The all-new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA has been crowned Euro NCAP’s Best Performer of 2025, achieving a five-star rating with top scores across all categories, including 94% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant protection, 93% for vulnerable road users, and 85% for safety assist features. This compact EV sedan outperformed every other vehicle tested in 2025, setting a new benchmark in a year dominated by new electric models. For EV buyers prioritizing safety alongside performance and range, the CLA demonstrates that premium electric sedans can lead in crash protection without compromising on innovation.
Mercedes-Benz’s Legacy in EV Safety and Market Leadership
Mercedes-Benz has a storied history in vehicle safety, dating back over a century, with innovations like the crumple zone invented by founder Béla Barényi in the 1950s. The company marked its 140th anniversary in 2026, continuing to dominate safety ratings—its E-Class topped Euro NCAP in 2024, and now the CLA follows suit as the Best Small Family Car and overall Best Performer for 2025. In the competitive EV market, Mercedes holds a strong position in the premium segment, with models like the EQS and EQE proving EVs can match or exceed traditional vehicles in safety.
The CLA builds on this foundation as an entry-level electric sedan on Mercedes’ new MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) platform, designed specifically for EVs. Slightly larger than its predecessor at 4,723 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, and 1,468 mm high, it targets buyers seeking compact luxury with long-range capability from its 85 kWh usable battery, offering up to 780 km WLTP range and 320 km added in 10 minutes on a DC fast charger.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,723 mm x 1,855 mm x 1,468 mm |
| Battery Capacity (Usable) | 85 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 780 km |
| DC Fast Charging (10 min) | 320 km added |
| Starting Price (EUR, UK market) | €53,488 (AMG Line Premium: €59,800) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel or 4MATIC all-wheel |
| Adult Occupant Protection | 94% |
| Child Occupant Protection | 89% |
| Vulnerable Road User | 93% |
| Safety Assist | 85% |
| Overall Euro NCAP Rating | 5 stars (Best Performer 2025) |
Structural Integrity and Occupant Protection
The CLA’s passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test, providing good protection for all critical body areas of driver and front passenger dummies, including knees and femurs for occupants of varying sizes and positions. In the full-width rigid barrier test, protection was good for the driver and adequate for the rear passenger. Side barrier tests yielded maximum points with good protection across all areas, though the side pole impact showed marginal chest protection for the driver due to rib compression.
Whiplash protection is strong, with good performance from front seats and head restraints, and geometric analysis confirms adequacy for rear seats. The vehicle includes an advanced eCall system for emergency alerts and measures to prevent secondary impacts. A center airbag mitigates occupant-to-occupant injuries in far-side crashes, controlling excursion adequately.
Child safety features include automatic passenger airbag deactivation when a child restraint is detected, good protection in frontal and side tests for 6- and 10-year-old dummies, though some adequate ratings for the 10-year-old in side impacts.
Vulnerable Road User and Advanced Driver Aids
The CLA excels in protecting pedestrians and cyclists, scoring a class-leading 93% with good head protection overall, despite poor results at stiff windscreen pillars. Pelvis and leg protection are good, aided by an active bonnet that deploys to cushion impacts. Its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system performs very well against pedestrians (including rear impacts), cyclists (including ‘dooring’ scenarios), and motorcyclists, using camera and radar sensors from 7 km/h.
Safety assist systems include Attention Assist with direct eye monitoring from 10 km/h for drowsiness, distraction, and unresponsive driver detection; Active Lane Assist (LKA/ELK) from 45 km/h; Traffic Sign Assist with camera/map recognition; and seatbelt reminders for all seats. These contribute to the 85% safety assist score and Level 2 autonomy features like lane-keeping and driver monitoring.
Performance and Real-World Considerations
With its 85 kWh battery, the CLA promises 780 km WLTP range, translating to about 485 miles in some imperial conversions, though real-world tests on similar models like the CLA 350 4Matic are ongoing. Fast charging adds 320 km in 10 minutes, competitive for the class. Pricing starts at €53,488 in Europe, rising to €59,800 for AMG Line Premium, reflecting premium safety and tech—equivalent to around $62,643 USD in some markets, though exact figures vary by region.
Mercedes emphasizes the CLA’s benign impact compatibility in crashes, making it safer for other road users. However, details on exact power outputs, like for the CLA 350 4Matic, remain tied to reviews not fully detailed here—real-world range tests show promise but winter performance data is pending broader validation.
Comparison with Competitors
The CLA edged out close rivals like Tesla’s models, which trailed fractionally in overall scores, per Euro NCAP’s Secretary General. Compared to the BMW i4 (previous five-star but lower category scores) and Polestar 2 (strong AEB but weaker pedestrian protection), the CLA leads with its 93% vulnerable road user score. Chinese entrants like Leapmotor and Firefly show improving safety but lack the CLA’s structural refinement and assist system integration. Tesla’s quiet operation poses similar VRU challenges, but the CLA’s active bonnet gives it an edge.
| Model | Adult (%) | Child (%) | VRU (%) | Safety Assist (%) | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz CLA (2025) | 94 | 89 | 93 | 85 | 5 stars (Best Performer) |
| Tesla Model (2025, approx.) | High | High | High | High | 5 stars (close second) |
| BMW i4 | 89 | 87 | 76 | 83 | 5 stars |
| Polestar 2 | 90 | 86 | 74 | 80 | 5 stars |
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz CLA sets a definitive safety standard for electric compact sedans, ideal for families, urban drivers, and premium EV enthusiasts who refuse to compromise protection for efficiency or style—its Euro NCAP dominance proves EVs can outperform legacy vehicles. At €53,488+, it’s priced for the luxury buyer, but unanswered questions linger on U.S. NCAP equivalence, sub-zero range retention, and long-term battery durability in high-mileage use. If safety crowns your purchase decision, the CLA wears it best in 2025.
