Mercedes-Benz begins accepting orders in Europe for a more affordable version of the CLA, priced below 50 thousand euros

Just a few months after the new CLA went on sale last summer, Mercedes-Benz has decided to expand the range of available versions of this electric saloon by accepting orders for the CLA 200, a more economical alternative aimed at all those customers with a somewhat tighter budget.

With a starting price in Spain of 48,250 euros, this more affordable version represents a saving of just over 11 thousand euros compared with the CLA 350 4MATIQ with EQ Technology at the top of the range, and almost 6,500 euros compared with the 250+ version with EQ Technology that was previously on sale.

To achieve this reduction in selling price, the CLA 200 comes equipped with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that offers a somewhat more limited range but, on the other hand, stands out for its durability and safety. With a net capacity of 58 kWh, this battery pack can cover up to 541 km on a single charge under the WLTP homologation cycle. This makes it a suitable solution for everyone who mainly makes medium-distance journeys. This model also stands out for its efficiency, with 12.3 kWh consumed per 100 km driven.

Really fast at the charging point

When charging at a DC fast-charging point, the CLA 200 supports a maximum power of 200 kW, making it possible to increase the state of charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes. Although the charging power supported by this more affordable version of the electric saloon from Mercedes-Benz is considerably lower than that of the higher versions, which reach 320 kW, the smaller battery capacity allows a charge to be completed in a similar period of time, making the CLA 200 a genuinely practical alternative for all those who tend to make short but frequent charging stops during their journeys.

As for its technical specifications, the CLA 200 integrates a single electric motor on the rear axle capable of delivering up to 165 kW of power, which allows it to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in 7.5 seconds, with its top speed electronically limited to 210 km/h. Although, as expected, the performance of this new, more affordable version is lower than that of the higher versions, it is in fact more than sufficient for the vast majority of drivers, who will not be left in the least bit dissatisfied.

Finally, it should be noted that the German manufacturer plans to launch a fourth version of the new electric CLA, possibly under the name CLA 250, which will presumably offer a slightly higher estimated range, around 700 km, but the same power of 200 kW. Although for the moment this is nothing more than speculation, as no official data exists.