New Mercedes CLA can only use 800 V charging stations
Mercedes' new entry-level sedan has a surprising shortcoming in terms of charging technology. Charging stations with 400 volts cannot be used.
In March, Mercedes-Benz presented the new CLA as an outstanding new entry-level model. Now that the order books have been opened, there is strange information from the official configurator.
No charging at 400 volt charging stations
The strong technical data of the CLA had promised impressive charging times with a long range and the new Mercedes also delivers on this, but for some inexplicable reason, Mercedes has dispensed with a DC/DC booster in the charging technology. This means that the CLA's 800-volt platform cannot be charged via 400-volt charging stations. The battery can therefore only be connected to 800 volt fast chargers. Specifically, this restriction is slightly hidden in the configurator and can be found in the detailed description of the DC charging system here:
or in an extended tooltip at the charging equipment as "compatible fast charging stations that support at least 800 V technology" as shown here:
Although the navigation system in the CLA takes this circumstance into account and, according to Mercedes, only controls 800-volt columns when planning the route, the lack of support for 400-volt columns is still a questionable decision. After all, older 50 kW stations or even some Tesla Superchargers are still designed for 400 volts. In the near future, however, there will be an option for supporting 400-volt columns. But only for an extra charge.
New CLA now available to order
The new CLA has been officially configurable and available to order since the end of April. In terms of price, the list price is €55,858, but discounts of several thousand euros can already be seen at Mercedes' dynamic prices. The market launch of the new CLA will take place in July of this year, with the combustion engine models scheduled to be launched in autumn 2025. Until then, the electric offer is to be further expanded.