The upcoming Mercedes CLA has smashed the 24-hour EV distance record with a 2,309-mile run

The all-electric version of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA has travelled 2,309.6 miles in just 24 hours at Italy’s Nardò test track, recording an average speed of 96.2mph. That betters the previous EV record by over 180 miles, set by the Porsche Taycan. Impressive, though not quite as impressive as the drivers’ attention spans.

Two ‘close-to-production’ spec cars were apparently used for the test, requiring 40 different 10-minute recharge spells to maximise efficiency. The third-generation CLA will be the first car based on the new 800-volt MMA platform (Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture) which allows DC rapid charging of up to 320kW. In fact, Merc reckons that you'll be able to add around 249 miles of range with a 15-minute charging stop. 

The cars used in the test had a single, rear-mounted electric motor that Mercedes is calling its Electric Drive Unit 2.0. It apparently uses tech from the Vision EQXX to deliver 268bhp to the rear wheels through a new two-speed gearbox. Merc is aiming for a WLTP range of around 466 miles. Want more poke? There will also be 4Matic versions of the new electric CLA with an additional 107bhp motor on the front axle. 

Set for launch next year, the CLA will kick-start Mercedes’ next generation of cars, and in a rather surprising turn of events, there has been confirmation that mild-hybrid versions based on the same platform (first thought to be EV-only) will also be offered. Mercedes says it has developed a completely new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that'll be offered with 134bhp, 161bhp or 188bhp. It'll be connected to a newly electrified eight-speed DCT gearbox too, while a 48-volt system will recuperate energy to supply a teeny 27bhp electric motor.

So, petrol or electricity to power your CLA?