CLA 250 e Shooting Brake | Plug-in progress
We’re not particularly hiding our love for Mercedes’ plug-ins.
As with any upcoming development, the rough edges disappear in later iterations. And so is the case with Mercedes’ latest plug-in hybrids. The second generation, if you like. The new CLA 250 e that we drove in the form of a Shooting Brake is one of those finely ground hybrids.
To come straight to the point: the 1332 cc petrol engine still isn’t fantastic. It’s good enough to fulfil its job, but its characteristic and unpleasant sound will never be very likeable. But if the engine isn’t all that good, why was I praiseful about the hybrid driveline then you might wonder? It’s because it’s a joy to live with in the real world.
Double life
The CLA 250 e offers fast charging and a respectable electric range of more than 70 kilometers. This combination effectively turns the CLA into a car that the driver can use as a proper EV. Regular AC charging is still possible of course, but the addition of 24 kW DC charging makes all the difference. Fast charging takes away the issue of long charging times, as can be experienced with regular AC charging. This means that you can drive home electric after a supermarket trip, for example. This revamping in the PHEV-principle is what sets the latest plug-ins apart from earlier cars. Although the CLA doesn’t hide its double life as, let’s say, an E-class, the added benefits are significant. Its 15,6 kWh battery hides nicely under the trunk floor, which is a bit higher up than usual.
The newly developed 8-speed dual clutch is an improvement over the previous 7-speed and works seamlessly with the EQ-power system. In this configuration, the front wheels are tortured with a combined power output of 218 bhp and 450 Nm of torque. In the wet, this puts the traction control system to the proof, though it’s nowhere near as bad as the traction issues Beau experienced in the GTE. On the plus side, the PHEV driveline makes the CLA perform effortlessly in normal driving.
Driving electric is possible with speeds up to 140 kph, but the car quickly decides that its more efficient to throw the petrol engine into gear then. Even without charging in between trips, the fuel economy is decent at around 5,5 l/100km. A lot of thinking happens in the background and the driver isn’t even aware of it in the slightest. Also the regeneration is very effective, which provides good fuel economy when you leave with an empty battery.
Dynamic nature
As always, the driver can opt for a wide range of driving modes, ranging from eco to sport. The plug-in CLA received a few more flavors in the form of a fully electric mode and a battery level mode. The CLA is quite a dynamic car and the 250 e driveline contributes to it. Sport mode sharpens things up and straight-line performance is decent, but I never found myself pushing the car to its limits. Peak torque is super low in the rev-range at around 1600 rpm, which makes high revs feel a bit unnecessary and unsatisfactory. The steering is nicely weighted and precise.
That dynamic nature is a motif that expresses itself all around the car. Not only does the CLA 250 e handle good, its sharp lines, optional alcantara-like upholstery and red stitching complete the package. The seating position is near perfect and the dashboard is nicely designed around the double screen MBUX-system central piece, as always. Although the material choice is a little insufficient, this interior surrounds the driver and passengers in an exquisite place that looks more expensive than it actually is. Speaking of the passengers, the rear seats of this Shooting Brake offer decent amounts of head room for the taller people.
The CLA Shooting Brake is a bit of a stranger in our midst, but somehow this design just works. From any angle this car looks good and, although subjective, I’ve never really had this feeling for the first generation CLA. The CLA clearly is positioned as the stretched, stylish twin of the A-class with its sloping lines and frameless doors. The design does help hiding its size, as I was surprised to find out that this car is actually longer than a C-class. The one thing that felt as a compromise was the high shoulder line of the car that makes it look good but takes away some of the view out.
Verdict
The CLA is a popular car and you can see why. The 250 e definitely ups the game in the plug-in world and shows off the progress Mercedes has made over the past few years. Apart from the badges and two fuel filler caps, you can’t distinguish this hybrid. The integration of the EQ-system is done well, resulting in hardly noticing anything while driving. Besides that, the Shooting Brake adds that bit of practicality over the CLA coupe. Moreover the re-designed rear end improves the looks, it you ask me. If you’re considering the CLA in any form, don’t hesitate to shortlist the CLA 250 e.