New Mercedes-Benz CLA may unsettle the Xiaomi SU7

More than a year ago, at the IAA Mobility in Munich, Germany, the CLA concept car, carrying Mercedes-Benz's electrification ambitions and possibly its "last chance" for success, was unveiled.

At that time, with the MMA architecture and the all-new MB.OS operating system, the CLA concept car outlined a blueprint of "overseas brands' big counterattack in the new energy vehicle race."

However, the slow pace of overseas brands became a hidden concern—the Mercedes-Benz CLA was unlikely to hit the market soon (with September 2023 as a reference point), and when the production version of the CLA was launched, would it still have an edge?

On March 14, 2025, with the official launch of the production version of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, this question finally reached the moment of truth.

While the global version of the Mercedes - Benz CLA (with the long - wheelbase Chinese version to launch at year - end) may not be fully aligned with the concept car's vision, its official information shows its three - electric - system and intelligence levels have mostly delivered on the concept car's vision, giving this overseas - made electric sedan the confidence to compete head - on with Chinese counterparts.

Was the year - long wait worthwhile?

Then and Now

Judging by exterior design and product specs alone, the Mercedes-Benz CLA differs greatly from previous electric models. More precisely, it's "far superior".

Design: Blurring the Lines Between Fuel and Electric

Looking at the design, the Mercedes-Benz CLA retains some concept - car features, but clearly follows the latest Benz fuel - powered sedan design language.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA's headlamps feature a full-width design, with the embedded "three-pointed star" emblem echoing the concept car.

Notably, the former grille area is now a sealed design (for the electric version), and all "three-pointed stars" on the "big mouth" can light up and display "light language," a nod to the concept car.

The CLA has a drag coefficient of 0.21cd, with dimensions of 4723×1855×1468mm and a wheelbase of 2790mm. These figures apply to the global electric CLA. When the long-wheelbase version launches in China by year-end, the length, wheelbase, and drag coefficient will change.

Thanks to the highly-integrated and compact electric drive unit and short front overhang, the CLA has a 101L front trunk, showcasing its modern electric vehicle design.

In terms of exterior design, the Mercedes-Benz CLA looks like a "more tech - enabled fuel vehicle". Its body size is relatively restrained, unlike Chinese competitors that keep adding features.

This approach has pros and cons. On the positive side, traditional Mercedes-Benz customers are more receptive, and those transitioning from fuel vehicles won't feel a "disconnect" with the electric CLA. However, compared to rivals, the CLA's "new energy vibe" is less pronounced.

Three Electric Systems: Reborn

While the Mercedes-Benz CLA's design may not be as "radical" as Chinese brands', in the three - electric - system field, the electric CLA's key selling point is "matching Chinese rivals". It even leads in some sub - items.

Built on the new MMA platform, the electric CLA has "mainstream" 800V + SiC. It also features a rare two - speed gearbox to enhance high - speed power continuity and optimize energy consumption.

For the battery, Mercedes - Benz only announced an 85kWh ternary lithium - battery version. But per media reports, a 58kWh lithium - iron - phosphate - battery version likely exists for the entry - level SKU.

With the 85kWh battery, the electric CLA has a range of 792km (WLTP) or 850km (CLTC), with an official power consumption of 12.2kWh / 100km.

A key MMA platform selling point is low power consumption and good range. The CLA's 85kWh battery delivering around 800km of range is top - notch. Even considering range loss, it still offers over 700km, reliable for long trips.

The electric CLA supports a peak charging power of 320kW (10 minutes for 325km of range), with a charging rate close to 4C. Though slightly inferior to domestic 800V models, this charging ability is acceptable given its range advantage.

In terms of power, the CLA offers rear - wheel - drive (CLA 250 +) and all - wheel - drive (CLA 350 4MATIC) options. The aim of the all - wheel drive isn't for higher performance, but for better driving stability in some versions.

The reason is that the front - axle motor of the CLA's all - wheel - drive version has a low power of 80kW, while the rear - axle motor has 200kW. Both are developed in - house by Mercedes - Benz.

The all - wheel - drive electric CLA, with a combined power of 260kW, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The rear - wheel - drive version does it in 6.6 seconds. These times are average for non - performance electric vehicles.

The CLA's electric drive system has some highlights. For instance, the kinetic energy recovery power can reach as high as 200kW, making the "regeneration" effect more pronounced. Also, the addition of the "DCU" (Disengageable Coupling Unit) allows the front motor to decouple from the wheels, reducing energy consumption and increasing range in certain conditions. This logic is similar to the "intelligent cylinder deactivation" function in some internal combustion engines.

Overall, "high efficiency" and "long range" are the main features of the Mercedes - Benz CLA in the three - electric - system aspect. This also proves that the MMA platform can endow production models with stronger three - electric - system capabilities, thus enhancing their overall competitiveness.

Intelligence: Catching Up

Finally, regarding the electric CLA's intelligence. Mercedes - Benz mentioned in its annual report that developing MB.OS incurred significant costs. As the first project to implement this system, the electric CLA's performance is closely watched.

As officially introduced, the electric CLA brings the 4th - generation MBUX human - machine interface to its smart cockpit. The virtual assistant's conversations are more natural, and the UI interface is redesigned for more intuitive, understandable, and efficient information display.

The electric CLA's intelligence is next. As Mercedes - Benz's first MB.OS project, its performance is watched closely.

The improvement of the voice assistant is due to the support of a "large - model". The electric CLA's voice assistant combines ChatGPT 4o and Bing Search. The upgrade of the visual interaction stems from the cockpit layout change, which leads to a complete redesign of the CLA's cockpit.

The electric CLA has three screens on the dashboard: a 10.25 - inch instrument screen, a 14 - inch central display, and a 14 - inch front - passenger display. These three screens form an "MBUX Super Screen" spanning the entire cabin. Mercedes - Benz's iconic round air vents are on both ends, as decoration.

Given current information, MB.OS's ceiling is to "match Chinese new forces". As most brands have integrated "large models" into their voice assistants and offer rich entertainment systems, the new CLA may not have much advantage.

Same with intelligent driving. Mercedes - Benz announced the new CLA would feature "L2++ high - level intelligent driving", enabling map - free NOA in all scenarios. Yet, this only meets the mainstream level of Chinese new - energy vehicles.

Mercedes - Benz said that the "MB.DRIVE" intelligent driving system would be globally launched first in the Chinese market. The intelligent driving system equipped on locally produced models was developed by a "local team".

According to outside sources, this advanced driving assistance system from Mercedes - Benz is provided in cooperation with Momenta. Interestingly, the GAC Toyota Platinum Zhi 3X, launched not long ago, also has the 5.0 version of the end - to - end map - free intelligent driving system provided by Momenta. Is the driving assistance level of the two cars the same?

On the bright side, the intelligence capability of the new CLA from Mercedes - Benz will no longer be a shortcoming. The situation where joint - venture electric vehicles were excluded due to insufficient intelligence in the past will be gone for good.

EV Rivals Decoded: Model 3, SU7, and ET5 Head-to-Head

In China, the main competitors for the new Mercedes - Benz CLA are the Tesla Model 3, Xiaomi SU7, and NIO ET5.

Based on available information, let's evaluate the new CLA's competitiveness against these rivals from the angles of experience and branding.

Experience: Has the Gap Been Closed?

Considerations in the "experience" aspect require a comprehensive review of the basic capabilities mentioned earlier.

Compared to the Tesla Model 3, the electric CLA, with improved three - electric - system and intelligence capabilities, is not only not at a disadvantage, but even has certain advantages.

For example, the Model 3's 400V architecture seems outdated against the CLA's 800V. Its 250kW peak charging power is also less than the CLA's. Tesla's once - proud "range achievement rate" and "energy consumption control" don't seem to lead the CLA by much, assuming the CLA can basically match its promotional claims.

When comparing intelligence aspects, a question mark may arise regarding the comparison between the two - the navigation maps integrated in MB.OS might be on par with the Baidu Maps used on the Model 3.

Regarding intelligent driving, Tesla's FSD has officially launched with a decent basic experience and is continuously improving; Momenta's latest "end - to - end map - free intelligent driving" is of high standard, and the CLA may be on par with Tesla.

The "decisive factor" between the two might be the subscription price for intelligent driving: Mercedes - Benz, being a luxury brand, may not offer a significantly lower cost for activating high - level intelligent driving than Tesla.

In contrast to the Xiaomi SU7, the standard and Pro versions' 400V architecture is a disadvantage compared to the Mercedes - Benz electric CLA, with an objectively existing charging speed gap. While the Xiaomi SU7 is also known for low energy consumption and high range achievement, the Mercedes - Benz electric CLA is not inferior in this aspect.

The Mercedes - Benz electric CLA may have a longer range, even with a smaller battery. In contrast, the Xiaomi SU7, a "C - class car" with a 3,000mm wheelbase, has a size advantage over the electric CLA, including its long - wheelbase version.

The Xiaomi SU7's "intelligence" is likely an advantage. Its "Surge Cockpit" and Xiaomi's "vehicle - home ecosystem" are well - regarded, making it hard for MB.OS to outdo in experience. The Xiaomi HAD driving assistance is also evolving, so the Mercedes - Benz CLA would do well to match it.

Compared to the NIO ET5, another three - box sedan, there's no clear size advantage. With dimensions of 4,790×1,960×1,499mm and a 2,888mm wheelbase, the ET5 is comparable to the electric CLA.

When discussing "NIO's experience", the battery - swap method can't be overlooked. Compared to "charging", "battery - swapping" is more efficient and comfortable, and it's the core advantage of the ET5 over the electric CLA.

In terms of intelligence, the ET5's cockpit experience and smart driving aren't significantly better than the CLA's at present. However, the new ET5 based on the NT2.5 platform will be launched soon, which will add some suspense to the competition between them.

Brand: Advantage to Be Regained

Once its product competitiveness is enhanced, Mercedes - Benz's brand value will stand out. Its brand influence is way above that of Japanese and Korean automakers.

However, Tesla, Xiaomi and NIO, as established new - energy brands, have built user bases, brand reputations and product highlights of their own. They are unlikely to be swayed by Mercedes - Benz's brand impact.

For Tesla, its long - established market presence has made it synonymous with "electric vehicles" for some. The Model 3 emphasizes "technology", while the Mercedes - Benz CLA focuses on "luxury". This positioning difference means the Model 3's potential customers are mostly safe from being lured away.

Xiaomi has become one of the hottest brands in China's auto market, aptly described as having "higher emotional value."

Similar to Tesla, the potential customer base for Xiaomi and Mercedes - Benz likely has minimal overlap, with different needs.

For example, most Xiaomi SU7 buyers are trend - and tech - savvy youngsters, while the Mercedes - Benz CLA targets "Old Money" who see the car as a "social calling card."

Among the three brands, NIO may be the most affected. Positioned as a "luxury brand" since inception with "BBA" as its primary benchmark, NIO faces a stronger Mercedes - Benz brand and a pure - electric CLA that's showing signs of surpassing the ET5 in basic experience. Thus, it's crucial for the updated ET5 to reclaim its experience edge.

But the real concern isn't these three brands. The Mercedes - Benz electric CLA could spell "disaster" for slow - to - electrify second - tier luxury brands and exert significant competitive pressure on Audi and BMW.

Just a Shocking Price Away?

From all the information, the new CLA is indeed Mercedes - Benz's most crucial 2025 launch.

It signifies a comprehensive upgrade in Mercedes - Benz's new - energy vehicle product system. The electric CLA's launch means its pure - electric vehicles shift to more mainstream and high - end platforms, significantly raising the "baseline". Meanwhile, the "EVA" platform for mid - large models will be updated with 800V capability. Then, MMA and EVA will complement each other, marking the end of Mercedes - Benz's electric vehicle "old era".

Also, it shows the MMA architecture's strength and product competitiveness. Horizontal comparisons show that despite only having paper data, the electric CLA's product strength matches the mainstream level of vehicles in its price and class.

With low power consumption and long range, the Mercedes - Benz CLA gains some competitive edges: having few known weaknesses and combining its brand - power advantage, it's already in a favorable position.

The new all - electric CLA from Mercedes - Benz represents a complete product restructure.

Yet, to regain dominance in the new - energy vehicle market, especially in China, there's a crucial missing link: the pricing system must also be restructured.

Now, the biggest unknown is the pure - electric CLA's pricing range.

In reality, the pure - electric CLA only has one viable option: to align with the above - mentioned Chinese competitors, meaning a starting price not exceeding 300,000 yuan.

Only in this way can Mercedes - Benz ensure that the competitiveness of its new - energy models, including the new CLA, isn't disrupted by other factors. The later - stage "50% price cut" for the EQ series models clearly shows there were big problems with the early pricing strategy.

Given its current product competitiveness, if the new CLA can offer a competitive price, could it reshape the new - energy vehicle competition in the Chinese market? And could joint - venture automakers, starting with a new generation of pure - electric models, reclaim their dominance?

The ability to trigger a chain of "butterfly - effect" - like changes is exactly what makes the new Mercedes - Benz CLA appealing.