Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Electric Launched In Malaysia, Up To 792km Range

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ electric in Malaysia, with a claimed WLTP range of up to 792km and a starting price of RM274,888.

The new electric CLA is the first Mercedes-Benz model built around the company’s new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), while also introducing a two-speed transmission for its rear-mounted electric drive unit.

Mercedes-Benz positions the CLA as a new-generation electric model focused on efficiency, software and long-distance usability rather than simply outright performance.

Up To 792km Range, 320kW DC Charging

The CLA 250+ electric uses an 85kWh usable battery and an 800-volt electrical architecture.

It produces 200kW (272hp) and 335Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 210km/h.

Mercedes-Benz quotes a WLTP range of 673 – 792km, with energy consumption rated at 12.3 – 14.6kWh/100km.

DC fast charging is supported at up to 320kW, allowing the battery to charge from 10-80% in 22 minutes. The company also claims up to 325km of WLTP range can be added in 10 minutes under suitable charging conditions.

AC charging is rated at up to 11kW, with a full charge taking around nine hours.

The two-speed transmission is a notable feature. Its first gear is geared towards acceleration and urban driving, while the second is optimised for higher-speed efficiency and highway cruising.

Mercedes-Benz says the transmission allows the CLA to combine strong initial acceleration with improved efficiency at higher speeds.

MB.OS Software At The Forefront

The CLA 250+ electric is the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to run entirely on the company’s new MB.OS operating system.

The system controls infotainment, body and comfort functions, as well as driving and charging systems. It also enables over-the-air updates across the vehicle’s software architecture, including driving assistance systems.

The fourth-generation MBUX system runs on MB.OS and features an AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant. It combines AI technology from Google and Microsoft, including Google Gemini and ChatGPT-based functionality, allowing the system to handle more natural, multi-turn conversations.

Navigation is also based on Google Maps, while Mercedes-Benz Navigation with Electric Intelligence can plan routes around charging requirements and adjust them according to traffic and driving conditions.

The CLA also supports MB.CHARGE Public, allowing charging stations to be accessed and charging sessions authenticated through the Mercedes-Benz App, with charging automatically billed through the service.

New Design, More Space

The new CLA adopts Mercedes-Benz’s latest electric design language, with a fastback silhouette, shark-nose front end and illuminated Mercedes-Benz pattern grille featuring 142 chrome-effect stars.

It measures 4,723mm long, with a 2,790mm wheelbase, making it around 40mm longer than its predecessor while gaining more than 60mm in wheelbase.

The car rides on 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels and features MULTIBEAM LED headlights, a panoramic glass roof and illuminated exterior elements.

Practicality is improved with a 101-litre front trunk (frunk), while the rear luggage compartment offers 405 litres of capacity.

Inside, the highlight is the MBUX Superscreen, comprising a 10.25-inch driver display and 14-inch central and passenger displays beneath a single glass surface.

The Malaysian-specification car comes with AMG Line sports seats finished in ARTICO leather and MICROCUT microfibre, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, ambient lighting, KEYLESS-GO and a Nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel.

Safety And Driver Assistance

Safety equipment includes MB.DRIVE, MB.DRIVE Parking Assist 360, VISION CONTROL, GUARD 360° vehicle protection and a centre airbag.

The centre airbag is fitted between the driver and front passenger and is designed to provide additional protection during certain severe side impacts.

Price And Ownership Package

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ electric is priced at RM274,888 in Peninsular Malaysia, on-the-road without insurance and including 10% sales tax.

It comes with a four-year manufacturer warranty.

Customers can also opt for Mercedes-Benz’s Agility+ financing programme from RM2,988 per month, which includes a fifth-year extended limited warranty, four Compact Service Packages, Guaranteed Future Value and MobilityPlus.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ electric specifications

• Power: 200kW / 272hp
• Torque: 335Nm
• Battery: 85kWh usable
• Drive: Rear-wheel drive
• Transmission: Two-speed
• 0-100km/h: 6.7 seconds
• Top speed: 210km/h
• WLTP range: 673-792km
• WLTP consumption: 12.3-14.6kWh/100km
• AC charging: 11kW, approximately 9 hours
• DC charging: Up to 320kW, 10-80% in 22 minutes
• Length: 4,723mm
• Wheelbase: 2,790mm
• Frunk: 101 litres
• Boot: 405 litres
• Price: RM274,888

CarTok Editor’s Note

The new CLA is significant because Mercedes-Benz is treating the next-generation EV as more than a new electric powertrain. It has tried to make the EV fundamentally more efficient.

The combination of an 800-volt architecture, 85kWh battery, claimed 792km range and two-speed transmission addresses one of the biggest practical weaknesses of EVs: long-distance efficiency and charging time. A high claimed range is useful, but an EV that can maintain good efficiency at highway speeds is more valuable than one that just carries a bigger battery.

But the biggest change is MB.OS. Mercedes-Benz has moved more of the car’s functionality into software, with over-the-air updates and AI-powered services becoming part of the ownership experience.