Series production of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA begins in Germany

Although this has not been officially confirmed, everything points to the production of the new electric CLA having already begun. That is at least what a recent report from a reliable source suggests, one that has earned a certain reputation for its accurate information about the German manufacturer in the past.

If this is true, Mercedes-Benz would be ahead of its initial schedule, and this could mean that reservations for this new electric saloon could open at the end of this very month of April, instead of in mid-June as planned.

In connection with this news, some sources with access to the German plant in Rastatt, Germany, have reportedly confirmed that Mercedes-Benz is currently working to scale up production of the new electric CLA, and has already moved beyond producing test units in small quantities.

The start of series production of the new CLA at the Rastatt plant will also have an effect on activity levels at the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim plant, where the rear-axle drive unit for this electric saloon is manufactured. It is an advanced permanent-magnet electric motor with an integrated two-speed gearbox, designed specifically for the MMA platform. This component, known as the eATS 2.0, is key to the vehicle’s performance.

Staggered launch of the different versions and trim levels

Mercedes-Benz presented the production version of the CLA in mid-March. Sales of the CLA will begin with the rear-wheel-drive 250+ version, capable of offering a WLTP range of up to 792 kilometres using an 85 kWh battery pack, as well as increasing the state of charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 22 minutes thanks to its 800V architecture.

Some time later, Mercedes-Benz is expected to also put on sale the 350 4MATIC version of the new CLA, with all-wheel drive and a combined power output from its two electric motors of 260 kW, sharing the same battery pack.

In Germany, the base price of the CLA 250+ is estimated to be around €51,000, with 17-inch wheels, conventional door handles and manually adjusted seats. The versions with more equipment, which will include retractable electric door handles, electrically adjusted seats and other extras, will obviously cost somewhat more. It should also be noted that the MBUX Superscreen, a standout component of this model, will not be available until August 2025.