[Taboleo] Nearly 790km on a Single Charge... "The New Mercedes-Benz CLA"

Eye-Catching Display Fills the Driver's Seat
Expected to Launch in Korea Next Year
Pricing Competitiveness Will Be Key

Among Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicles, the model with the longest driving range on a single charge, the "New Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with EQ Technology (CLA)," has not yet been released in Korea. It is expected to launch next year.

[Taboleo] Nearly 790km on a Single Charge... "The New Mercedes-Benz CLA"

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with EQ Technology at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Photo by Oh Hyungil

On September 9 (local time), during the IAA Mobility 2025, one of the world’s top three motor shows held in Munich, Germany, I had the opportunity to test drive the CLA. Driving approximately 70 kilometers from downtown Munich to Sindelfingen via the highway, I was able to fully experience its powerful performance.

The CLA, which was launched globally in March this year, measures 4,723 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,468 mm in height, making it slightly larger than the second generation. Compared to domestic models, it is a compact sedan that is a bit bigger than the Hyundai Avante (4,710/1,825/1,420).

The first thing that catches the eye is the three-pointed star pattern adorning the front bumper. The 142 LED stars add an emotional touch, and both the daytime running lights and taillights, equipped with multibeam LED headlights, feature the signature Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star design.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with EQ Technology Navigation Korean Setting Screen. Photo by Oh Hyungil

Sitting in the driver’s seat, you are greeted by a large display that extends to the passenger side. The "floating MBUX Superscreen" consists of a 10.25-inch driver display and a 14-inch central and passenger display. You can enjoy a wide range of infotainment options, such as watching videos on YouTube, browsing the internet, and using social networking services (SNS), all on the expansive screen.

The system language can be easily switched to Korean, and navigation instructions are also provided in Korean, making it very convenient for first-time drivers in the area. This is thanks to the "MB.OS" operating system and the fourth-generation MBUX based on artificial intelligence (AI) installed in the CLA. MBUX is the world’s first in-vehicle infotainment system to integrate AI from both Microsoft and Google.

Although I could not use all the functions of the operating system while driving, I found it impressive that it offers a variety of personalization features, such as ambient lighting and display customization.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with EQ Technology Interior. Mercedes-Benz

Even at high speeds, the CLA delivered performance that exceeded expectations for its size. It is equipped with a lithium-ion battery with an energy capacity of 85 kWh, which has a 20% higher energy density compared to previous models. In particular, the two-speed transmission enabled excellent acceleration even at speeds exceeding 150 km/h.

Notably, the maximum driving range on a single charge reaches 792 kilometers (based on WLTP standards), which means drivers do not have to worry much about recharging during trips.

With its sporty design, outstanding driving performance, and a sophisticated yet user-friendly infotainment system, the CLA offers all the features that Korean consumers are looking for. However, for the model to succeed in Korea, pricing will be crucial. In Europe, the starting price for the CLA 250+ EQ Technology trim is between 56,000 and 59,000 euros (approximately 92 million to 96 million won). Much attention is focused on how competitively the price will be set.