Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Opens for Pre-Orders with Over 700km Range

【PCauto】Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has opened pre-registration for the all-new CLA Electric, marking the Southeast Asian debut of the brand’s first fastback coupe built on the MMA all-electric platform.

WLTP Range Tops 700km

The CLA Electric runs on an 800V high-voltage architecture and supports 320kW ultra-fast charging, adding over 300km of range in just 10 minutes. It uses an 85kWh NMC battery pack, delivering a WLTP range of more than 700km.

Official figures show the 320kW peak charging rate can add over 300km of real-world range in just 10 minutes. It’s paired with the second-generation EDU 2.0 electric drive unit, which uses a two-speed gearbox to improve efficiency at high speeds.

On the AWD model, a unique front motor decoupling system can physically disconnect power to the front axle during cruising, cutting energy loss by 8%.

The RWD CLA250+ with EQ Technology produces 272 horsepower and sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds. The flagship CLA350 4Matic with EQ Technology, with dual motors delivering a combined 354 horsepower, drops that time to just 4.9 seconds.

Drag Coefficient Drops to 0.21Cd

The CLA Electric also makes big strides in aerodynamics. Despite being larger than the current gas-powered CLA, it achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.21Cd thanks to an active grille shutter, flush door handles, and full underbody panels. This puts it among the most aerodynamically efficient production cars in the world.

The CLA Electric’s most distinctive exterior feature is its Star Emblem Grille, made up of 142 individually controlled LED lights that create a dynamic welcome display at night.

Its fastback profile has a 28-degree rearward slope, keeping the coupe-like silhouette while increasing the trunk’s opening angle by 40% for better practicality.

Interior Features MBUX Superscreen

The CLA Electric’s digital experience centers on the MBUX Superscreen. It combines three displays: a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and an optional passenger display, all under a single curved glass panel and powered by the new MB.OS operating system.

The system uses a dual AI engine. A virtual assistant with ChatGPT integration can handle complex commands, such as “find a charging station with a children’s play area,” while Google Gemini-based navigation calculates the best charging route in real time.

Another highlight is the built-in Unreal Engine 5, which lets the car run high-quality 3D games when parked.

CLA Electric to be Sold Alongside Current Gasoline CLA (C118)

The CLA Electric, the first compact all-electric model in the Mercedes-Benz EQ lineup for Southeast Asia, will be sold alongside the current gasoline-powered CLA (code C118).

In Malaysia, tax incentives for imported EVs will end in late 2025, which could influence the final pricing strategy. With the current C200 starting at RM296,888, the CLA Electric is expected to be priced between RM300,000 and RM400,000.

CLA Electric’s Key Advantages

The CLA Electric’s rear-wheel-drive version stands out with a 792km range, giving it a clear edge over the BMW i4 eDrive40’s 590km.

Mercedes-Benz’s Kecskemét Factory in Hungary has set an annual quota of 3,000 units for the Southeast Asian market, with 65% reserved for the all-wheel-drive model.

Dealers report that more than 1,500 pre-orders have been received since pre-registration opened. The first cars will be delivered at the Kuala Lumpur Pavilion flagship showroom in the first quarter of 2026.