Summary
The Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ is a mid-sized electric saloon and estate that became available to order in the UK in Autumn 2025.
Replacing the second-generation CLA range, this EQ line-up is part of the latest third-generation CLA model line-up which also includes hybrid versions which we will cover separately.
Built on the German manufacturer’s latest 800V architecture, the ‘CLA with EQ Technology’ has been given a warm welcome by the British motoring media, picking up two Awards from outlet Parkers after launch with reviewer Keith Adams concluding that the saloon offers “exceptional real-world range, a beautifully finished interior and one of the best infotainment systems currently fitted to a compact EV.”
“Blimey, it’s lovely”, says Electrifying.com’s Tom Barnard. “It really does feel like a much more premium prospect even than a Polestar 2 – never mind a Tesla Model 3.” Top Gear’s Tom Ford describes the sub-£50k EV as a “eminently sensible spaceship”, pointing to the car’s “monster range and dazzling efficiency”, but adds that it lacks driving character, “even for an EV”, concluding that it’s “a bit vanilla to drive”.
As of November 2025, the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 71%. The saloon and estate range is yet to be assessed by crash testers Euro NCAP, which has the potential to alter this score in the coming months.
CLA EQ highlights
- Class-leading battery range and efficiency
- Comfortable and refined driving experience
- Excellent on-board tech
- Well-built, practical interior
CLA EQ lowlights
- Rather cramped rear seats for adults
- Not yet compatible with older 400V chargers
- Some cheaper plastic interior trimmings
- Not all that exciting to drive
Key specifications
Body style: Mid-sized saloon and estate
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £45,615 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2025
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of November 2025, the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ has not been assessed by Euro NCAP.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of November 2025, the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ has not been assessed by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the CLA EQ is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 462 miles | A |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 4.8 m/KWh | A |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 41 | D |
The Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The car’s average estimated battery range of 462 miles is excellent when compared to rivals in the mid-sized EV class, thanks to the CLA EQ’s class-leading electrical efficiency (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon for a petrol or diesel car) of 4.8 miles per KWh. As you might expect of a Mercedes-Benz however, the car’s predicted insurance costs are much higher than the average electric car.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of November 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the CLA EQ, we’ll publish the results here.
Warranty rating
New car warranty information for the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ
| New car warranty duration | 3 years |
| New car warranty mileage | Unlimited miles |
| Battery warranty duration | 8 years |
| Battery warranty mileage | 100,000 miles |
The Mercedes-Benz new car warranty is better than average, and better than rival brands in a similar price bracket as the CLA EQ.
The duration is three years, with no limit on mileage. In addition to the standard new car warranty, the CLA EQ has an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ
As of November 2025, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ. However, recall information is updated very regularly, so this may have changed.
You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Mercedes-Benz dealer.
Awards
Significant UK trophies and awards that the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ has received
2025
- Carwow Awards – Outstanding EV Award
- Parkers Awards – Best Company Car + Disruptor of the Year
- Top Gear Awards – Best Saloon
Similar cars
If you’re looking at a new or used Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A6 e-tron | BMW i4 | BYD Seal | DS Nº8 | Genesis GV60 | Hyundai Ioniq 6 | Kia EV6 | MG IM5 | Polestar 2 | Tesla Model 3 | Volkswagen ID.7 | Volvo ES90
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-Benz CLA range at The Car Expert
Buy a Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ
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Lease a Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ
If you’re looking to lease a new Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
