BMW i4 eDrive35 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric

Side-by-Side Specs

Charging Speed

The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric has the higher published DC charging figure at 353 kW, which is roughly 96% higher than the BMW i4 eDrive35 at 180 kW. In practice, that figure only tells part of the story. The charging curve, battery temperature, and state of charge all affect how quickly your car actually charges.

For the published fast-charge window, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is listed at about 18 minutes, which is 13 minutes quicker than the BMW i4 eDrive35 at 31 minutes. On a road trip, that difference adds up over multiple stops.

Range and Efficiency

The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric has a WLTP rated range of approximately 792 km, which is roughly 278 km more than the BMW i4 eDrive35 at approximately 514 km. WLTP is a standardized lab test. Expect your actual range to be lower, varying with speed, weather, terrain, and driving style.

Efficiency matters more than battery size for daily driving costs. The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric consumes 145 Wh/km, compared to 147 Wh/km for the BMW i4 eDrive35. That means the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric uses less energy per kilometer, which translates to lower charging costs and fewer charging stops on longer drives.

A more efficient car does not always mean more range. Battery size plays a role too. The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric has approximately 85 kWh of useable battery , while the BMW i4 eDrive35 has approximately 67.1 kWh.

Which One Should You Choose?

If fast charging is your priority, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric has the higher published DC figure (up to 353 kW) and the shorter published charge time at approximately 18 minutes. For long road trips, published stop time matters more than the headline kW number alone.

For AC charging (home wallboxes, workplace chargers, and public street chargers), the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric supports up to 11 kW (22 kW optional), compared to up to 11 kW for the BMW i4 eDrive35. In Europe, many public chargers are 22 kW AC, so this difference can matter at those locations if the higher AC figure is fitted on the car you buy.

If you mostly charge at home or at work and care more about daily driving costs, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is the more efficient choice at 145 Wh/km. Lower consumption means lower electricity bills over time.

For maximum range between charges, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric has a WLTP rated range of approximately 792 km, which is roughly 278 km more. Both are capable EVs. The best choice depends on how you charge and how far you drive.