Mercedes-Benz has expanded the CLA lineup once again, and this latest addition stands apart in more ways than one. While it sits alongside the fully electric CLA, this version takes a different route entirely.
It’s a hybrid, and not just any hybrid. Beneath its sleek, familiar styling is an engine that doesn’t originate from Germany at all, but from China. In other words, your next “German” compact sedan may be powered by a distinctly international drivetrain.
The newcomer is the CLA 220 hybrid, revealed this week. From the outside, it closely mirrors the all-electric CLA models Mercedes has already rolled out. The big difference is found under the hood, where a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine takes center stage. Notably, this engine runs an unusually high 12:1 compression ratio, signaling a strong focus on efficiency.
Mercedes states that it “developed” this engine, but the finer details tell a more nuanced story. What the company doesn’t prominently highlight is that the powerplant was co-developed with Geely. According to reporting from China’s IThome, the engine won’t just involve Chinese engineering input, it will actually be manufactured in China before being shipped to Mercedes for final integration.
Despite its relatively modest displacement, the 1.5-liter engine is built around the Miller cycle combustion process and includes a range of efficiency-focused technologies. It features an all-aluminum crankcase, along with a Nanoslide coating applied to the cylinder liners, a solution designed to reduce internal friction while improving long-term durability.
Mercedes has also invested effort into keeping refinement levels high. Additional insulation has been added around the bulkhead, along the A-pillars, and beneath the floor to ensure the hybrid setup remains as quiet and composed as buyers expect from the brand.
The gasoline engine is paired with an electric motor integrated directly into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Powering the electric side is a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.3 kWh. Mercedes says the CLA 220 hybrid is capable of driving on electric power alone at speeds of up to 60 mph (96 km/h), and it can recover up to 25 kW of energy during braking.
Combined output for the system stands at 208 hp and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque. According to Mercedes, that’s enough to send the CLA 220 from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.1 seconds, before topping out at 130 mph (209 km/h). Curb weight is listed at 3,594 lbs (1,630 kg).
Inside, the CLA 220 hybrid sticks closely to the formula already established by other CLA variants. Every model comes standard with a fixed panoramic glass roof that spans the cabin.
Buyers can also opt for Mercedes-Benz’s Superscreen setup, which combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch central infotainment display, and a 14-inch screen for the front passenger. That may not be the most interesting update for many shoppers.
The CLA 220 hybrid introduces a subtly revised steering wheel. At first glance, it looks nearly identical to what you’ll find in other CLA models, or elsewhere in the Mercedes lineup, but the changes become apparent once you start using it.
While most of the familiar haptic touch controls remain, Mercedes has taken a step back toward physical inputs. Like the latest GLC EV, the CLA 220 hybrid now features a rocker switch for cruise control and a physical roller for volume, replacing the touch-sensitive controls used previously. It’s a small change, but one that many drivers will likely welcome.
Also Read: 10 Quickest Hybrids You Can Buy Today, Ranked Fastest to Slowest
