Data shown is approximate and based on publicly available specifications and real-world estimates. Actual performance varies with driving conditions, temperature, state of charge, and charger hardware. Always check your vehicle's manual for official specifications. EVcourse is not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer.
Quick verdict
The BMW i4 has a higher peak charging speed at 207 kW DC, but the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric actually finishes the 10-80% charge faster (25 min vs 32 min) thanks to its smaller battery. The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is more efficient at 145 Wh/km. The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric offers more WLTP rated range at 680 km.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Spec | BMW i4 | Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (approx.) | ~80.7 kWh | ~85 kWh |
| WLTP range (rated) | ~589 km | ~680 km |
| Efficiency (approx.) | ~157 Wh/km | ~145 Wh/km |
| Max DC charging | up to 207 kW | up to 200 kW |
| 10-80% charge time (approx.) | ~32 min | ~25 min |
| Max AC charging | up to 11 kW | up to 11 kW |
| DC connector | CCS2 | CCS2 |
Charging Speed
The BMW i4 has a peak DC charging speed of 207 kW, which is roughly 4% faster than the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric at 200 kW. In practice, peak speed 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 10-80% charge (the most common DC fast charging scenario), the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric finishes in about 25 minutes, which is 7 minutes quicker than the BMW i4 at 32 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 680 km, which is roughly 91 km more than the BMW i4 at approximately 589 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 157 Wh/km for the BMW i4. 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 has approximately 80.7 kWh.
Which One Should You Choose?
The BMW i4 has the higher peak DC speed at up to 207 kW, but the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric actually finishes the 10-80% charge faster at approximately 25 minutes versus approximately 32 minutes. That is because the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric has a smaller battery to fill. On road trips, time at the plug matters more than peak power.
Both cars support 11 kW AC charging, so home and workplace charging speeds will be similar.
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 680 km, which is roughly 91 km more. Both are capable EVs. The best choice depends on how you charge and how far you drive.
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From Finn, engineer: Charging specs alone do not tell the full story. Real-world charging speed depends on battery temperature, state of charge, and the charger itself. These comparisons use manufacturer-published data. Approximate values only.
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