Euro NCAP awards the new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA five stars

When shoppers look at new electric cars, they often focus on one big number: how far the car can drive on a single charge. The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA certainly delivers there, with the base CLA 250+ rear-wheel-drive model promising an EPA-estimated range of 374 miles. But the German automaker wants buyers to know that another number is just as important: its perfect score in the latest European safety tests.

Mercedes-Benz first showed off this new EV back in March, and the first customers in Europe received their keys this past July. Even if those early buyers did not have an official safety rating when they placed their order, they have no reason to worry now.

Euro NCAP, the independent European safety organization, put the electric sedan through its tough crash tests and awarded the CLA EQ a top five-star overall rating. Even more importantly, it earned the highest grades among its competitors in all four main testing categories, even topping the results of the new Porsche Cayenne EV.

The CLA 250+ EQ proved its outstanding safety performance across the board. In the Adult Occupant Protection category, it scored 94%, showing the car’s structure and safety systems offer great crash protection.

Protection for children was nearly as impressive, with the CLA earning an 89% in Child Occupant Protection. The vehicle even senses when a child seat is installed and automatically turns off the necessary airbags, which is a smart little detail.

In the other important areas, the car scored a remarkable 93% for Vulnerable Road User protection, which covers pedestrians and cyclists. This high score comes thanks to the excellent performance of its automatic emergency braking system.

For its Safety Assist systems - which include technology that helps drivers avoid crashes - the CLA secured an 85%. For comparison, the highly-regarded Mazda CX-5 also achieved a 93% in Vulnerable Road User protection, sharing the top spot in that specific area with the new Mercedes.

The new CLA is one of the most exciting electric cars from a traditional manufacturer. It is a part of the new wave of EVs from Mercedes-Benz, and it proves that range, efficiency, and technology can all come wrapped in a safe package.

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