2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Powertrain Specs Detailed – BEV & MHEV Available

Mercedes-Benz unveils early details on the powertrain specs for the upcoming CLA, featuring both BEV & MHEV options.

It is no secret that Mercedes-Benz is in the midst of developing the next-gen CLA model, which is based on the Concept CLA class unveiled last year. Ahead of its debut, the German automaker has revealed some juicy details regarding the powertrain specs for the upcoming CLA model, which will be the first Merc model to underpin the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) skateboard platform.

First thing first, the new CLA will be available in both battery EV (BEV) and mild hybrid (MHEV) options, with the former featuring Merc’s new-generation Electric Drive Unit (EDU 2.0) rated at up to 268 HP (200 kW) for the single-motor RWD version. Unlike other conventional electric drive units, the EDU 2.0 comes in a much more compact design, as it integrates the silicon carbide inverter within the unit itself while at the same time featuring a two-speed transmission.

The two-speed unit’s first gear is set at an 11:1 ratio, which is used when accelerating from a standstill, while the second gear (5:1 ratio) will be engaged at higher speeds, with the V-Max being capped at up to 210 KM/H.

Aside from the single-motor RWD, the new CLA EV will also be available in a peppier dual-motor AWD setup with Merc’s proprietary 4Matic system. This setup adds an extra motor rated at 107 HP (80 kW) at the front axle, where it kicks in only when required.

On the battery front, the CLA EV will feature either an 85-kWh NMC-type battery pack or a smaller 58-kWH LFP unit. Both packs will feature an 800-volt architecture courtesy of the new MMA platform, making the new CLA EV the first production EV by the German automaker to feature one. As a result, DCFC is capped highly at up to 320 kW, while AC figures can be capped at either 11 kW or 22 kW, with plans to add bi-directional charging in the future.

To date, Mercedes-Benz have put the new CLA EV prototype in multiple tests, with the latest one seeing this compact EV saloon covering a total distance of 3,717 KM in 24 hours around the Nardo high-speed test track, which includes 40 ten-minute charging stops and an average speed of 154.9 KM/H.

If BEVs aren’t your thing, the new CLA will also be available with a 48-volt MHEV powertrain, which uses a 1.5-litre 4-cyl M252 Miller cycle petrol mill. Note that this four-pot mill is from the marque’s FAME (Family of Modular Engines) line-up, instead of the 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged petrol ‘Horse’ mill developed by Renault and Geely.

Available in three power levels: 134 HP, 161 HP, and 188 HP, said petrol mill is mated to a new 8F-eDCT 8-speed DCT automatic gearbox that features an integrated e-motor rated at 27 HP (20 kW), while the 4Matic AWD option is also available. Battery-wise, this MHEV setup uses a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a small energy capacity of only 1.3-kWh.

Despite its miniscule power outputs, Mercedes-Benz claims this MHEV setup enables the new CLA to electrically coast at up to 100 KM/H speeds, which is quite impressive for a mild hybrid’s standards.

The all-new 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA is slated to make its global debut some time later next year, although we’re likely to learn more things about it as we get closer to the debut date.