The Mercedes-Benz CLA debuts the EQ Power variant: more than 60 kilometres of range in EV mode and a price of €44,850

The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLA arrived bringing the brand’s latest technological wave, which is also reflected in its compact siblings. However, the four-door coupé has not wanted to forget the clear mechanical advance this second wave of vehicles has experienced, which is why the CLA includes an EQ-badged variant among its options. But what do these letters refer to? To a plug-in hybrid designed to offer the perfect balance between performance, efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Indeed, the brand’s most modest range currently includes EQ variants among its powertrains, which add an electric motor capable of meeting different needs. The CLA has been the last to join and the last to land in Spain, where we already know the outlay potential owners will have to face.

But before talking figures, let’s focus on what this curious variant hides, one that uses the designation which, until recently, was used to power the electric models of Mercedes. At first, the engineers at the star’s home brand use the same engine that powers the CLA 200; that is, a four-cylinder petrol engine capable of delivering 160 CV and 230 Nm of torque.

However, the EQ badge gives them enough latitude to modify the mechanical layout and add a second powertrain capable of changing the rules of the game. Thanks to the electric motor, the CLA 250 e EQ Power finds itself in a position to deliver 218 CV and 450 Nm of torque, figures that allow it to cover 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds – 6.9 if we opt for the Shooting Brake variant.

According to the WLTP homologation cycle, it will be possible to travel between 60 and 69 kilometres in electric mode with the CLA Coupé, a capacity that decreases slightly to 58–68 kilometres of range if you choose the estate version. That said, a charge of 1 hour and 45 minutes using alternating current and a 7.4 kW wallbox will be necessary to enjoy EV mode, a time that can be reduced to 25 minutes if we use a direct current charging point at 24 kW.

But what is the price to pay to enjoy this new offering from Mercedes-Benz? If we choose the CLA 250 e Coupé, we will have to face an outlay of €44,850, a figure that rises to €46,000 if our choice is the CLA 250 e Shooting Brake.