Browse over 9,000 car reviews

New Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLA 250e 2020 detailed: Plug-in sedan and SUV a chance for Australia?

With an electric motor in tow, the Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLA 250e can hit up to 69km in pure electric mode.

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the plug-in hybrid versions of the new CLA and GLA, but the stylish sedan and small SUV will not join the local electrified premium car line-up.

Instead, Mercedes-Benz Australia’s electrified small-car range will be limited to the A250e hatchback and sedan launching in the second quarter of the year.

Sharing the same powertrain and underpinnings as their A-Class sibling, the CLA and GLA 250e variants feature a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine that is paired with an electric motor for a combined system output of 160kW/450Nm.

Drive is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which enables a zero-to-100km/h sprint in 6.8 and 7.1 seconds respectively for the CLA and GLA.

For reference, the A250e hatchback will hit the landmark time in 6.6s.

Fuel economy drops to 1.4-1.5 litres per 100km in the CLA250e, while the heavier GLA250e is pegged at 1.6-1.8L/100km.

With the electric motor in tow, the electrified CLA and GLA can also travel 60-69 and 53-61km respectively in emissions-free mode, as tested on the stricter WLTP standard.