I drove the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ for a week — and I can’t believe this luxury EV starts under $50,000

When the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ was revealed last year, I was intrigued on so many levels — but primarily by its shocking $47,250 starting cost. When you test as many of the best electric cars as I do, that price point sounds almost too good to be true.

But after driving the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ for a week, it's completely shattered my expectations of what an affordable luxury EV can be. I thought the Lucid Air Touring and Audi A6 Sportback e-tron were the top contenders in this segment, but I’ve since had a change of heart.

Now, to be fair, the as-tested price goes up to $60,055 — but it comes with extra packages like the DX2 Pinnacle Line, Burmester 3D Surround Sound System, and more. Here’s why the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ is the best affordable luxury EV around.

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2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+: Specifications

2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+: Testing summary

I drove a total of 239 miles during my week of testing the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+, achieving an impressive average efficiency of 4.24 mi/kWh. This surprisingly beats the efficiencies I recorded from the Lucid Air Touring (4 mi/kWh) and Audi A6 Sportback e-tron (3.7 mi/kWh).

Then again, the CLA 250+ is powered by a single 200kW permanently synchronous electric motor that delivers a peak 268 hp. While it’s nowhere near as powerful as those other two luxury sedans, it is vastly more efficient. Normally, I expect efficiency to plummet during highway driving, but the 4.7 mi/kWh average I recorded on one of my long-distance tests proved that isn't the case here.

The CLA 250+ also maximizes slower Level 1 charging at home through a standard 120V outlet. The 4.64 miles of range per hour it averaged beat the Lucid and Audi by a wide margin.

Furthermore, the inclusion of dual native charging ports makes it incredibly convenient to plug in anywhere. Just keep in mind that while the J1772 port covers your Level 1 and Level 2 AC home charging, you'll need to use the NACS port to unlock Level 3 DC fast-charging speeds.

2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+: What I Like

Most efficient luxury EV

When you can afford top dollar for a luxury EV, efficiency is often the least of your worries. Yet, I’m delighted that the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ doesn’t overlook this metric, boasting a class-leading efficiency of 4.24 mi/kWh. The only other EVs with better efficiency I've tested in the last year are the Toyota bZ and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Not only does this incredible efficiency get you much farther on a single charge, but it also means you won't need to stop as frequently to replenish the 85 kWh battery.

Considering how range anxiety continues to be a major concern for electric car buyers, it’s refreshing to know it isn’t an issue here. And when you look at the skyrocketing cost of gasoline, you’ll also save way more in the long run with an EV this efficient.

Impressive auto park assist

One of the more astounding features of the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ is the intuitiveness of its MB.DRIVE Parking Assist package. While other parking tools can feel static, this system utilizes the vehicle's ultrasonic sensors and 360-degree surround-view cameras to make it a breeze to not only visualize a parking spot — but to select it as well.

Once I made a selection, the car automatically took control of the steering wheel and effortlessly guided itself into the spot. I tried it out in a busy parking lot — a scenario that typically makes me nervous — but the parking assist executed the maneuver flawlessly.

Sharp screens

For an “affordable” luxury EV, I was pleasantly surprised by the high-quality MBUX Superscreen that dominates the dashboard. The entire housing is constructed from a single, continuous sheet of glass — consisting of a 10.25-inch driver’s display, a 14-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 14-inch passenger display.

It really is an awe-inspiring view whether you’re the driver or passenger because these screens are sharp, vivid, and offer outstanding viewing angles. You simply don’t get displays of this caliber in an EV at a sub-$50,000 entry point.

Hypnotic lights everywhere

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There’s something mesmerizing about the way the CLA 250+ garners attention at night. It’s not just how the cabin dazzles with the vibrant glow of its interior ambient lighting, but also in the way Mercedes handles the small details.

For example, I love how the front of the car comes to life whenever it's unlocked. The LEDs wrapping around the front bumper illuminate the logo in a way that few other EVs can match, while the dancing startup sequence performed by the headlights is equally hypnotic. Either way, it’s luxury in every sense.

Adaptive cruise control works well

While the sub-$50,000 starting price might suggest standard cruise control, Mercedes-Benz instead uses the CLA 250+ to debut its next-generation MB.DRIVE ASSIST suite. Its adaptive cruise control utilizes radar-based technology to constantly respond to changing road conditions. For instance, when a car suddenly cuts into my lane, the system seamlessly applies the brakes to maintain a safe following distance.

I tested it out during rush hour commutes on the New Jersey Turnpike, and I've got to say that it works confidently. The system is also remarkably gentle when accelerating back up to cruising speed after traffic slows down, making the stop-and-go grind far less stressful. And yes, it can switch lanes automatically as well after activating the turn signal.

2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+: What I don't like

Tight rear legroom

Even though I found the front seats to be spacious and comfortable, there isn’t nearly as much room in the back for passengers. For taller individuals, legroom will likely be a tight squeeze if the front seats are pushed all the way back.

Smaller trunk space

The trade-off for the CLA 250+’s sleek profile and aerodynamic efficiency comes down to utility. While the rear trunk is perfectly adequate for grocery runs and a couple of carry-ons, it’s nowhere near as generous in the amount of space it offers — especially given its lower opening clearance.

In contrast, the Audi A6 Sportback e-tron utilizes a wide-opening hatchback design that completely eclipses the CLA 250+’s cargo capacity. Meanwhile, the Lucid Air Touring takes a traditional sedan approach, but its packaging yields a much deeper trunk space that is far easier to load.

2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+: Verdict

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ changes everything I thought I knew about luxury EVs. While most competitors easily cross the $70,000 threshold, I’m genuinely shocked by how the CLA 250+ undercuts its rivals without drowning in compromises. By delivering a staggering 4.24 mi/kWh efficiency, superb adaptive cruise control, and a jaw-dropping MBUX Superscreen cockpit, Mercedes successfully sets the bar for what an all-electric luxury sedan can achieve at far less.

Of course, that entry-level price tag means you will have to accept a few trade-offs — like how it’s not as powerful as pricier models, and how it suffers from tighter rear seat legroom and a smaller trunk. However, if your daily routine values an intuitive software experience, hassle-free automated parking, and incredible highway range over pure muscle and cargo room, the CLA 250+ is easily the most compelling and complete affordable luxury EV on the market today.

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