New Base Model: Mercedes CLA 200 with 58 kWh LFP Battery from 49,421 euro

Mercedes is making efforts to offer the new CLA EQ at a more attractive price in the fierce competition with the Tesla Model 3. Up to now, only two versions were available, both with the larger 85 kWh Li-Ion battery:

• CLA 250+ with a 272 PS rear motor and 85 kWh net Li-Ion battery – 55,859 euro

• CLA 350 4Matic with two motors producing 354 PS and an 85 kWh net Li-Ion battery – 60,381 euro

The new base version comes with a 58 kWh net LFP battery, giving it a WLTP range of 541 km, compared to up to 792 km for the CLA 250+ with the 85 kWh net battery.

Although the CLA 200’s battery has a significantly smaller capacity (27 kWh less) than the CLA 250+, the vehicle is only 10 kg lighter, weighing 2,045 kg versus 2,055 kg for the CLA 250+. The reason is that LFP batteries are about 30% heavier than Li-Ion ones for the same stored capacity.

Even though the 224 PS motor is weaker by 48 PS compared to the CLA 250+, its energy consumption is slightly higher — 12.3 kWh/100 km versus 12.2 kWh/100 km for the CLA 250+.

Nevertheless, a consumption of 12.3 kWh/100 km is efficient, and thanks to it, the WLTP range of 541 km remains respectable.

The lower power also means slower acceleration, with 0–100 km/h taking 7.5 seconds compared to 6.7 seconds for the CLA 250+, though the top speed remains the same at 210 km/h.

Charging power is also lower — 200 kW compared to 320 kW on the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic — but due to the smaller battery, charging time from 10% to 80% is shorter, at 20 minutes versus 22 minutes for the higher models.

The 6,400 euro price difference represents more than 10% compared to the CLA 250+, and its 541 km range is decent. However, the base Tesla Model 3 with a 60 kWh LFP battery and 283 PS motor is almost 10,000 euro cheaper, accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, and has a WLTP range of 554 km.