Mercedes CLA: Strong Demand Delays Deliveries Until Next Year
Mercedes-Benz is experiencing unexpectedly robust demand for its newly launched CLA model, leading to extended wait times for customers. Some buyers will now have to wait until next year before they can take possession of the vehicle, despite order books opening as early as April.
The third-generation CLA was unveiled just three months ago, and Mercedes is already working overtime—literally—to meet demand. The company has added a third shift at its Stuttgart-Untertürkheim production facility to keep up with orders. This marks a significant commitment to the model, especially considering the CLA is now available in both fully electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) versions.
Electric Ambitions Take Center Stage
At the heart of this new chapter for the CLA is its all-electric variant, which shares the platform with other upcoming models from Mercedes’ Modular MMA architecture. Both electric versions come equipped with an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and operate on an 800-volt electrical system, promising fast charging capabilities and strong performance.
The base electric model, the CLA 250+ EQ Technology, features a rear-mounted motor that delivers 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque. Meanwhile, the more powerful CLA 350 4MATIC EQ Technology employs dual motors for all-wheel drive and offers 349 hp and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque.
These figures position the electric CLA as a competitive offering in the premium compact sedan segment, especially as Mercedes continues to scale up production.
Combustion Models Still Relevant
Despite the focus on electrification, Mercedes hasn’t abandoned traditional powertrains. Gasoline-powered CLA models are set to begin production in the coming months. These variants will feature 1.5-liter four-cylinder engines supplemented by 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, aimed at improving efficiency without compromising driving dynamics.
Additionally, a Shooting Brake version of the CLA is scheduled to debut before the end of the year, expanding the lineup even further.
Production Challenges and Solutions
Jörg Burzer, Mercedes’ production director, recently shared insights into the company’s manufacturing progress during an event at the brand’s headquarters. He described the response to the new CLA as “very encouraging” and confirmed that production is ramping up smoothly.
One major hurdle facing the automotive industry—particularly for EV production—is the availability of rare earth materials, many of which come from China. However, Mercedes claims to have secured the necessary components to maintain production flow, allowing it to avoid bottlenecks that have affected competitors.
Currently, around 200 units of the CLA are produced daily at the Untertürkheim plant. With roughly 250 working days per year, this rate would yield about 50,000 vehicles annually. However, the plant is designed to handle significantly higher volumes—“hundreds of thousands” of vehicles over time—especially as more models based on the MMA platform come online.
Customer Impact and Prioritization
Despite increased production capacity, long wait times persist. According to reports from Automobilwoche, many customers who placed orders earlier this year won’t receive their vehicles until next year. In response, Mercedes may temporarily halt employee orders of the CLA to prioritize regular customers.
This situation highlights how strong demand for a new model can create logistical challenges. Still, it also underscores the CLA’s appeal across different configurations—electric or gasoline-powered—and reinforces the sedan’s continued relevance in an era increasingly dominated by SUVs.
As Mercedes continues to balance production needs with customer expectations, one thing is clear: the CLA remains a vital part of the brand’s future strategy.
