Test review DrivOlution Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Sport Edition

EV platform of the Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ technology

The MMA platform (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) forms the technological basis of the electric CLA and was developed as an EV-first architecture. This means that the platform has been optimised primarily for electric drive, with efficiency and energy management as core values.

Versions Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ technology  Drive system & battery capacity

Driving modes

The Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ (the fully electric CLA with EQ technology) uses the DYNAMIC SELECT system to select driving modes — this allows you to adjust the character of the car in terms of engine response, steering, regeneration and often also the climate control/emission settings.

Standard driving modes in the CLA EQ

According to the specifications and available information, the electric Mercedes CLA typically offers the following driving modes via DYNAMIC SELECT.

• ECO – maximum efficiency and energy savings

• Comfort – balanced, comfortable tuning for everyday driving

• Sport – more direct accelerator and steering response for a sportier feel

• Individual – self-configurable mode (e.g. sporty driving behaviour + comfortable suspension)

Brake energy recovery – Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ technology

The Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ technology no longer has paddles on the steering wheel. Braking energy recovery is controlled via the DYNAMIC SELECT lever on the steering column.

• Pushing away from the steering wheel → less recuperation (reducing)

• Pull towards the steering wheel → more recuperation (increase)

The CLA with EQ technology is a real glider.

During testing, it is striking how well the brake energy recovery system of the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ is tuned to efficient driving. The CLA EQ excels particularly in D+ mode: when the accelerator pedal is released, the speed remains virtually unchanged, allowing the car to coast or sail exceptionally well. D+ turns the CLA EQ into a real glider — efficient, quiet and surprisingly stable in terms of speed.

The minimal recuperation ensures very low resistance and exceptionally smooth handling, making this mode particularly suitable for country roads and motorways at constant speeds. This enhances the feeling of calm and smoothness while driving. What's more, this translates directly into favourable practical consumption (kWh/100 km) and underlines the efficiency-oriented character of the CLA EQ.

In D− mode, the Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ goes one step further in brake energy recovery. When the accelerator pedal is released, the car slows down progressively to a complete stop, which in practice can be considered a form of one-pedal driving. The driver uses the accelerator pedal to both accelerate and decelerate, while the use of the traditional brake pedal is reduced to a minimum.

It is important to note that during strong recuperation, the brake lights are also activated automatically, which ensures visibility and safety for traffic behind. In urban environments and stop-and-go traffic, D− not only increases driving comfort, but also energy efficiency, by making maximum use of recovered braking energy.

During our test week, we spent a total of 703 kilometres on board the CLA 250+ Sport Edition with EQ technology, spread over 17 registered journeys. Over the entire test route, the on-board computer recorded an average energy consumption of 15.0 kWh/100 kilometres. Based on the usable battery capacity of 85 kWh, this corresponds to a theoretical driving range of approximately 567 kilometres. The average outside temperature during the test period was 8°C, which makes the results particularly relevant for everyday, realistic conditions of use.

Below is an overview of the results achieved per road type and per driving mode, which allow for further refinement of the practical consumption and the driving range derived from it.

?Overview of trip consumption per road type

?Overview of fuel consumption per driving mode

? Range per road type

(85 kWh usable)

? Range per driving mode

(85 kWh usable)

? This is a simulation based on measured average fuel consumption. Actual results may vary depending on temperature, speed, driving style and use of assistance systems.

Joint conclusion – road type & driving mode

When we look at the results by road type and by driving mode together, one clear trend emerges: it is not the selected driving programme, but rather the driving profile and driving style that determine the final energy consumption. The differences between Eco and Comfort remain limited, confirming that the technical efficiency of the powertrain and the way in which the vehicle is used are more decisive than the software settings alone.

By road type, we see that the CLA 250+ with EQ technology performs particularly well at constant speeds. Both on motorways and in mixed driving conditions, fuel consumption figures remain remarkably low, indicating efficient aerodynamics and a powertrain that performs optimally at a steady pace. The best figures are recorded in urban conditions, although this result remains indicative due to the limited number of journeys. Outside the city, fuel consumption is slightly higher, mainly due to variations in speed and acceleration.

?In summary: the CLA 250+ Sport Edition with EQ technology is not a car that relies on one specific driving mode to be efficient. It particularly rewards anticipatory driving behaviour, a constant speed and the smart use of recuperation and coasting, regardless of the type of road. This makes its practical fuel consumption predictable, reproducible and perfectly suitable for everyday and professional use.

? DrivOlution Test Track

In keeping with tradition, we subject every test vehicle to the DrivOlution test track, which consists of urban traffic, suburban roads and motorway use. This fixed and reproducible track allows vehicles to be analysed under comparable and realistic conditions.

During this test, the average outside temperature was 9 °C. To limit the impact of peripheral consumers, the climate control was set manually, without using air conditioning. The car was driven in Eco mode throughout the entire journey, with a focus on efficient energy management and consistent driving style.

Based on the entire test route, we arrive at an average energy consumption of 13.9 kWh/100 km, which confirms the high efficiency and consistent energy management of this test vehicle under realistic driving conditions.

The tables below provide a detailed overview per trip segment, focusing on energy consumption, efficiency, SoC evolution and (theoretical) driving range.

DrivOlution Test Track – key parameters per driving segment

? Note – influence of driving profile and recuperation strategy

It can generally be expected that energy consumption in urban traffic is lower than outside the city, mainly due to lower speeds and frequent regeneration. In this test, however, consumption outside the city is slightly more favourable.

This difference is largely attributable to the use of D+, which focuses on maximum coasting/sailing. This driving programme can be used to its full potential on secondary roads, with a smooth speed progression and limited stopping moments. The car maintains its speed for long periods without drive or recuperation losses, resulting in very low actual energy consumption.

In urban traffic, on the other hand, the advantage of regeneration remains, but this is partly offset by frequent acceleration, lower average speeds and more dynamic recalculations of energy management.

This effect was clearly demonstrated during our test route, and underlines that road type and driving strategy are at least as important for efficiency as the classic distinction between urban and extra-urban driving.

Based on fuel consumption, this would correspond to the following driving range:

? Theoretical driving range per trip segment

 (based on 85 kWh usable battery capacity)

? Evolution of SoC & driving range per trip segment

(during driving vs. after stopping)

* After switching off the system

⚡ Efficiency per journey component (km/kWh)

Driving range when restarting - clear difference

*After switching off the system
The displayed driving range is not a fixed value, but a dynamic prediction. When stationary, the system recalculates the driving range based on recent consumption, which explains why the driving range may increase or decrease while the SoC decreases linearly. This results in a different driving range figure. The displayed driving range (GOM – Guess-O-Meter) is a dynamic, algorithmically calculated estimate and not a direct reflection of the remaining battery capacity. For analysis, we therefore primarily use the measured consumption and the SoC evolution.

The CLA 250+ with EQ technology drives particularly pleasantly and immediately feels familiar. Even in Eco mode, it has enough power to move smoothly and relaxed in traffic. The suspension is not overly stiff, which means that comfort clearly takes precedence without completely losing its dynamic character.

Inside, too, a fine balance has been struck between modernity and tradition. The dashboard has not been reduced to a mere smartphone-like driver display with one large screen. The cockpit retains a clear structure and tranquillity, which benefits visibility and driving comfort. At the same time, choices have been made in favour of digitalisation: for example, the touchpad in the centre console has disappeared and all controls are now operated via the central screen.

On a practical level, the CLA offers extra convenience with a frunk of no less than 101 litres, ideal for charging cables or smaller items. The boot space at the rear is 405 litres, but the four-door coupé concept means that the possibilities for further increasing this loading space are rather limited. The same applies to the rear seats: getting into the back can be a little more difficult for taller people, mainly due to the sloping roofline.

All in all, the CLA confirms its character: a stylish, comfortable and efficient electric coupé, in which design and driving comfort clearly take precedence over maximum modularity — entirely in line with the philosophy of Mercedes-Benz.

Safety is clearly part of Mercedes-Benz's DNA, and the CLA with EQ technology is no exception. The car is equipped as standard with the mandatory driver assistance systems in accordance with the applicable GSR regulations. In addition, the driver can choose from three equipment levels: the Advanced Plus package (standard), the Premium package and the Premium Plus package, each offering an increasing level of comfort and driver assistance.

CLA 250+ AMG Line met EQ-technologie - Uitrustingspakketten - Mercedes-Benz Car Configurator

In practice, the driver assistance systems are characterised by progressive and well-calibrated intervention. The coordination of steering, braking and speed assistance is refined, so that the ADAS functions provide clear support without feeling intrusive or corrective. However, speed recognition remains an area of concern: due to limitations in map data and camera interpretation, the displayed speed limit is not completely reliable in all situations. Active monitoring and driver responsibility therefore remain essential.

What does this simulation show?

The graph simulates the theoretical driving range (km) based on:

• actual fuel consumption (kWh/100 km)

• journey length (km)

• usable battery capacity (constant factor in the calculation)

⚠️Important: this is not about measured driving range, but about a mathematical simulation based on actual consumption.

This simulation shows how closely the driving range is linked to actual energy consumption. Under efficient conditions, driving ranges above 600 km are realistically achievable, while cold temperatures and short city trips quickly reduce the range to around 450 km. Road type and trip length appear to be more important factors than the selected driving mode. The results confirm that an efficient driving style and appropriate usage profile are crucial to maximising the battery's potential.

? Summary based on the measurements

(usable battery ≈ 85 kWh – driving range = simulation based on driving consumption)

Measured dispersion

• Driving consumption: from 12.6 to 20.3 kWh/100 km
• Simulated driving range: from ±419 km to ±675 km
• Temperature range: 0.5 °C → 12.5 °C

Over 17 trips, the car demonstrates very broad efficiency potential, with a realistic driving range between ±420 and 670 km, depending on journey length, temperature and road type. 
Short journeys and cold temperatures reduce efficiency, while Eco mode and a smooth driving style – especially outside the city and on motorways – clearly pay off. 
This confirms once again that driving style and context are more decisive than driving mode alone.