Mercedes Is Struggling to Meet Demand for New Compact Sedan | Carscoops

      High demand for the new CLA is leading to production delays and longer waiting periods.

      July 4, 2025, at 19:20

      Customers will have to wait until next year to receive the new Mercedes CLA.

      Mercedes is currently producing the electric version and will begin manufacturing the internal combustion engine model later this year.

      Both all-electric CLA variants come with 85 kWh lithium-ion battery packs.

      Reports of the sedan's decline may have been somewhat overstated. While many major automakers have removed sedans from their offerings in favor of the currently popular SUVs, a few brands continue to introduce new models.

      Just three months after the introduction of the third-generation CLA, Mercedes is increasing production. The strong demand has prompted the automaker to add a third shift to its assembly line to keep pace. For the first time, the CLA is available as a fully electric vehicle, alongside several internal combustion engine options, likely contributing to the surge in interest.

      Rapid Scaling of Electric Production

      During an event at the company’s headquarters, Mercedes production director Jörg Burzer mentioned that the orders for the new CLA are “very encouraging” and confirmed that the production increase is going smoothly. Supply issues, especially concerning rare earth materials from China required for the EV drivetrain, have posed challenges in the industry, but Mercedes states it has secured the necessary components.

      Currently, approximately 200 units are coming off the production line daily at Mercedes' Stuttgart-Untertürkheim facility. With 250 working days in a year, this rate could yield about 50,000 vehicles annually. However, Burzer pointed out that the plant is capable of producing “hundreds of thousands,” particularly as other models will also be manufactured on the MMA platform.

      While high demand for a new model is a positive sign, it brings a drawback: extended wait times. As reported by Automobilwoche, many CLAs will not be delivered until next year, despite order acceptance starting in April. This may lead the company to pause employee orders of the new CLA, prioritizing loyal customers.

      Upcoming CLA Variants

      Production of the gasoline-powered CLA models is expected to commence in the coming months. Mercedes also plans to begin constructing the new CLA Shooting Brake variant before the year concludes.

      The two electric versions of the new CLA are referred to as the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and the CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology. Both models feature an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery and an 800-volt electric architecture. The base model produces 268 hp and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) using a rear-mounted motor, while the CLA 350 employs two motors that deliver a combined output of 349 hp and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm).

      The combustion engine models will be equipped with 1.5-liter four-cylinder engines featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid support. Performance details for these models have not yet been disclosed.