Electric Mercedes-Benz CLA goes on sale as the company reports drop in EV sales

Starting today, customers in Germany and other European markets can order one of two CLA models either online or through local Mercedes-Benz dealers. This sleek, new EV promises a blend of performance, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology, all wrapped in a stylish package. Most importantly, it comes not a moment too soon to save Mercedes' falling sales.

The initial lineup features two distinct options. The CLA 250+ delivers 200 kW of power. This rear-wheel-drive model offers an efficient energy consumption of 12.2 to 14.1 kWh per 62 miles, and it starts at $61,981.82 in Germany. The CLA 350 4MATIC provides all-wheel drive and a more powerful 260 kW output. This model has a slightly higher energy consumption of 12.5 to 14.7 kWh per 62 miles and is available from $66,999.52.

To kick the sales off, Mercedes-Benz is also offering attractive leasing and financing options for the new CLA. Private customers have leasing rates starting as low as $332 per month, while financing options are available at a 2.99% interest rate.

The company plans to expand the CLA range later this year with additional models, including an entry-level version priced under $51,600, making electric driving more accessible. For business customers, the net starting price for these later models will be under $43,300.

For early adopters in Germany, Mercedes-Benz is offering a special starter package for orders placed by September 30, 2025. This package, priced at $2,320.69, bundles popular features like ambient lighting, a rear armrest, wireless phone charging, retractable door handles, KEYLESS-GO, a memory package for seat adjustments, a parking package with a rearview camera, and smartphone integration. Customers also have the option to personalize their CLA with additional equipment packages, the sporty AMG Line and AMG Line Plus, and numerous individual features.

The new CLA comes with an advanced 800-volt system and new battery technology, which allows for remarkably fast charging times. The CLA 250+ can gain up to 202 miles of driving range in just ten minutes of charging. Both the CLA 250+ and the CLA 350 4MATIC support rapid DC charging at speeds up to 320 kW. They both are equipped with an 85 kWh usable energy capacity lithium-ion battery which gives the 250+ version a theoretical range of up to impressive 492 miles, with the 350 4MATIC model falling slightly behind with 479 miles of range on a full charge.

Enhancing both performance and efficiency is a newly developed two-speed transmission located on the rear axle's main drive. The first gear provides strong acceleration from a standstill and is used for city driving and towing, while the second gear optimizes power delivery at higher speeds.

While the all-new CLA is generating excitement, Mercedes-Benz's broader financial results for the first quarter of 2025 reveal some interesting trends, particularly in the EV sector. Overall, Mercedes-Benz Cars sold 446,300 vehicles, a slight decrease of 3.6% compared to the same period last year. Within these figures, the sale of electrified vehicles, which include both battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), also saw a minor dip of 3.7%, totaling 86,814 units.

Specifically, the sale of BEVs experienced a more significant decline of 14.3%, with 40,706 units sold compared to 47,521 in the first quarter of 2024. Interestingly, while BEV sales decreased, the share of all electrified vehicles in the total unit sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars remained stable at 19.5%. This suggests that pure electric vehicle demand might be facing some headwinds, but plug-in hybrids are maintaining their ground.

In contrast, Mercedes-Benz Vans saw a remarkable 59.4% increase in BEV sales, although the overall volume remains smaller at 4,749 units.

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