Mercedes-Benz CLA (2027)

Autogefühl is highly impressed by the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA’s efficiency and polished driving experience. The CLA 350 4MATIC feels quiet, agile, comfortable, and surprisingly light, while real-world testing produced roughly 470 km at 130 km/h and up to 650 km at 100 km/h. Charging was also strong, reaching 13–80% in about 21 minutes. The exceptional Burmester audio system is a standout. Still, Autogefühl criticizes the cramped seating position for taller passengers, especially in back, limited practicality, some awkward controls, cheap-looking trim, and a high fully equipped price. Overall, it is an enthusiastic recommendation for efficiency-focused buyers who fit comfortably.

Nathan Ponchard is highly impressed by the electric Mercedes-Benz CLA, especially its composure and efficiency on Australian roads. He praises the genuinely achievable range, rapid 800-volt charging, supple ride, quiet cabin, and surprisingly enjoyable handling, calling the CLA 350 4MATIC a particularly appealing choice for its performance and long-distance ability. However, the styling feels excessive, while the screen-heavy interior, questionable materials, unresponsive haptic controls, and digital-sounding Burmester audio fall short of true Mercedes luxury. Overall, it is a significant step forward and an excellent EV underneath, though not entirely premium in execution.

Kelley Blue Book is highly impressed by the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology. The CLA 250+ feels quicker and more nimble than its output suggests, with excellent body control, smooth regenerative braking, an impressive 374-mile range, and unusually useful cargo space for a compact sedan. Its spacious front seats, improved visibility, polished Google-powered MBUX system, and approachable technology strengthen the appeal. Rear-seat room remains tight, and the touchscreen can be awkward to use while driving, but the reviewer considers the $48,500 CLA a cohesive, fun, and promising preview of Mercedes’ electric future.

Mark Takahashi is strongly impressed by the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ and its exceptional value as a luxury EV. He praises the attractive design, responsive acceleration, over-400-mile real-world range, quick charging, comfortable technology-rich cabin, and useful frunk. The CLA feels agile despite its weight, though the ride is stiff on 19-inch wheels, road noise is noticeable, and one panic stop produced a soft pedal. He also criticizes less intuitive MBUX controls, cramped rear-seat headroom, occasional driver-assist quirks, and expensive options. Still, he considers the base rear-drive model a “screaming deal” against BMW and Audi rivals.

Jack Scarlett is highly impressed by the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA, though he stops short of calling it perfect. He praises its exceptional efficiency, huge real-world range potential, rapid charging, effortless ride, and much-improved software, calling the EV hardware a major leap for Mercedes. The 800-volt electric CLA 250+ feels light and wonderfully composed, while the AI voice assistant proves genuinely useful. However, he dislikes the star-covered front end and finds the screen-heavy cabin lacking luxury, with hard materials and an awkward passenger-side panel. Rear-seat space is also tight, making this an impressive but not quite “slam dunk” Mercedes.

Marek Drives is pleasantly surprised by the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ EV, calling it a genuinely convincing electric Mercedes. He praises its refined rear-wheel-drive handling, comfortable suspension, strong efficiency, quiet cabin, useful frunk, and impressive real-world range of roughly 560–600 km. The 800-volt, 320-kW charging capability further strengthens its appeal. Still, he criticizes the reduced trunk space, questionable rear-seat headroom, buried controls, missing Android Auto at launch, intrusive airbag warning light, large turning circle, and irritating regenerative braking reset. Overall, he views it as a major improvement and a credible Tesla Model 3 alternative, though not flawless.

Matt Watson is highly impressed by the electric Mercedes-Benz CLA, calling it a comfortable, polished, technology-rich car worth buying. He praises its striking design, exceptionally smooth ride, confident handling, quiet cruising, spacious 101-liter frunk, and strong efficiency. His hands-on tests confirm a 6.15-second 0–62 mph time and roughly 357 miles of real-world range—excellent, though well short of Mercedes’ 492-mile claim. Charging also adds only 111 miles in ten minutes rather than the advertised 200. The cramped rear-seat support, small trunk, scratchy cabin plastics, and confusing lane-change assist temper an otherwise enthusiastic verdict.

Yuri and Jacob are intrigued by the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA, but ultimately prefer the Tesla Model 3. They praise its striking design, upscale build quality, playful “Sound Worlds,” impressive range potential, and fast 800-volt charging. However, the $75,000 CAD test car feels expensive and overly dependent on paid software and options, while flimsy door handles, missing keyless entry, cramped rear seats, and awkward ride motion hurt its practicality. Most notably, regenerative braking made both hosts nauseous, forcing them to disable recuperation. It is attractive and technologically interesting, but not an outright Model 3 killer.

Karl Brauer is genuinely impressed by the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350, calling it one of his most surprisingly good test cars. He praises its Maybach-like ride, swift acceleration, exceptionally effective driver-assistance systems, polished interior, vivid displays, comfortable seats, fast charging, and potentially class-leading real-world range. The CLA feels convincingly luxurious rather than merely badge-driven, and he prefers it to the cheaper Tesla Model 3 for its refinement, Apple CarPlay, physical controls, and richer cabin. Caveats include cramped rear seating, expensive option packages, subscription-based features, charging-adapter hassles, and a $66,030 test price, but his recommendation remains strongly positive.

The Right Car is highly impressed by the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV. He especially enjoys the stylish design, plush cabin, extensive technology, efficient aerodynamics, strong ride comfort, and impressive range—particularly the CLA 200’s 470-kilometre WLTP estimate and attractive pricing. He considers the rear-wheel-drive CLA 200 the smarter buy, while calling the faster CLA 350 4MATIC excellent but difficult to justify above $90,000. Reservations include an overwhelming menu-heavy interface, cramped rear seating, piano-black trim, limited rear-seat amenities, no spare tire, and no Australian towing capability. Overall, he finds it an exceptionally polished, efficient, and likeable luxury EV.

Vicki Butler-Henderson is strongly impressed by the electric Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+, especially its exceptional range and clever technology. She praises the distinctive styling, practical storage, quiet performance, seamless two-speed transmission, flexible regenerative braking, and potentially inexpensive home charging. The 462-mile example she tests falls short of the model’s 483-mile maximum, but still outclasses most rivals. Her reservations are that rear visibility suffers from the sleek shape, some controls are fiddly, and the rear-drive CLA is competent rather than genuinely exciting. Overall, she views it as an efficient, sophisticated, highly compelling long-range EV.

Ben Hardy is enthusiastic about the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ EV, calling it a stylish, quick, and well-rounded entry-level Mercedes. He particularly likes its smooth acceleration, composed handling, responsive infotainment, practical storage, and improved looks over Mercedes’ earlier EQ models. The claimed nearly 400-mile displayed range also intrigues him, though he questions its gap with the 317-mile EPA estimate. Still, he criticizes the rear-seat headroom, lack of a 360-degree camera, aggressive regenerative braking, and potentially intrusive voice-assistant technology. Overall, he sees the CLA 250+ as a compelling alternative to the ordinary CLA 250’s dull engine, provided buyers accept its tech-heavy character.

Motormouth is highly impressed by the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA, calling it refined, smooth, spacious, and a major course correction for Mercedes’ EV strategy. They particularly praise its attractive conventional-sedan styling, precise steering, comfortable supportive seats, strong performance, 800-volt fast charging, impressive projected range, and intuitive regenerative braking. The 250+ feels plenty quick for daily driving, while the 350 promises genuinely rapid acceleration. Their main criticisms are the raised ride height and uncertainty around North American pricing and equipment. Overall, they view the CLA as a compelling, well-rounded premium EV with a promising mild-hybrid alternative.

WHAT'S INSIDE? FAMILY is highly enthusiastic about the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA, calling it a favorite electric car and an excellent Tesla rival. The CLA 250+ impressed with its sleek, exceptionally aerodynamic design, 374-mile range, premium lighting, spacious storage, advanced display technology, and well-performing highway lane assist. Its under-$50,000 pricing also struck him as remarkable value for a Mercedes EV. He was underwhelmed by acceleration compared with faster electric cars and found some controls unnecessarily duplicated, but he readily accepts that tradeoff for efficiency. Although Mercedes covered travel and provided access, he disclosed it was not sponsored and gave an unmistakably strong recommendation.

Jamin Lyf is highly impressed by the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4MATIC. He praises its futuristic-but-recognizable styling, exceptionally quick acceleration, comfortable cabin, spaciousness, long range, and rapid 800-volt charging. The drive feels refined and surprisingly E-Class-like, while the new MBUX technology and camera systems add appeal. His enthusiasm is tempered by subscription-locked features, inactive navigation, large screen bezels, the loss of the trackpad and steering-wheel infotainment controls, and modest trunk space. Even with those frustrations, he considers it a strong buy and rates it around seven out of ten overall.

Tim Rodie is strongly impressed by the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+, despite major practicality compromises. He praises its exceptional efficiency, estimating nearly 400 miles of real-world range, quick 800-volt charging, refined ride, easy size, and surprisingly enjoyable rear-wheel-drive handling. The affordable entry pricing also makes its range-per-pound especially compelling among EVs. However, the rear seats are cramped even for adults, the saloon boot limits versatility, and the interior’s flashy styling and some cheap-feeling details undermine its luxury image. Overall, he sees the CLA as a comfortable, efficient, genuinely appealing EV—just not a particularly family-friendly one.

Everyday Chris is strongly impressed by the Mercedes-Benz CLA, though he ultimately prefers the Tesla Model 3 for value and Full Self-Driving. He admires the CLA’s striking, customizable design, luxurious cabin, quiet ride, smooth handling, excellent efficiency, 800-volt charging, and surprisingly capable driver assistance. The AMG-line model feels genuinely special, with vivid lighting, premium finishes, strong regenerative braking, and an impressive digital experience. Still, he criticizes its cramped rear seat, limited cargo space, single-pane glass, cheap lower-cabin plastics, expensive options, and awkward Tesla Supercharger positioning. His verdict is clear: choose the CLA for luxury, not practicality or technology value.

Ivan Sensei is positive about the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA, but ultimately prefers his familiar A-Class. He praises the CLA’s longer body, significantly roomier rear seat, deeper 405-liter trunk, improved headlights and Burmester audio, plus its futuristic MMA-platform cabin and large screens. However, the sloping roof slightly reduces rear headroom, the fixed panoramic glass roof cannot open, and the sedan’s smaller trunk opening limits practical loading. His choice reflects a preference for the A-Class’s larger 2.0-liter engines, hatchback utility, lower price, and proven familiarity, making the CLA attractive mainly for buyers prioritizing technology and modern design.

Omar Rana is upbeat about the Mercedes-Benz CLA, but clearly questions whether its loaded $64,000 price is justified. He enjoys the abundant screens, heated seats and steering wheel, glass roof with electrochromic shading, ambient lighting, clever storage, and playful logo detailing. He also presents useful electric-car figures, including 268 horsepower, a 6.6-second 0–60 time, a frunk, and 317 miles of range. Still, the subscription-only relaxation modes and high price undercut the luxury appeal, leaving the verdict deliberately uncertain rather than a firm recommendation.

ZigWheels is highly enthusiastic about the electric Mercedes-Benz CLA, calling it a compact car full of surprises. They admire its sleek design, spacious practicality, smooth performance, comfortable ride, and impressive claimed range, while the 800-volt charging and two-speed transmission add genuine technical appeal. The new interior, intelligent driver profiling, AI assistants, and trip-planning tools also sound compelling. Still, real-world range depends on finding a 240 kW charger, and rear-seat comfort is only adequate for larger passengers. The review ends before revealing the price, leaving value unresolved.