The All-New 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA dynamic red
Mercedes have just revealed the new CLA model for 2025. Let’s look at the significant changes Mercedes has made to this car and see if it would be a suitable purchase if you were in the market for a sleek, modern compact sedan.
According to Mercedes, the new CLA offers five key things to its customers: space, refinement, comfort, intelligence, and efficiency. The car is labelled “the cleverest car Mercedes-Benz ever made.” So, what exactly makes it the cleverest car of the lot? And does the CLA back up its five key offers?
Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS)
Mercedes have developed their in-house Operating System, and the CLA will be the first vehicle to fully operate this technology.
The MB.OS is a unified control system, which can unify various vehicle functions into one integrated platform. This allows for easier updating and enhancement of the car’s software through over-the-air updates, allowing the CLA to improve and evolve, keeping it attractive for years to come.
The MB.OS is powered by an Artificial Intelligence design and thus marks the start of the fourth generation of MBUX. The new MBUX is the first system to integrate artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google. The system can learn and adapt to the driver’s preferences over time and respond to emotions and natural language commands.
The AI virtual assistant is similar to an Amazon Alexa or Google Gemini as Google is used to power the software, it is well-versed in navigation-related questions, a simple “Hey Mercedes!” will begin the dialogue and the assistant will respond accordingly to your emotions. I suppose it is better than your typical back seat driver.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA interior and screens.
The car to conquer Tesla?
Let’s talk batteries. The all-electric CLA 250+ models are equipped with the top variant of lithium-ion battery with a usable energy content of 85 kWh, this allows for 492 miles of driving range, making it the longest-range EV in the UK. The Tesla Model S Long Range only offers up to 410 miles of range.
The CLA features a two-speed gearbox, the first gear provides excellent acceleration from the get-go and the second gear allows for power delivery at high speeds and high efficiency on the motorway, this ensures maximum levels of comfort and range.
With Direct Current (DC) fast charging, the 2025 CLA should support high charging speeds. It is expected to support 350 kW DC Fast Charging, which can recharge the battery from 10% to 80% in around 20-30 minutes. This, of course, relies on you finding a suitable charging station to support this level of charging speed.
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA dynamic red
No need to stick with electric
Models such as the CLA 250 4MATIC come with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and provides a punchy 221 horsepower. You can also take a look at upgrading to an AMG performance model, for even more power. Because that’s what we all want right?
The CLA 35 AMG has a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 with an output of 302 horsepower and around 400Nm of torque. The CLA 35 AMG is equipped with AMG’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8-speed transmission, offering quick gear shifts and a dynamic driving experience.
If you fancy edging a little higher and opting for something with even more power, perhaps the CLA 45 AMG is more to your liking. With an output of 382 horsepower and 480Nm of torque, it is a step above the CLA 35 AMG. It is also equipped with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and AMG’s Ride Control sport suspension allowing for precise control on the roads.
We are not done there. There’s also the CLA 45 S AMG, the top-of-the-range performance model. The 45 S AMG has a power output of an eye-watering 416 horsepower and 500Nm of torque. It has a 0-60mph of around 3.7 seconds. It is paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch and dynamic select to adjust driving modes.
Drft 3 and 3 ✅ ❌
Here are DRFT’s 3 reasons to consider opting for the brand-new Mercedes-Benz CLA and 3 reasons why you should hesitate to make that purchase:
✅ - Cutting-edge technology thanks to the implementation of the MB.OS and the MBUX systems, powered by AI.
✅ - Excellent range and charging with EV and hybrid models.
✅ - Exhilarating performance, especially with the AMG models.
❌ - High price points. With the price for the basic models rising to £32,650 from the outgoing model’s price. The 45 S AMG, starting at £58,145
❌ - Compact size and limited rear space. Don’t expect to be able to fill up the boot or be greeted with a load of space at the rear of the car. It has limited practicality.
❌ - The sporty suspension and handling can make for a firm ride, although there are other drive modes available, this may not be suitable for everyone.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is here in 2025, and love it or hate it, it is here to take some names, mainly Tesla. I am a big fan of the new technology introduced to the car to keep it fresh and evolving as time goes on, and although I do like the AMG performance models, my preference would lean towards an Audi S3.
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