Mercedes-Benz reveals UK pricing and specs of the all-electric CLA

Mercedes-Benz has announced that the CLA, the first in a fresh family of electric cars built on a flexible new platform, is now available for order in the United Kingdom. Deliveries to customers are expected to begin in the third quarter of this year.

Initially, buyers can choose the all-electric CLA 250+ with EQ Technology in three different trim levels: Sport Edition, AMG Line Edition, and AMG Line Premium Edition. The starting price for the Sport Edition is $60,173. The AMG Line Edition is priced from $65,133, while the top-tier AMG Line Premium Edition starts at $68,290. Later this year, Mercedes-Benz will also introduce a hybrid version of the CLA.

The initial all-electric model, the CLA 250+, comes with an 85 kWh battery powering a 200 kW (equivalent to 272 horsepower) electric motor located on the rear axle. This setup allows the EV to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. Mercedes-Benz has also indicated that more battery and motor options will become available in the future.

In the Sport Edition specification, the CLA 250+ can travel up to 484 miles on a single charge. When it comes to charging, the CLA can handle rapid charging at up to 320 kW. This means drivers can add over 199 miles of range in just ten minutes under ideal conditions. This rapid charging capability is made possible by technology that trickled down from the innovative VISION EQXX concept car, including an 800-volt electrical system, which comes with some unexpected drawbacks.

The in-house-designed drive unit features a two-speed transmission, which helps both performance and energy use. The car's aerodynamic design, with a very low drag coefficient of 0.214, a standard heat pump, smart energy recovery during braking, and intelligent navigation that plans routes for optimal efficiency, all contribute to maximizing the driving range of this new EV.

Inside, every new CLA comes equipped with the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which is the fourth generation of the MBUX infotainment system. This new system comes with artificial intelligence (AI) built-in and connects the vehicle to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, allowing for regular over-the-air software updates for important vehicle functions, including driver assistance systems.

The MB.OS promises to create a more personalized and intuitive experience for drivers and passengers. This latest MBUX generation integrates AI from both Microsoft and Google, and the new Virtual Assistant uses generative AI to understand and respond to complex voice commands and even remembers previous interactions.

The interior of the CLA features a standard 14-inch central touchscreen display with smartphone integration and a built-in video camera. It's powered by high-performance computer chips and uses real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine for a smooth and responsive user experience. A second 14-inch display for the front passenger, known as the MBUX Superscreen, will be available to order a bit later.

The all-electric CLA models have a distinctive illuminated front panel with 142 individual LED stars with a chrome effect, creating a unique brand signature. The illuminated grille also performs welcome and farewell animations. For practicality, the CLA includes a 101-l storage compartment under the hood in addition to its 405-l trunk.

Standard equipment across the range in the UK includes a large panoramic glass roof with a special infrared film and low-emissivity coating to control glare and heat without needing a physical sunshade. From launch, the Sport Edition models also come with automatic climate control, heated front seats with lumbar support, LED headlights with automatic high beam assist, 18-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows for heat insulation, and a comprehensive GUARD 360° vehicle protection system.

Stepping up to the AMG Line Edition adds sporty AMG styling elements, sleek, flush-fitting door handles with keyless entry and digital key compatibility, a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient lighting with animated Mercedes-Benz star projections, and wireless phone charging. The top-spec AMG Line Premium Edition adds 19-inch alloy wheels, advanced MULTIBEAM LED headlights with enhanced high beam assist, and the Night Package, with various black exterior accents.

Standard safety features include Blind Spot Assist, Manoeuvring Assist for easier parking, Lane Keeping Assist, and Brake Assist. The DISTRONIC Distance Assist system, which helps maintain a safe following distance, is also included, with more comfort and assistance features grouped under the MB.DRIVE name.

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