Mercedes CLA EQ first drive: standout efficiency in the city, with a charging caveat
Caught in afternoon rush hour through Germany’s Ruhr area, the Mercedes CLA EQ surprised with sip-like energy use. In dry 16° C (61° F) stop-and-go traffic, we saw roughly 13 kWh per 100 km. Translated, that’s about 209 Wh per mile or close to 4.8 miles per kWh—strong numbers that make a city range of around 600 km (373 miles) feel realistic.
Out on a short Autobahn stint, including a run to its 210 km/h (130 mph) top speed, consumption rose to 20 kWh per 100 km. Drive more defensively and you can likely shave that figure down, but it’s still respectable given the speeds involved.
Charging is where the CLA EQ flexes its tech—and shows a current limitation. Thanks to an 800-volt architecture, the car supports up to 320 kW DC fast charging, with a factory claim of 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes. We couldn’t verify that on our brief drive, but on paper it’s competitive with the quickest-charging EVs. At home or work, AC charging is 11 kW as standard, with an optional 22 kW onboard charger available for €654 if you want faster top-ups on compatible three-phase setups.
The catch: as of now, the CLA EQ cannot charge at 400-volt DC stations unless you add an upcoming option due early next year. The navigation system knows this and will route you away from incompatible stops, but without the 400-volt capability, you’ll miss out on many common 50 kW public chargers—like those often found at supermarkets—and most Tesla charging locations in Germany. For reference, a similar 400-volt charging option on the new Mercedes GLC EQ is priced at €654.
What it means for everyday driving
– In urban traffic, the CLA EQ is exceptionally efficient, making long city range realistic.
– On highways, efficiency remains decent, with room to improve by moderating speed.
– Fast charging potential is excellent on compatible 800-volt infrastructure.
– Until the 400-volt option arrives, plan routes around stations that support the car’s current capability.
– Upgrading to the 22 kW AC charger can be worthwhile if you regularly use higher-powered AC points.
Bottom line: the Mercedes CLA EQ blends impressive real-world efficiency with cutting-edge 800-volt charging. Just be aware of the present 400-volt compatibility gap when mapping long trips—an issue that should be solvable once the optional hardware becomes available.
