The electric Mercedes CLA has such an impressive electric charging speed that it could be the perfect road trip EV. Will you drive this electric Mercedes-Benz?
Mercedes claimed the new CLA electric sedan could charge at 320 kW, but real-world testing by YouTuber Bjorn Nyland found it actually hit 349 kW on certain chargers – making it faster than the more expensive EQS and Tesla Model S on road trips. During a 621-mile test drive, the entry-level EV averaged 69 mph including charging stops and proved it could sustain over 300 kW charging speeds longer than expected. Here’s why this affordable electric Mercedes might be the road trip champion nobody saw coming.
A new charging architecture
The CLA EV uses the brand’s new 800-volt charging architecture to provide excellent DC fast charging speeds. This allows the car to charge at up to 320 kilowatts, provided the charging station supports this speed. At least one driver found that the speed could actually reach as much as 349 kW, but Mercedes-Benz claims the 320 kW speed. This charging speed, coupled with the claimed 492 miles of driving range on the European WLTP standard, which could be 367 miles of EPA driving range for the CLA250+, makes the Mercedes CLA EV impressive when it comes to road trip performance, which is even better in real-world EV charging tests, making the CLA a good choice for long-distance electric driving.
The battery pack in the CLA is an 85-kWh model, providing impressive Mercedes EQ Technology to any driver willing to get behind the wheel. Adding to the premium EV charging capabilities, the new CLA will be equipped with a NACS port, enabling it to be charged at Tesla Superchargers, which use 400-volt systems, which means the car will need a converter to use these ports.
It’s the entry point you need
Driving an electric vehicle requires drivers to pay more than what similar gas-powered vehicles cost. Like the gas version, the new electric Mercedes CLA and its impressive electric charging speed are the entry point into the luxury electric vehicle lineup. It’s made for electric sedan efficiency, especially in the base CLA250+. There will also be a CLA350 model offered to give you an option when you’re ready to drive an EV from this lauded luxury brand. The base model has one electric motor driving the rear wheels, while the CLA350 is a dual-motor AWD vehicle.
Powertrain upgrades
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV produces 268 horsepower in the 250_ model. This power is sent to the wheel through a two-speed transmission, which is an upgrade and evolution in the EV market. Most EVs use a single-speed transmission, but a two-speed setup should improve highway efficiency and performance. If you opt for the CLA350, you’ll have 349 horsepower from the two motors powering all four wheels.
When tested by Car and Driver, the CLA250+ felt lighter and more responsive with a better suspension tune while the CLA350 feels heavier and not as agile in the corners.
Room, comfort, quality
Despite being an entry-level sedan, the CLA EV has space for four people to fit comfortably. The all-glass roof helps provide an airy environment that feels larger than it is. The futuristic styling elements are indicative of the new EQ technology from Mercedes-Benz. There’s a flat floor in the back and an open concept cockpit design with lots of good storage options. In addition to the Mercedes CLA and its impressive electric charging speed, this car has a large Superscreen dashboard with a combination of three large upright display screens, which should be popular with many drivers.
If you choose the AMG Line package, a few sporty items are added to this car, including a flat-bottom steering wheel, red contrasting stitching for the upholstery, and brushed stainless steel pedals.
Screens galore
The screens across the dashboard of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV give drivers a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 14.0-inch central touchscreen, and a 14.0-inch passenger display. The passenger screen is optional, but these three screens make up the Superscreen, which covers most of the dashboard from one side of the car to the other.
Will you experience the impressive Mercedes CLA electric charging speed and see how this new EV and its drivetrain and charging packaging can be the ideal road trip EV? The Mercedes-Benz CLA EV is just the beginning of electric driving from the brand, especially since this is the first car from the brand to use the new 800-volt charging architecture.
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