The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250e EQ Power, produced from March 2020 to January 2023, represents a significant step in the brand’s push towards electrification. Falling within the C118 CLA Coupe generation, the 250e is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant designed to offer a balance of performance, efficiency, and reduced emissions. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the CLA lineup, it bridged the gap between the more conventional gasoline-powered models and the fully electric EQA crossover. The 250e was primarily marketed in Europe and other regions with strong incentives for plug-in vehicles, offering a compelling alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLA |
| Generation | CLA Coupe (C118) |
| Type | CLA 250e (218 Hp) EQ Power 8G-DCT |
| Start of production | March, 2020 |
| End of production | January, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 0.9-1.3 l/100 km (261.3 – 180.9 US mpg, 313.9 – 217.3 UK mpg, 111.1 – 76.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 21-29 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 1.4-1.5 l/100 km (168 – 156.8 US mpg, 201.8 – 188.3 UK mpg, 71.4 – 66.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 31-35 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 240 km/h (149.13 mph) |
| Emission standard | EURO 6d-ISC-FCM |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.6 kg/Hp, 132.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm, 272.7 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 15.6 kWh |
| Net (usable) battery capacity | 10.9 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery weight | 150 kg (330.69 lbs.) |
| Battery location | Under the rear seats |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 63-74 km (39.15 – 45.98 mi) |
| All-electric range (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 72-79 km (44.74 – 49.09 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 14.7-16.4 kWh/100 km (23.66 – 26.39 kWh/100 mi, 142 – 128 MPGe, 6.8 – 6.1 km/kWh, 4.2 – 3.8 mi/kWh) |
| Average Energy consumption (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 15-15.1 kWh/100 km (24.14 – 24.3 kWh/100 mi, 140 – 139 MPGe, 6.7 – 6.6 km/kWh, 4.1 – 4.1 mi/kWh) |
| Max speed (electric) | 140 km/h (86.99 mph) |
| Electric motor power | 102 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 300 Nm (221.27 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location | Between the combustion engine and the transmission |
| System power | 218 Hp |
| System torque | 450 Nm (331.9 lb.-ft.) |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1620 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1620 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M 282 DE 14 AL |
| Engine displacement | 1332 cm3 (81.28 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.2 mm (2.84 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.4 mm (3.2 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.1 l (5.39 US qt | 4.49 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.8 l (7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 395 l (13.95 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4688 mm (184.57 in.) |
| Width | 1830 mm (72.05 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1999 mm (78.7 in.) |
| Height | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2729 mm (107.44 in.) |
| Front track | 1611 mm (63.43 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1582 mm (62.28 in.) |
| Front overhang | 927 mm (36.5 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1032 mm (40.63 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.24 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.1 m (36.42 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 13.4° |
| Departure angle | 14.3° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 9.4° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor drive the front wheels of the car with the ability to work in full electric or mixed mode. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission G-DCT |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R17; 225/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 17; 7.5J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The CLA 250e’s powertrain centers around a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine (M 282 DE 14 AL) paired with a 102 hp electric motor. The internal combustion engine produces 160 hp at 5500 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 1620 rpm. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance efficiency and power output. The electric motor is positioned between the engine and the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (8G-DCT), allowing for seamless integration of electric and gasoline power. The combined system output is 218 hp and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque. The 15.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, located under the rear seats, provides an all-electric range of 63-74 km (39-46 miles) under WLTP testing. The battery supports AC charging, allowing for convenient replenishment at home or public charging stations.
Driving Characteristics
The CLA 250e offers a refined driving experience, particularly in electric mode. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 6.8 seconds. The 8G-DCT transmission provides quick and smooth gear changes, optimizing power delivery. In hybrid mode, the system intelligently manages the interplay between the engine and electric motor, prioritizing electric power at lower speeds and supplementing it with the gasoline engine during more demanding situations. Compared to the standard CLA 250, the 250e offers quicker acceleration due to the instant torque provided by the electric motor. However, the added weight of the battery pack (approximately 150 kg) does slightly impact handling agility. The gear ratios are tuned to maximize efficiency and provide a balance between performance and fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The CLA 250e typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as a mid-range offering. Standard features included Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system with a touchscreen display, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a suite of driver-assistance systems such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Interior upholstery was typically Artico leather (a high-quality synthetic leather), and the dashboard featured metallic accents. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance packages with features like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
Chassis & Braking
The CLA 250e utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension is tuned to accommodate the added weight of the battery pack. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, ensuring safe and effective stopping power. The steering system is a rack-and-pinion setup with electric power assistance, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The CLA 250e was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its fuel efficiency, smooth ride, and refined interior. Its ability to travel a significant distance on electric power was a major selling point. Compared to the CLA 200, the 250e offered significantly improved fuel economy and lower emissions, albeit at a higher price point. Compared to the more powerful CLA 35 or AMG CLA 45 models, the 250e prioritized efficiency and comfort over outright performance. Reliability reports have been generally positive, with the hybrid powertrain proving to be relatively robust.
Legacy
The CLA 250e represents an important step in Mercedes-Benz’s electrification strategy. While production ended in 2023, the model continues to be a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for buyers seeking a stylish and efficient compact coupe. The powertrain, while not without its complexities, has proven to be reasonably reliable, and the availability of spare parts is generally good. The CLA 250e paved the way for future plug-in hybrid models from Mercedes-Benz, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
