Electric CLA sets new standards in Mercedes-Benz sustainability push

The electric Mercedes-Benz CLA cuts CO₂ emissions by 40% and uses CO₂-reduced materials and recycled plastics. Learn how it redefines green mobility.

Mercedes-Benz is taking a confident step toward a lower-emission future with the launch of the all-electric CLA, the first in a new generation of electric vehicles built on the innovative MMA platform. With series production now underway, the model introduces not just a fresh design and technical architecture, but also a bold commitment to sustainability.

According to the automaker, the CLA with EQ Technology slashes its CO₂ footprint by 40% across the entire value chain when compared to its combustion-engine predecessor. And the gains don’t stop there. By integrating renewable electricity into the charging process and reducing emissions in the supply chain, Mercedes-Benz claims it can push those savings up to two-thirds.

At the heart of this approach is a detailed environmental strategy. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz Cars has set quantitative CO₂ reduction targets specifically for supply chain materials — a significant move in an industry still grappling with the emissions embedded in raw materials like aluminum and steel. The CLA 250+ incorporates CO₂-reduced metals, battery cells produced with a neutral carbon footprint (supplied by CATL), and a total of 42 kilograms of recycled thermoplastics. Notably, about half of these plastics are sourced from post-consumer waste, including recycled bumpers that now serve as vehicle jacking points.

The CLA's battery system is based on an 800-volt architecture and supports rapid DC charging at up to 320 kW — adding roughly 325 kilometers of range in just ten minutes. The car's total WLTP range reaches up to 792 kilometers, placing it firmly among the longest-range electric vehicles in its class.

Technological features inspired by the VISION EQXX concept — such as the immersive "Superscreen" interface and energy-saving systems like the OneBox regenerative braking unit — round out the vehicle’s innovative profile. It's not just a car; it's a showcase of Mercedes-Benz’s evolving philosophy around premium electric mobility.

Production of the CLA is scheduled to scale up through 2025, with market availability expected in the third quarter of the year. While prices will vary by region, the UK launch places it in the premium compact EV bracket, starting around £45,615.

The electric CLA isn’t a one-off. Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its new MMA platform will underpin future models, including compact SUVs and the next-generation Shooting Brake. Taken together, these steps suggest a broader shift at the company — one that positions electrification and circular materials not just as trends, but as new standards.