Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new battery-electric variant of its entry-level Mercedes-Benz CLA in Germany, expanding the model range with a mid-capacity battery option positioned between existing versions.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 fills the gap between the entry-level CLA 200 and the long-range CLA 250+. While the CLA 200 uses a 58 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, the 250+ features an 85 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) pack. The new model adopts an NMC battery with 71 kWh of usable capacity, delivering a WLTP driving range of up to 674 kilometres.
For now, the variant is available only in Germany. Mercedes has priced it at €52,871.50 including VAT, roughly €3,500 above the CLA 200 and about €2,900 below the CLA 250+. A promotional discount for private buyers currently reduces the price to just over €50,000. The range’s sole all-wheel-drive model, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4MATIC, remains the most expensive option at more than €60,000.
Technically, the CLA 250 shares its drivetrain with the 250+, differing only in battery size. Both models use an in-house-developed rear-mounted motor producing 200 kW and 335 Nm of torque, paired with a two-speed transmission. Performance figures are identical, including acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h.
Mercedes said the new battery retains the same structural layout as the other packs in the lineup, consisting of 192 prismatic cells arranged in four modules. The manufacturer has not disclosed how the reduced capacity is achieved, leaving open whether smaller cells are used or the larger battery architecture is software-limited.
Charging performance is slightly lower in peak terms than the 85 kWh version, with a maximum rate of 250 kW compared with 320 kW for the largest battery. However, the smaller pack can charge from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes, marginally faster than the 250+ because less energy needs to be replenished.
The new powertrain is currently offered only in the CLA saloon, though industry observers expect it to become available in the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake estate version at a later stage. Previous variants suggest the estate would carry a modest price premium if introduced.
The addition reflects a broader strategy among automakers to offer multiple battery sizes within a single model line, allowing customers to balance range, performance, and cost as electric vehicle adoption expands.
