Mercedes-Benz adds a "just right" option to the CLA lineup
Mercedes-Benz has a bit of a labeling problem, and it is making things a little confusing for people who just want a nice car. If you have been following the news about electric cars lately, you know that the German brand has been very busy. They recently launched the new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA, and it came in a few different "flavors." First, we had the top-of-the-range 350 4MATIC, then came the entry-level CLA 200. After that, there was the long-range king, the CLA 250+. Now, Mercedes has decided to squeeze a third option right in the middle. Meet the new Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 - no plus sign required.
The size usually matters most when we talk about the EV battery. Before this update, buyers had to choose between a smaller 58 kWh battery in the CLA 200 or a much larger 85 kWh battery in the CLA 250+ and 350. For many people, the jump between those two was too big.
The new CLA 250 solves this by using a 71 kWh battery. This "intermediate" size is designed to be the "Goldilocks" of the family. It is big enough to keep you away from the charging station on long trips, but it is not so heavy or expensive that it feels like overkill. This is a clever choice by Mercedes-Benz to capture buyers who want premium performance without the top-tier price tag.
You might think that because this car sits in the middle, it would be slower than the top model. However, Mercedes did something interesting here. They gave the CLA 250 the exact same 272-horsepower electric motor found in the 250+. Because the motor is the same, the acceleration is identical. Both the CLA 250 and the CLA 250+ can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in exactly 6.7 seconds.
Despite having a smaller battery than the 250+, the CLA 250 provides a very respectable 418 miles of range on a full charge. For comparison, the base CLA 200 gets 336 miles, and the long-distance 250+ can go all the way to 492 miles. By offering 418 miles, the 250 sits comfortably in the middle, providing more than enough range for most weekly commutes.
In terms of physical size, this car is exactly the same as its siblings. It measures 185.9 inches in length, 73 inches in width, and stands 57.8 inches tall. Since there is no engine under the hood, Mercedes included a "frunk" (a front trunk) that holds 3.57 ft³ - perfect for charging cables or small bags. The main trunk offers another 14.3 ft³ of space, making it a practical choice for a small family.
Of course, you cannot talk about a new car without talking about the price. Mercedes-Benz has priced the CLA 250 to fit perfectly between its siblings. The "Business Solution" trim for the CLA 250 starts at £43,607. If you want to save a bit of money, the CLA 200 starts at £41,027 with the same trim level. If you have extra cash and really want that massive 85 kWh battery, the CLA 250+ will cost you at least £45,671. For a difference of about €2,500 over the base model, Mercedes bets that many drivers will likely find the extra range of the CLA 250 worth the upgrade.
It is nice to see a car company realize that "one size fits all" does not work for everyone. The car itself is a solid entry into the growing market for premium EVs, and if you can live without the extra 73 miles of range found in the 250+ model, the standard 250 might just be the smartest pick in the garage.
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