The all-new 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 is Mercedes' best EV yetKirk BrauerAfter hundreds of new-car tests, it's rare for a vehicle to create a large gap between my expectations before driving it and my opinion afterward. The redesigned 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4Matic Electric managed to do exactly that.Historically, I've viewed the CLA as the Mercedes-Benz for someone who wanted the three-pointed star more than they wanted the full Mercedes-Benz experience. It provided an accessible entry point to the brand, but previous generations, using a platform shared with Nissan, never delivered the refinement, engineering or sense of occasion associated with the company's more expensive models.The new CLA changes that perception. Completely redesigned and now offered with an all-electric drivetrain, the CLA 350 feels less like a low-cost, luxury-badged sedan and more like a genuine Mercedes-Benz…though it's also lost its former "low-cost" status, given the new CLA 350's $50,000-plus starting price.The CLA's sleek shape looks even better with the AMG Line option packageStrong Performance Without Sacrificing EfficiencyThe CLA 350 uses two electric motors and Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, producing a combined 349 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes quotes a 4.8-second sprint to 60 mph, while independent testing by Edmunds recorded 4.5 seconds and a 12.9-second quarter-mile at 107.6 mph. Those figures put the CLA firmly in "quick" territory. But electric cars capable of strong acceleration aren't unusual anymore. What makes this powertrain interesting is Mercedes' decision to use a two-speed transmission.AdvertisementAdvertisementMost EV manufacturers avoid multi-speed transmissions because an electric motor can operate efficiently across an exceptionally broad rpm range. Mercedes went to the additional engineering effort anyway, using the second ratio to reduce motor speed at higher vehicle speeds. The result contributes to the CLA's unusually strong efficiency and driving range. It's the kind of engineering solution I'd like to see more EV manufacturers explore.The CLA 350 pairs its drivetrain with an 85-kWh battery and an 800-volt electrical architecture supporting DC fast charging at up to 320 kW. I saw 178 kW charging from an Electrify America fast charger, which moved the batter from 45% to 85% charge status in about 15 minutes. The Mercedes-Benz CLA 350's EPA-estimated range is 312 miles, but it appears the EPA is being extremely conservative with that number.Over 400 miles? Maybe a tad optimistic, but the CLA does have impressive driving rangeRange Anxiety Becomes Much Less RelevantAt a full charge the car's range estimator showed 410 miles. I certainly wouldn't interpret a dashboard estimate as an EPA-equivalent range test, but other data suggests the CLA can significantly outperform its official rating. Edmunds managed 385 miles in its standardized real-world range test. My own numbers remained encouraging throughout my one-week loan. After leaving Los Angeles International Airport with approximately 92 percent battery capacity, the car showed 376 miles of projected range. Later, at 89 percent, it was still projecting 348 miles.That changes the EV ownership equation. If a car retains well over 300 miles of projected driving distance without requiring a 100-percent charge, I'm far less concerned about finding a charger every time the battery dips. My fast-charging experience wasn't perfect. The Electrify America station and charging adapter initially struggled to communicate with the car. Once everything connected, however, I went from roughly 45 to 85 percent in approximately 15 minutes, peaking around 178 kW.AdvertisementAdvertisementCharging from 85 to 100 percent took considerably longer (another 25 minutes), as expected when an EV's charging curve tapers near full capacity. Given the CLA's range, regularly charging beyond 80 or 85 percent probably won't be necessary for most owners, and it's better for the battery, too.The CLA offers subtle premium features, like automtatic pop-out door handlesAn Unexpected Comparison With A MaybachThere was another factor influencing my CLA experience. I happened to drive this car to and from an event involving a Mercedes-Maybach S 680, effectively giving me back-to-back exposure to one of Mercedes' least expensive vehicles and one of its most expensive sedans.Obviously, nobody will confuse a CLA with a V12-powered Maybach.But the amount of shared Mercedes-Benz character surprised me. The CLA has optional power-operated flush door handles, a broad digital dashboard incorporating three available screens, a bright and effective head-up display, sophisticated driver-assistance technology, and an interior that looks and feels far more expensive than previous CLAs. Even acceleration isn't dramatically different in everyday driving. The CLA's independently tested 4.5-second 0-to-60 time is on par with the Maybach's 4.3-second time.The CLA 350's head-up display is vibrant and informativeTechnology That Actually WorksModern luxury vehicles can overwhelm drivers with technology, and Mercedes certainly hasn't embraced minimalism here. But the CLA's systems works well. The optional MBUX Superscreen stretches across the dashboard with a driver display, large central touchscreen and passenger display. Mercedes' native navigation is particularly useful when locating charging stations, while switching between the factory interface and Apple CarPlay proved refreshingly easy.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe head-up display is another standout. It's large, colorful and capable of presenting navigation instructions along with driver-assistance information without forcing the driver to keep looking downward. I also liked the physical volume roller on the steering wheel. In an era when automakers seem determined to replace every knob and switch with a touchscreen command, even small dedicated controls deserve recognition.The CLA's advanced driver's tech works extremely wellMercedes' driver-assistance technology was equally impressive. Plenty of new vehicles offer adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, automatic parking, and related systems. The bigger question is: How effectively do these systems work? The CLA's technology proved intuitive enough that I actually wanted to use it.The high-quality materials and comfortable seats add to the Mercedes-Benz experienceThis Cabin Feels Like A MercedesMy test car featured predominantly black seats with contrasting white trim and additional light-colored detailing throughout the cabin. The combination looks upscale without being overly flashy. The seats are supportive and comfortable, materials feel substantial, and premium features include the excellent Burmester audio system and attractive ambient lighting, furthering the CLA's impression as a genuine luxury sedan, not an economy car wearing an expensive badge.The available Sky Roof is another memorable feature, with glass that can quickly switch its transparency from clear to opaque. It's exactly the sort of technology buyers expect from a premium vehicle. Passenger space is less impressive. At six feet tall, I could fit behind my own driving position and had acceptable headroom, helped by the roof's curving shape, but the rear compartment isn't especially generous. Adults can survive back there; smaller passengers will be happier.The new CLA 350 feels far more luxurious...and the price reflects itOptions Can Quickly Change The Value EquationThe CLA 350 starts at $50,500 before destination, or roughly $51,850 including the destination charge. That's compelling. But my test car was another matter.AdvertisementAdvertisementIts $5,850 Pinnacle trim, $2,100 AMG Line package and additional equipment pushed the window sticker to $66,030. The Burmester audio system costs $850 and the adjustable Sky Roof adds $1,050. Sixty-six thousand dollars is a lot of money for an entry-level Mercedes.However – there's an important distinction between an expensive car that disappoints and an expensive car that actually feels expensive. The CLA falls into the second category. Its obvious rival is the Tesla Model 3, which can offer more interior room and a lower price while pursuing a more ambitious approach to automated driving. But the Mercedes counters with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, more conventional physical controls, a richer dashboard presentation, and substantially more traditional luxury-car ambiance.That ultimately summarizes the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350. Mercedes didn't merely build another competent EV. It built a convincing Mercedes-Benz EV—quick, efficient, luxurious and surprisingly satisfying to drive. For a vehicle that entered my driveway with relatively low expectations, that may be its most impressive achievement.This article was originally published on Forbes.com