The New Mercedes CLA Is Actually Selling Great

The Internet hasn’t exactly been kind to the new CLA, but the World Wide Web isn’t paying Mercedes to keep the lights on. Buyers are, using their hard-earned money. The three-pointed star is happy to report that demand for its electric sedan is strong, with production chief Joerg Burzer describing the order intake as “very encouraging.” So much so that the compact luxury car will enter a three-shift production schedule later this year to keep up with the high, albeit unspecified, number of orders.

Mercedes has been taking orders since April in Germany, but some domestic buyers might have to wait until 2026 for delivery, according to the business newspaper Automobilwoche. Long delivery times are usually a sign of strong demand, unless there are bottlenecks in the production process. There had been some issues with securing rare earths, but Burzer says those problems have been resolved and there are currently no restrictions.

CLA production is still in the ramp-up phase, with plans to add a gasoline version near the end of the year. It’ll be a mild-hybrid model featuring a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The ICE version should significantly lower the starting price compared to the base electric model. In Germany, the cheapest EV configuration starts at €55,858 for the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology.

Demand should grow even further with the launch of a new CLA Shooting Brake. Mercedes is doing another compact wagon, and this time, it’ll also be sold as an EV. It will also be assembled at the German plant in Rastatt, where the next-generation GLA crossover is expected to be built as well.

Burzer didn’t rule out extending the life cycle of the A-Class and B-Class. The two model lines built at the same factory remain popular despite their age. However, replacements for the A-Class hatchback and sedan, along with the B-Class minivan, are not planned, effectively making the CLA the new entry-level model. Another boxy GLB is on the way with gasoline and electric versions, plus a so-called “Little G” slated for later this decade.