Mercedes-Benz is about to launch a game changer EV with the new CLA four-door coupe from the German marque full of surprises.

The headline is that it claims to come with 492-miles of range.

That makes it the longest-range EV on sale in the UK, beating not only every other manufacturer, but also Mercedes' own flagship EV, the EQS 450+, which manages 481 miles on a single charge.

As well as breaking from the tradition of Mercedes EVs being labelled with an EQ badge, the CLA will come in two EV versions and a full hybrid version.

Mercedes says both petrol and EV models will be priced similarly – a big step in the current climate where the electric versions of popular combustion cars tend to have a premium of up to £10,000.

New CLA looks set the tone for Mercedes' EV future 

The CLA also introduces Mercedes' new look focused around the iconic three-pointed star.

The new CLA EV and CLA hybrid will look almost identical, which is another first from Mercedes.

The luxury car maker is doing away with the bespoke EQ blueprint and pulling combustion cars and electric cars in-line with each other. 

A traditional grille is reinterpreted by 142 separate stars that are tastefully illuminated and is complemented by three-point starts in the headlights and rear brake lights.

The CLA's new shape is smooth to achieve an ultra-low drag efficient of just 0.21, with more aerodynamic wheels and partially sealed headlights and grille, and an almost fully closed undercarriage.

That 492-mile range, charging and performance

Mercedes has gone to great lengths to deliver as much efficiency from the CLA EV as possible, and the promised range makes it look like it'll all be worth it.

The 85kWh battery achieves an on-paper efficiency of more than 5 miles per kWh.

The rear-mounted coupe will offer 492 miles of range and cover 0 to 62mph in 6.7 seconds if you get the 250+ version thanks to its 268bhp.

The CLA 350 4Matic with four-wheel drive (most of the time it will be just two-wheel drive) cuts the 0 to 62 down to just 4.9 seconds and yet still manages 479 miles of range.

For context that's from London to Edinburgh (412 miles) on one charge with spare juice.

Due to the smaller lithium-ion battery (the EQS for instance has an 118kWh battery) and 800v technology the new CLA can ultra-rapid charge up to a 320kW allowing 200 miles of range to be added to the 250+ in just 10 minutes. 

This beats out Tesla's Supercharger stats that 173 miles can be added to your new Model 3 and Y in 15 minutes.

Both options come with a new brake-by-wire system which offers different energy recuperation for maximum regenerative braking efficiency, as does the two-speed unit automatic gearbox and new type of heat pump for cold weather.

Bi-directional charging is also available, so you can use your CLA to power your home or appliances if needed.

The smartest car Mercedes has ever made? 

Mercedes has called the CLA the 'cleverest car it's ever made' because it's the first vehicle to fully operate the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS).

The new AI-enhanced system equips the CLA (and every new vehicle) with a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud which will receive regular over-the-air updates.

The CLA's new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) with a new Virtual Assistant has been developed with Google and Microsoft for full AI support too. 

Apparently your CLA assistant will be easier to talk to and so called empathetic, and you can ask it random questions that aren't anything to do with the car's functions. 

The CLA's new interior look 

The interior theme is sporty, with luxurious and eco-conscious materials throughout.

The seats are from recycled fabrics that can be finished in black and white Alcantara and faux leather with red stitching for a bit of extra panache, but expect lots options to choose from if you want to go more subtle.

The huge Mercedes Superscreen extends the entire width of the cabin, with three digital displays: a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central infotainment screen and an optional 14-inch screen with streaming apps built in for entertainment for the front passenger.

Personalisation is also the name of the game with Surround Navigation - based on Google Maps that shows the car and obstacles in its 3D surroundings, quite like Tesla's software.

Acoustic offerings include a 3D Burmester audio system with 16-speakers and Dolby Atmos for a full 'Sound Experience'. 

Practicality wise you'll get a 405-litre boot, more than before, and a very generous 101-litre frunk (front boot). 

The Hybrid CLA

A 1,5-litre hybrid CLA is also on offer, which combines a four-cylinder petrol engine with a 1.3kWh battery and 27bhp electric motor. 

You'll be able to get the 134bhp or 161bhp if you opt for front-wheel drive, or 188bhp if you go for the top 4Matic four-wheel drive option. 

Mercedes is promising 'diesel levels of fuel efficiency'.

How much will it cost? And when can you buy a CLA?

We don't know pricing yet but because chief executive Ola Källenius said the EV and Hybrid will be priced on level, it's expected that the CLA EV will cost somewhere in the low-to-mid £40,000s.

That puts the CLA in line with the Tesla Model 3 which starts from £39,000.

It also makes it a huge amount cheaper than Volvo's new ES90 saloon which offers 435 miles from £69,650 all the way up to almost £90k.

Mercedes has managed to do this by reducing battery production by 30 per cent, reducing the EV's overall cost by 15 per cent. 

Sales dates are also TBC but the EV will go on sale before the hybrid, likely around October, with the hybrid a few months later.

There will also be a CLA Shooting Brake joining the lineup, with the estate earmarked for early 2026 in the UK.