NEW RELEASE: 2025 MERCEDES CLA

The All-New Mercedes-Benz CLA: Tech-Savvy, Sharp-Looking and Seriously Impressive

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new CLA and it is not holding back. This is not a gentle evolution of a compact coupe. It is a complete rework. The CLA now enters the market as the most intelligent and efficient Mercedes ever produced. That is not marketing fluff. The car can update itself over the air, carry on natural conversations using artificial intelligence and travel up to 792 kilometres on a single charge.

Let’s start with what really matters in 2025: software. The CLA is the first Mercedes to run entirely on the brand’s new in-house operating system, MB.OS. This system powers the fourth generation of the MBUX infotainment interface. It includes a virtual assistant built on AI from Microsoft and Google. The assistant is always available and uses real-time data to answer navigation questions, recommend destinations and carry out functions like a digital concierge. It recognises your tone of voice, adjusts responses accordingly and remembers what you asked earlier in the conversation.

This isn’t just a voice command feature. It is a responsive system designed to engage naturally. The display includes an animated avatar of the Mercedes star that changes colour based on your mood. It is intelligent without being invasive. It learns preferences and responds without asking twice.

Inside the CLA, things have become cleaner and more high-tech. The dashboard is dominated by the optional MBUX Superscreen which combines the driver display, centre screen and an optional passenger display into one wide glass surface. It is powered by high-performance chips and real-time graphics from the Unity game engine. There is support for video streaming, gaming and customisation through the Mercedes app. The layout is uncluttered and focused on essential functions. Climate controls, media and navigation are always within easy reach.

Functionality has been paired with efficiency. The all-electric CLA 250+ is powered by a 200 kW motor and has a usable battery capacity of 85 kWh. It offers a WLTP-rated range of up to 792 km and can recharge up to 325 km of range in just ten minutes using fast DC charging. The higher-performance CLA 350 4MATIC produces 260 kW and can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Both versions use an 800-volt electrical architecture that supports fast charging and improved efficiency. Mercedes has even added a frunk with 101 litres of extra storage space.

The CLA also introduces a new two-speed transmission for electric models. The first gear provides strong acceleration and high towing capacity while the second gear is designed for efficient cruising at high speeds. This dual setup improves both city driving and long-distance performance. Regenerative braking can recover up to 200 kW of energy. The driver can select from four levels of energy recuperation using steering wheel paddles.

Mercedes has given attention to safety as well. The CLA comes with MB DRIVE, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. It includes adaptive cruise control, active lane keeping, and for the first time in this segment, automatic lane changing with a single click of the indicator stalk. A new centre airbag is fitted as standard. It deploys between the driver and front passenger in the event of a side collision.

The CLA’s exterior has been updated to reflect Mercedes’ current design language. The silhouette is more athletic with a longer wheelbase and wider track. The front panel features a fully illuminated Mercedes star pattern and star-shaped headlights. The rear lights are also star-shaped and connected by a horizontal light band. Alloy wheels range from 17 to 19 inches and have been optimised for aerodynamics. The drag coefficient starts at 0.21 which helps with energy efficiency.

Every CLA comes with a panoramic glass roof, LED headlights and comfort seats as standard. Customers can also choose from AMG Line, Night Package or AMG Line Plus for a more dynamic appearance. The interior materials include sustainable elements such as recycled plastics and decorative trim made from paper. The battery production process uses renewable energy and the aluminium content includes up to 40 percent low-carbon sources.

Hybrid models with 48-volt systems and integrated electric motors will arrive later in the year. These use a new four-cylinder petrol engine with a Miller-cycle combustion process. The hybrid powertrain supports all-electric driving in urban areas, energy recuperation in all eight gears and electric sailing up to 100 km/h.

Production of the CLA takes place in Rastatt, Germany, at a carbon-neutral facility using green electricity. Future models from this family will be built in both Europe and China. The new CLA is not just a car for now. It has been designed to remain up to date through software updates and scalable architecture.

This is a car built for people who expect their technology to be seamless, their driving experience to be comfortable and their daily lives to be just a little more efficient. The CLA does not just keep up. It sets a new standard.