Mercedes CLA Hybrid, how it goes and how much the German four-seater coupe costs

The third generation Mercedes CLA becomes a mild hybrid thanks to the combination of the MMA multi-energy platform and the use of the extremely compact 1.5-litre Miller cycle four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 48V mild hybrid system. Because although the CLA was born electric, it will also arrive in a hybrid version thanks to the internal combustion engine so compact that it uses the same space as the front frunk of the electric.

Practically identical to the electric version, except for the open front grille, it claims dimensions of 472 cm in length, 186 cm in width and 147 cm in height, with a wheelbase of 279 cm. Climbing aboard we find the same ambience already appreciated on the electric version, with the fourth-generation Mbux infotainment system working with artificial intelligence from Microsoft and Google, but above all it can rely on the optional MBUX Superscreen with three 10.25" full-dash screens in front of the driver and 14" in the centre of the dashboard and on the passenger side.

Opening the bonnet of the Mercedes CLA hybrid one finds the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with Miller cycle, so compact that it uses the same space as the front frunk of the electric. An engine that is part of the Fame (Family of Modular Engines) range with an all-aluminium crankcase and Nanoslide cylinder coating, observed closely it shows no kinship with other units already on the market. All this is combined with a 48V mild hybrid system, with a second 22 kW electric motor powered by a 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery with an eight-speed dual clutch electrified gearbox (8F-eDct), which integrates the electric motor and its components. Capable of travelling in hybrid mode in conjunction with all eight gears, it is able to cruise electrically up to 100 km/h and recover up to 25 kW through regeneration. Three versions are available, with different power ratings but all equipped with the additional 30 hp guaranteed by the electric motor: 180 front-wheel drive with 136 hp and 200 Nm, 200 two- or four-wheel drive with 163 hp and 250 Nm of maximum torque, and 220 front-wheel drive or 4Matic with 190 hp and 300 Nm of torque.

Tested in the 200 4Matic version on snowy Austrian roads, it confirmed how diesel engines can become superfluous even for those who travel many kilometres, thanks to a real combined consumption of just over 6 litres/100 kilometres. Full marks for the 4Matic system, which was extensively tested on a section of the Passo Rombo closed during the winter months (but open for the occasion). Here the Cla hybrid convinced with its excellent directionality even on low-grip surfaces, with traction that is always ready in every situation. On motorway transfers we appreciated the overall soundproofing, while when maximum power is demanded there are a few too many decibels.

How much does the new Mercedes CLA hybrid cost? Characterised by an already complete standard equipment on all versions, with a glass roof as standard and at least two screens always present in the dashboard, it starts at around 47,300 euros for the 180 Advanced entry version, a figure that rises to just over 49,300 euros in the Advanced Plus version, to around 52,400 euros in the Premium version and to almost 54,700 euros by opting for the rich Premium Plus version. Moving on to the CLA 200 version, prices start at around 50,000 euros in the Advanced trim and reach around 57,400 euros for the CLA 200 Premium Plus. The same motorisation in the 4Matic four-wheel drive version, on the other hand, starts at 51,800 euros and rises to over 59,000 euros. At the top end of the range is the CLA 220 starting at over 53,000 euro in two-wheel drive Advance trim and around 55,000 euro in 4Matic version, while the top of the range Premium Plus version has a list starting at just over 60,000 euro in front-wheel drive and around 63,000 euro if you opt for four-wheel drive.