Have you ever caught yourself talking to your car? Well, now the experience just got a whole lot more interesting.
I recently took the sporty new Mercedes-Benz CLA out for a spin in Denmark — and it wasn’t just about the drive.
Thanks to a cutting-edge AI system, this car actually talks back.
Mercedes claims the AI can handle complex conversations, going way beyond simple voice commands.
First Impressions: A Sporty, Sleek Design With a Futuristic Edge
The CLA I drove was the all-electric CLA 250+, which is set to arrive in the UK this autumn. Compared to the previous model, it’s bigger overall but still feels relatively compact inside.
Backseat legroom is a bit tight, but up front there’s surprisingly more space than you’d expect.
The boot offers a decent 405 litres, and there’s even a clever “front trunk” under the bonnet that adds another 101 litres.
On the outside, the styling is sporty with a coupe-like, elegant vibe — think sleek saloon with smart-casual flair.
A standout detail is the front grille adorned with 142 illuminated LED stars, and plenty more sprinkled across the bodywork, giving the car a touch of futuristic sparkle.
Inside the Cabin: Modern With a Touch of Glam, But Not Without Flaws
Step inside and you’ll find a blend of modern sophistication and some flashy details that sometimes teeter on feeling a little cheap.
The dashboard is dominated by a large 14-inch display, and you can even upgrade to the MBUX Superscreen, which extends the screen for the front passenger as well.
Without that, the dashboard continues the starry theme with tiny illuminated dots adding a bit of wow factor.
Driving Around Town: Quiet, Comfortable, and Packed With Safety Features
In urban settings like Copenhagen, the CLA is a pleasure to drive—quiet and comfy while you cruise the streets.
There are lots of warning sensors to keep you safe, alerting you about other cars, obstacles, and especially cyclists (who are everywhere in Denmark’s capital).
These alerts give you time to react, which is reassuring in busy traffic.
Hitting the Open Road: Peppy Performance and Impressive Range
Take it out on country roads, and the CLA shows its sportier side.
Powered by an 85kW battery and a 200kW electric motor paired with a two-speed gearbox, it rockets from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.7 seconds.
The top speed is electronically capped at 130 mph, but it handles corners with confidence and has enough punch for quick overtakes.
Mercedes claims a range of up to 484 miles on a full charge, although real-world driving will chip away at that a bit.
Still, that’s enough to comfortably make the 400-mile trip from London to Edinburgh.
Plus, a 10-minute fast charge can boost your range by around 200 miles—great for quick top-ups on longer journeys.
Pricing and Trim Options: Premium Comes at a Cost
Of course, all this tech and style don’t come cheap.
The new CLA starts at £45,615 for the Sport Edition, climbing to £49,375 for the AMG Line Edition, and topping out at £51,770 for the AMG Line Premium Edition.
That’s well above the £37,000 cap for the UK Government’s £3,750 Electric Car Grant, so buyers won’t benefit from that subsidy.
Getting Chatty: Testing Out the AI Assistant Inside the CLA
One of the most intriguing features is the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system, which integrates AI powered by Microsoft and Google — using knowledge from ChatGPT4o and Bing Search.
I decided to put the AI assistant through its paces, and it responded in a calm, clear English female voice without any class or accent.
I asked some fun questions, like “Who came up with E=mc²?” and got a detailed explanation about Albert Einstein’s famous equation.
When I asked why Chancellor Rachel Reeves was in the news, the AI gave me a quick summary of her emotional appearance in the House of Commons.
But when I threw it a philosophical curveball — “If everything I say is a lie, am I telling the truth?” — the AI completely dodged the question, switching topics instead of tackling the paradox.
Looks like human wit still wins over AI for now, though I’m sure it’ll improve with time.
Imagine chatting with your car like KITT from Knight Rider — that future might not be far off.
What’s Next: More Power and Variants on the Horizon
While only the CLA 250+ is launching in the UK initially, I also drove the beefier 350 4Matic version in Denmark.
This all-wheel-drive model packs a 260kW motor and can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds — a full 1.8 seconds quicker than the 250+.
It felt noticeably more powerful and muscular.
Early next year, Mercedes plans to introduce a petrol-electric hybrid CLA featuring a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with 48-volt technology, paired with an electric motor and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
There’s also a second-generation CLA Shooting Brake estate coming next spring, Mercedes’ first battery-powered estate with a claimed 472-mile range.
This version keeps the starry design theme, including 158 stars embedded in its panoramic glass roof.
Final Verdict: A Stylish, Smart Electric Car That Talks Back
The new all-electric CLA 250+ is a smart, sporty ride with solid acceleration and a nice vibe inside.
If you crave more power, the CLA 350 4Matic will definitely deliver. And thanks to the AI assistant, you’re never short of conversation on the road.