The CLA name is not be new, but everything else with this Mercedes-Benz EV is. Key to the changes Mercedes has made to the CLA, is that it’s built on their new Modular Architecture (MMA), which will also be a feature of future electric and hybrid Mercedes models.

Our test car, CLA 250+ in AMG Line Premium trim, has an 85.5kWh (usable capacity) battery, combined with an advanced drive unit, two-speed automatic transmission, heat pump, and a 268bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels. Headline-grabbing efficiency is the result, with 464-miles of range the official figure for this Mercedes. Key established rivals are BMW’s excellent i4, and the very popular Tesla Model 3.

This CLA’s 800V architecture also means it can charge at up to 320kW, so if you can find a charger fast enough, it can go from 10-80% in just 22 minutes.

Design and interior

This Mercedes’ sleek saloon shape plays its part in the CLA’s efficiency, with its 0.21 drag coefficient. It is more evolution than revolution compared to the old car, in our opinion, but the front of the new car is dominated by the large, sealed and lit, front grille with the iconic three-pointed star in the middle. That’s not the end of the three-pointed star details on this car, as they can also been seen in the front and rear lights.

Power pop-out door handles, where fitted, are the standout feature on the CLA’s sleek flanks. At the back, the highlights are the high-set rear light bar mirroring the front and the distinctive boot spoiler.

The interior highlight, has to be the large and flat dashboard. This can house up to three screens running across the dashboard - with a 14in screen for the front passenger. Previous experience with other Mercedes models with this set-up, suggests the passenger screen is unnecessary, and it wasn’t missed on our test car. What you do get, even if the ‘Superscreen’ option isn’t fitted, is a very large 14in central touchscreen, which works logically, thanks to the new AI-enhanced operating system, and is nicely responsive. Then, in front of the driver there’s a smaller 10.25in driver display for the instruments.   

We’ve found CLA interior trim quality varies depending on the trim. The AMG Line Premium trim we drove first was our favourite, with an attractive mix of man-made leather, plus brushed metal, and quality plastics. Since then, we’ve spent a chunk of time in a more basic 250 in ‘Sport’ trim, which didn’t feel anywhere near as special, or as well finished.

The driving position is good, the sports seats fitted to the AMG Line Premium are both comfortable and supportive. Rear legroom is decent too, although the shallow footwells, and curvy roofline, could mean the tallest heads will be rubbing on the glass roof panel. The 405-litre boot is a good size, but is shallow, and has a high loading lip. There is also 101-litres of frunk space under the bonnet.

Performance and drive

On the road, power delivery is best described as punchy, and smooth. Mercedes has fitted a two-speed automatic gearbox, which is designed to shift into a higher gear at cruising speeds to help efficiency. We never felt change on either CLA we’ve driven, but after 370 miles in a ‘Sport’ in January cold after driving this one, it was the most efficient against rivals, at 3.6 miles per kWh, with the highest range of 303 miles.

We found there was an endearing rear-wheel balance to both the CLAs we’ve driven. As a result, it’s involving to drive - although not quite up to BMW i4 standards - as the steering is not quite as polished. The ‘Sport,’ with its smallest 18in wheels, offered the most comfortable ride, but the AMG Line Premium here, on its slightly bigger 19in wheels was still composed. Both CLA’s boasted good brake feel, too.

Overall, we’d describe the CLA as a good EV transformed into a great one, thanks to all the efficiency features.