 173 kW. Peak power dropped to 235 kW, yet the time difference was minimal. This underscores the stability and quality of the charging curve.
