Mercedes launches ambitious new EV to rival BMW and Audi – boasting 800 MILE range with just 20 minutes of charging

MERCEDES has launched an ambitious new electric vehicle to rival the BM2 Series Gran Coupe and the Audi A3 saloon.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA boasts a 789 mile (1,270km) range with just two 10-minute charging stops.

Although a good match for the BMW and the Audi, both have lower price points and more space than the CLA.

However, the new CLA’s hefty 85kWh battery and 800V electrical architecture allows it to charge at lightening speed.

It can “add 186 miles (300km) in 10 minutes”, Mercedes claim.

Under test conditions at the Nardo Technical Centre in southern Italy, the CLA reached a total of 2,309 miles in 24 hours.

During the 24-hour stint it was charged “40 times” for “10 minutes”, Timo Stegmaier, the senior manager for the CLA’s electric drive system revealed.

However, as the car maintained such a high average speed during this time frame, it didn’t reach its certified 466-mile WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) range.

In normal conditions, it’s more likely to accomplish its quoted 186 miles in 10 minutes.

The four-door coupe also boasts a gleaming range of interior technology.

Some of its technical highlights include active lane assist, active brake assist and a parking system that helps the driver park in and out of forward and reverse spaces.

It also has a range of interior comforts such as electrically-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function.

Plus a keyless-go package which enables users to open or lock their vehicle by simply pressing the door handle.

This comes with a hands-free access feature that allows users to open the boot lid by executing a kicking motion beneath the bumper.

The driver and passenger can also enjoy thermometric automatic climate control, allowing them to choose temperatures independently.

Another comfort highlight is the seat package, which allows users to find a personal and ergonomic setting.

In the back of the car, side airbags offer protection to the chest area of the passengers in the event of a severe side impact.

And lastly, the CLA boasts two notable suspension features such as the suspension with adaptive damping, and the dynamic select.

The suspension with adaptive damping enables the user to choose between maximum agility and high damping comfort.

While the dynamic select offers different driving modes which determine settings for the engine, transmission, suspension and steering.

The exterior of the car features a new front design with a forward-slanting front end and a redesigned front apron and power domes on the bonnet.

It also offers a new radiator grille with a three-dimensional Mercedes-Benz pattern.

A panoramic sliding roof gives users extra brightness and a more spacious feel.

Each of the cars four doors are also frameless, and the coupe roof design emphasises a sleek and sporty look.

The athletic theme continues toward the rear of the car with a new diffuser look and new LED rear lamps.

And finally, to show off its individual look, the CLA boasts new 19 inch light-alloy wheels that are aerodynamically optimised.

The CLA is set to arrive later in 2025 but Mercedes has revealed the multi-fuel MMA platform would see the CLA offered with a hybrid powertrain in 2026.