Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has officially introduced the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ electric, bringing a new generation of electric performance, efficiency and digital technology to the Malaysian market.
Priced at RM274,888 for Peninsular Malaysia, the new CLA 250+ electric combines a sleek fastback design with an 85 kWh usable battery, an impressive WLTP driving range of up to 792 km and a 200 kW (272 hp) electric motor. It is also the first Mercedes-Benz model to operate entirely on the company’s new Mercedes-Benz Operating System, or MB.OS.
The CLA’s electric powertrain is one of its most significant highlights. Unlike many EVs that rely on a single-speed transmission, the CLA 250+ electric uses a two-speed transmission on the rear axle. The first gear uses a short 11:1 ratio to deliver strong initial acceleration and efficiency in urban driving, while the second gear, with a 5:1 ratio, is designed for higher-speed performance and improved highway efficiency.
This combination allows the CLA to balance performance with long-distance efficiency. The sedan can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h, while consuming as little as 12.3 kWh/100 km under the WLTP cycle. Supporting the drivetrain is an 800-volt electrical architecture, which enables DC charging at up to 320 kW. Under suitable charging conditions, the CLA can add up to 325 km of range in just 10 minutes, while a 10-to-80 percent DC charging session takes approximately 22 minutes. Mercedes-Benz has also integrated MB.CHARGE Public into the vehicle, allowing charging authentication through the Mercedes-Benz App, with charging sessions automatically billed through the service.
Beyond its electric drivetrain, the CLA represents a major technological shift for Mercedes-Benz. It is the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to run entirely on MB.OS, the company’s in-house operating system. Designed around a chip-to-cloud architecture, the system brings together infotainment, comfort, driving and charging functions while allowing Mercedes-Benz to update vehicle software over the air.
The system also enables the fourth generation of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), with a new MBUX Virtual Assistant capable of handling more natural, multi-turn conversations. Artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google is integrated into the system, while Google’s Gemini-powered Automotive AI Agent can provide navigation-related information using data from Google Maps.
Rather than simply responding to individual commands, the system is designed to retain conversational context and switch between different AI agents depending on the subject. The virtual assistant is represented visually by the Mercedes-Benz star, which can change its animations and colours to provide feedback during interactions. Navigation has also been developed around Google Maps, while Mercedes-Benz Navigation with Electric Intelligence calculates routes with charging stops and continuously adapts to traffic conditions, driving behaviour and battery energy requirements.
The CLA 250+ electric also introduces a fresh interpretation of Mercedes-Benz’s design language. Its fastback silhouette, long 2,790 mm wheelbase and short overhangs give it a sporty stance, while the GT-inspired rear emphasises its performance-oriented character. The front end features a distinctive shark-nose design and an illuminated panel incorporating the Mercedes-Benz star alongside 142 chrome-effect stars. The illuminated front panel can display different welcome and farewell animations, while the MULTIBEAM LED headlights feature daytime running lights shaped like the Mercedes-Benz star.
At the rear, star-shaped taillights are connected by a full-width light band. The high-gloss black rear diffuser has also been aerodynamically optimised, while the 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels complement the AMG Line exterior. Flush-fitting door handles, frameless doors and compact exterior mirrors further contribute to the car’s streamlined appearance. The new CLA is 4,723 mm long, making it around 40 mm longer than its predecessor. Its wheelbase has also grown by more than 60 mm, providing additional room inside the cabin.
Inside, Mercedes-Benz has taken a more minimalist approach, replacing the previous sculptural design with a cleaner layout centred around technology. The main attraction is the floating MBUX Superscreen, which stretches across the width of the dashboard. It houses a 10.25-inch driver display alongside two 14-inch screens for the central infotainment system and front passenger.
The centre console appears to float beneath the screen, incorporating storage, cup holders and a wireless smartphone charging cradle. Meanwhile, the AMG Line interior and AMG Line Sports Seat Package add a more performance-focused character to the cabin. The sports seats are upholstered in ARTICO man-made nappa-look leather and MICROCUT microfibre, while the multifunction sports steering wheel features simplified capacitive controls designed to make operation more intuitive.
Another major feature is the large panoramic glass roof, which extends from the windscreen towards the rear without a central brace. Heat-insulating glass and specialised coatings help manage solar radiation while eliminating the need for a conventional roller blind. The larger exterior dimensions also translate into more interior space, with additional legroom for the front occupants and increased headroom in both rows.
Despite its sleek fastback profile, the CLA 250+ electric retains a useful degree of practicality. For the first time on a modern Mercedes-Benz, the model features a 101-litre front trunk, or frunk, which can accommodate items such as a charging cable or small luggage. The conventional rear luggage compartment provides a further 405 litres of cargo capacity.
Mercedes-Benz has also equipped the CLA with a newly developed three-link front axle and multi-link rear suspension. The setup is designed to provide a combination of precise steering response, comfort and stability, bringing suspension technology traditionally associated with larger Mercedes-Benz models into this segment.
Safety remains another key aspect of the new CLA. Mercedes-Benz has developed the vehicle with the aim of making it one of the safest cars in its class, with the centre airbag fitted as standard for the first time in this segment. The equipment list also includes MB.DRIVE, MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, KEYLESS-GO, VISION CONTROL and a selfie and video camera.
Sustainability has been considered in the cabin as well. Recycled materials are used extensively throughout the sports seats, including recycled PET in the upholstery backing and 100-percent recycled material for the MICROCUT microfibre. The floor covering also uses Econyl yarn made entirely from recycled material.
With the CLA 250+ electric, Mercedes-Benz is clearly aiming to make electric mobility about more than simply replacing an internal-combustion powertrain. Its combination of a long driving range, high-speed charging, two-speed electric drivetrain and sophisticated suspension gives the CLA the hardware to cover long distances, while MB.OS and the latest MBUX system introduce a much more software-focused approach to the driving experience.
For Malaysian buyers, the RM274,888 CLA 250+ electric therefore represents a significant step forward for Mercedes-Benz’s electric portfolio, combining efficiency and practicality with the technology and design expected from the three-pointed star.
The all-new CLA is also only part of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s broader electric expansion. The company has opened pre-bookings for the upcoming all-new electric GLC, alongside the facelifted S-Class, signalling that the CLA is the beginning of a wider rollout of its next generation of vehicles.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ electric is covered by a four-year manufacturer warranty, while customers opting for the Agility+ plan can access monthly repayments starting from RM2,988, along with additional benefits including an extended warranty, service packages and guaranteed future value.
