- New Mercedes-Benz CLA has arrived in New Zealand, bringing a choice of EV and hybrid powertrains.
- The new car features a next-gen OS that uses AI-powered voice control, OTA updates and the MBUX Superscreen.
- Prices start at $82,000 for the CLA 220 EV and rise to $93,900 for the CLA 220 4matic hybrid.
The latest-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is now available to order in New Zealand, with the German brand offering two distinct powertrain options for its compact four-door coupe.
The new range comprises the fully electric CLA 200, priced from $82,000, and the petrol-hybrid CLA 220 4MATIC, which starts at $93,900. The arrival marks the first time the CLA has been offered with a fully electric powertrain in New Zealand, with both models built on Mercedes-Benz's new modular platform designed to accommodate battery-electric and electrified combustion drivetrains.
The entry-level CLA 200 electric uses a rear-mounted electric motor producing 165kW and 335Nm, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds. Packing a new-generation battery delivering a WLTP-tested range of up to 470km, with combined energy consumption rated at 14.4kWh/100km, the CLA 200 also uses a two-speed transmission that is designed to optimise both acceleration and efficiency at higher speeds.
The electric CLA also features an 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing DC fast charging at up to 320kW under suitable conditions. New Zealand-specification models also come with a DC converter as standard, allowing the vehicle to use 400-volt charging infrastructure.
For buyers who aren't quite ready to make the full electric switch, the CLA 220 4Matic combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to produce 140kW and 300Nm, with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission incorporating an electric motor. The system can provide electric-only driving at urban speeds when less than 20kW of power is required.
The CLA 220 also gets all-wheel drive as standard, with a 0-100km/h time of 7.1 seconds and claimed combined fuel consumption of 5.7l/100km.
Both models introduce Mercedes-Benz's new MB.OS operating system, which makes its debut in the CLA and brings a considerably more sophisticated digital experience by incorporating an AI-powered voice assistant drawing on ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Bing technologies, allowing drivers to interact with the car using more natural, conversational commands.
The cabin is dominated by the MBUX Superscreen, combining a 10.25-inch digital instrument display with a 14-inch central touchscreen. A further 14-inch passenger display is available, while over-the-air updates are also supported, including updates for vehicle and safety systems, and passengers can access streaming services including Netflix and Disney+.
Both models come with a panoramic glass roof, heated front seats, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, facial recognition and a 360-degree camera with parking assistance as standard.
The CLA 220 4Matic includes a more extensive equipment specification, with the MBUX Superscreen, head-up display, multibeam LED headlights, and a Burmester surround sound system among its standard features. However, these items are available on the electric CLA 200 as part of a $2100 Premium Package, taking its price to $84,100.
The petrol-hybrid model features a traditional grille incorporating Mercedes-Benz star detailing, while the electric version gets an illuminated grille featuring 142 individual LED stars that animate as the driver approaches.
Underneath, the new platform incorporates a three-link front axle and multi-link rear suspension, with Mercedes-Benz promising improvements in steering precision, ride comfort and handling, while safety is also a focus, with a centre airbag fitted as standard for the first time in the segment.
The electric CLA has also achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, recording the highest overall results in the organisation's 2025 testing.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA is available to order online and through New Zealand dealerships now, with customer test drives scheduled to begin in December.
