Mercedes CLA Outshines Tesla Model 3

This page is translated from the original post "La Mercedes CLA ringardise la Tesla Model 3" in French.

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Mercedes cLA

We didn’t expect much from this new CLA in the era of the reigning SUV, but Mercedes’ versatile sedan blows us away.

At a time when Tesla’s image is faltering, choosing a Mercedes becomes much more than a simple purchasing decision; it’s an act of resistance and a true mark of good taste. Under a lucky star, the new Mercedes CLA challenges conventions, establishing itself as an attractive alternative to the Tesla Model 3.

First and foremost, you need to move away from a traditional reference point because the CLA is priced about €10,000 more than the Model 3, but the comparison is worth it because Mercedes offers significantly more. With an 85 kWh battery and an 800V electrical architecture, it promises up to 792 km of range according to the WLTP cycle, compared to 530 km for its rival.

Its charging system is also impressive, with a recovery of 10 to 80% in 22 minutes thanks to ultra-fast chargers of 320 kW, meaning 320 km recovered in just 10 minutes. Even Tesla’s Cybertruck with its XXL architecture doesn’t match this performance.

Mercedes can thank Elon Musk

Available in rear-wheel drive (268 hp) or all-wheel drive (349 hp), the CLA maximizes its range with a front motor that can be deactivated via a disconnect unit, reducing energy losses by 90%. Add to that a record low drag coefficient of 0.21 and innovative energy recovery solutions to maximize efficiency.

The interior, designed for comfort and modernity, offers up to three screens and advanced MB.OS system. Compatible with OTA updates, it features the virtual assistant MBUX, enhanced by ChatGPT and Google Gemini, for intuitive interactions. Next to it, the display of the Model 3 looks like a hastily placed tablet. In fact, the CLA’s cabin makes virtually all current models look outdated!

Also available with a smaller battery and soon in hybrid version, the Mercedes CLA adapts to all needs. Driving a Mercedes is no longer just a premium experience; it’s a statement of a different vision of mobility. Who would have guessed that a year ago?

READ ALSO: New Mercedes CLA, the versatile tech

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