The Mercedes CLA offers the best EVs at a mid-range price

Despite headwinds from the current movement, automakers continue to release well-equipped EVs with larger battery packs and faster speeds. For those who want to go a long way between plugging, the future is still bright, just a little bit bleak.

But there haven’t been many sedans starting around or under $50,000, as crossover SUVs have taken over that segment. Now, Mercedes-Benz has released a CLA compact sedan that ticks every box on top for the 2026 and 2027 model year, and throws in some nice interior features and fun driving dynamics for good measure.

The CLA with EQ Technology (Mercedes’ term for “EV”) is based on its latest MMA platform—the driving version, not the fighting version—and comes in two models: CLA250 Plus and CLA350 4Matic.

All of them carry 85 kWh batteries, 800V construction, high-speed power of 320 kW, and the ability to go from 10-80 percent of charge in just 22 minutes at the maximum level. The 250 Plus uses only the rear engine to deliver 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, which will propel its 4,553-pound size to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds.

The 350 4Matic uses a motor on each axle with 349 and 380, respectively, and its 4,729-pound heft reaches 60 mph in just 4.8. The 250 Plus has an EPA-estimated 374 miles, while the 350 4Matic travels 62 less. Prices start at $48,500 and $51,850, respectively.

The latest CLA is called a compact sedan, but it’s spacious inside. I found the front headroom in my 350 4Matic tester to be rather comfortable for my six-foot-three height, and I dug its driving position; the telescopic steering wheel could be brought closer to a sports car, the overall look was good, and the AMG Line sports seats were very comfortable.

The rear rear cabin was a little too restrictive but good for regular occupants. The combined cargo room reaches 11.7 cubic feet, while 1.4 is in the frunk—that’s right, it’s not fun and not the cold wires and hoses down there.

The CLA is the first model to get the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS0). In particular, this makes over-the-air updates more seamless, which the brand says will be useful in updating its driver management software over time. Customization also appears to be high on MB’s list of pride as the latest, sixth MBUX software-the way to enter user software, as opposed to MB.OS0 being the basis of the entire car’s software-provides the ability to change themes, interior lighting, and more, easily.

Although, getting more is not possible without the standard Pinnacle Line ($5,850). This allowed my tester to have a deep interior lighting, wireless charging, head-up display, Burmester 3D surround sound, zone automatic climate control, among other goodies.

The Superscreen option – three separate, large screens placed together – covering most of the range was easy to find. Knowing what to do to quickly change transitions, music, and more, had a learning curve, and the software’s voice assistant filled in every gap well. Sleep was nothing, though. Even a better adjustment like the available ambient light was a bit difficult, and, at night, the exhaust ventilation blocked the side mirrors where I sat.

Driving a Mercedes-Benz CLA350 4Matic EV

Sporting a solid EV with a 0.21 coefficient of drag, I was impressed with how well the CLA could achieve 300 miles on a single charge. My week was a good mix of city and highway traffic, with a weekend trip to the mountains above Southern California thrown in for good measure; 4,200 feet of elevation gain and loss. Starting my trip at 85 percent, I still had about 150 miles left – after 175 miles and 0.225 kWh per mile.

Taking advantage of the revs and Mercedes’ MB DriveAssist ($1,950 option) certainly helped. (Quick note: this was not an SAE Level 2 stand-alone model MB DriveAssist Pro (route $3,950), which, as of this writing, it doesn’t seem to exist yet on the CLA.) The DriveAssist standard was easy to toggle and drive well as long as I was not behind someone who could not have a constant speed. Or hit their brakes for no reason. With a light foot and less travel, traveling more than 325 miles on a tree would have been possible.

Unlike other manufacturers who hide adjustable braking in menus (BMW), the CLA’s can be adjusted via paddle shifters and allow for single-wheel drive. The on-road stability felt good, and the hard drive was, well, strong. But commendable, especially considering German manufacturers have avoided OPD in the past.

Finally, the CLA350 had good overall handling for a bold entry, including respectable handling and chassis control on twisty roads. I could feel its vibration on mid-corner bumps especially over black cobbles, as well as clearance under larger bumps and driveways that were almost demanding. But overall, almost every day hiker or roadtripper won’t have much trouble. It will be interesting to see if Mercedes’ AMG division will offer the Benz’s lower transmission kits, stiffer spring rates, and other chassis-strengthening tweaks one day.

The best EVs at a reasonable price

Interesting: almost new cars are less than $50,000. Considering the 2027 Mercedes CLA 350 4Matic and its smaller sibling the 250+ are right here, they pack a solid charge and variety, and the former is nice and comfortable to drive, it has a lot.

Although, to have the latest MB experience, it requires advanced options.