Words By Corinia Williams
Photos: DavidLewisTaylor

After a flight from Atlanta to New York City, I had the opportunity to put the all-electric CLA to the real-world test, heading north for country driving. I wanted to see how this small-in-size, big-on-style Mercedes-Benz would handle the open road. My test car was the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology, featuring an advanced 800-volt electric architecture and dual permanently excited synchronous electric motors delivering a combined 349 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. With a 0-to-60 mph time of approximately 4.9 seconds, it was already shaping up to be a fun one.

Compact, beautifully proportioned and packing considerably more punch than its elegant silhouette might suggest, the CLA has a different kind of energy. Its 4MATIC all-wheel drive and immediate electric response make it lively on the road, while its advanced charging technology makes longer journeys more practical.

The CLA makes a strong first impression. Its sleek fastback silhouette and sculpted profile are unmistakably modern, but it’s the illuminated grille, featuring 142 individual stars surrounding the central Mercedes-Benz emblem, that really catches the eye. The star motif continues into the LED headlights, while optional Night Package and AMG Line treatments add a little more attitude.

There’s plenty of room for personal expression, with eight exterior colors, including Liquid Crystal Green and Sky Blue Metallic, and a choice of wheel designs. Inside, the options range from leather and MB-Tex to microfiber, open-pore wood and aluminum finishes.

A Digital State of Mind

The cabin takes a decidedly modern approach. The optional MBUX Superscreen stretches across the dashboard, combining a 10.25-inch driver display with a 14-inch central screen and an optional passenger display. Mercedes-Benz’s latest MB.OS brings AI-enhanced assistance, Google Maps navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the mix.

Add the optional 850-watt Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos, and the CLA makes a rather convincing case for staying in the car a little longer.

The Long Way Home

This is where the CLA gets interesting. Its EPA-estimated range of 312 miles and DC fast-charging capability of up to 320 kW make longer journeys considerably more practical. Mercedes-Benz estimates that a compatible charger can add up to 202 miles of range in about 10 minutes.

On our trip, the range proved reassuring, and we managed to do a little better than expected. Around town, the CLA feels nimble and easy to maneuver. Out on winding country roads, the dual-motor setup and all-wheel drive deliver confident traction, while the immediate electric response makes acceleration feel effortless.