2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2027 Lexus ES: Full Comparison
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The 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ electric delivers an EPA-estimated 374 miles of range on a single charge. The 2027 Lexus ES lineup offers hybrid and electric powertrain choices with different priorities around efficiency, space, and charging. This page compares the key numbers side by side so you can browse available 2027 CLA inventory online at Mercedes-Benz of Tuscaloosa and see current listings and configurations.
The Short Answer
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA may suit buyers who prioritize long EPA-estimated electric range, rapid DC fast charging, and a forward-thinking digital cockpit in a compact, athletic sedan. The 2027 Lexus ES may suit buyers who prioritize a larger cabin, hybrid efficiency, or a longer listed powertrain warranty. The two vehicles serve different needs across performance, space, efficiency, and ownership.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Specification | 2027 CLA 250+ electric | 2027 Lexus ES 350h (FWD) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Rear PSM electric motor | 2.5L inline-4 hybrid + CVT |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 244 hp |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft | 173 lb-ft (engine) |
| 0-60 mph | 6.6 sec | 7.3 sec |
| EV / Hybrid Range | 374 miles (EPA est.) | 46 MPG combined (EPA est.) |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD (AWD available) |
| Battery | 85 kWh usable | Lithium-ion hybrid assist |
| DC Fast Charging | 320 kW (NACS) | 150 kW (BEV models only) |
| AC Charging | 9.6 kW (J1772) | 11 kW (BEV models only) |
| Length | 185.9 in | 202.4 in |
| Height | 57.8 in | 61.4 in |
| Cargo (rear) | 10.3 cu ft + 1.4 cu ft frunk | 13.3 cu ft (ES 350h) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 6 yr / 70,000 mi |
For AWD buyers, the CLA 350 4MATIC® electric produces 349 hp combined and reaches 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the ES 500e AWD produces 338 hp combined.

Performance and Powertrain
The CLA 250+ electric uses a 200 kW permanently excited synchronous motor mounted at the rear axle, paired with a high-efficiency two-speed transmission. That setup produces 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, reaches 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, and charges from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 22 minutes on a 320 kW DC fast charger through the NACS connector. Its 800-volt architecture supports that charging capability.
The CLA 350 4MATIC® electric steps up to dual PSM motors producing 349 hp combined and 380 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. That model has an EPA-estimated range of 312 miles.
The CLA 220 Hybrid Sedan pairs a 1.5L inline-4 turbo with a 48V hybrid assist system producing 188 hp from the gasoline engine plus 30 hp from the electric motor and 280 lb-ft of combined torque, with an 8G-eDCT dual-clutch transmission and EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 city / 39 highway mpg.
The Lexus ES 350h hybrid pairs its 2.5L inline-4 engine with Lexus' sixth-generation hybrid system for a net 244 hp combined. The front-wheel-drive version returns an EPA-estimated 46 MPG combined. The ES 500e AWD produces 338 hp from dual electric motors. The ES BEV models use a separate 74.7-kWh battery pack and support up to 150 kW DC fast charging.
For buyers comparing the CLA 250+ electric with the ES 350h, the CLA offers the higher listed horsepower and torque along with DC fast-charging capability, while the ES 350h offers hybrid operation without requiring external charging.
EPA fuel economy and range ratings
Interior, Space, and Cargo
The Lexus ES is the larger vehicle by the listed exterior dimensions. At 202.4 inches long and 61.4 inches tall, it offers 40.7 inches of rear legroom and 13.3 cubic feet of trunk space. Rear headroom measures 37.8 inches.
The CLA measures 185.9 inches long and 57.8 inches tall. Its rear legroom is 33.6 inches, and rear cargo space is 10.3 cubic feet. Electric CLA models add a 1.4-cubic-foot front trunk for additional small-item storage. Rear headroom measures 36.8 inches.
Both vehicles seat five and offer heated front seats as standard. The CLA starts with MB-Tex upholstery and a fixed panoramic glass roof standard across the lineup. Power front seats with three-position memory are standard. The ES 350h provides perforated NuLuxe seating, heated and ventilated front seats, and thematic ambient lighting as standard on Premium trims.
The CLA offers the optional MBUX Superscreen, which adds a 14-inch front passenger display. Optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound with 16 speakers and Dolby Atmos is available on the CLA. The ES Premium+ offers a 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround Sound system.


Technology and Safety
Both vehicles use 14-inch central touchscreens as standard. The CLA runs fourth-generation MBUX built on Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), with AI integration from Microsoft and Google, over-the-air software updates, and a conversational MBUX Virtual Assistant. MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence optimizes routes around charging stops and is included as a Digital Extra for seven years. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® are standard Digital Extras on the CLA.
The Lexus Interface on the ES also uses a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display ahead of the driver. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, simultaneous dual Bluetooth® connectivity, and over-the-air updates via 5G. Cloud Navigation with Google POI data is available through the Drive Connect subscription.
On safety, the CLA includes PRESAFE® PLUS as standard, which can prepare the front seats, seat belts, and occupants' hearing before a detected collision. Blind Spot Assist Plus with Exit Warning, Evasive Steering Function, Lane Keeping Function, Emergency Stop Function, and Distance Assist DISTRONIC are standard. PRESAFE® Sound and eight airbags, including a front center airbag, are also included.
The Lexus ES 350h carries Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 standard, which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Eco-Run Mode, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Intelligent High Beams, Safe Exit Assist, and Blind-Spot Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Warning. Traffic Jam Assist and Lane Change Assist are standard on Premium+ trims and available as a package on Premium trims.
The two safety suites use different approaches to driver assistance and pre-collision preparation.
CLA safety features and PRE-SAFE PLUS details
Value and Ownership
Both vehicles carry a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. The Lexus ES carries a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the CLA carries a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The CLA's seven years of standard connected services and MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence provide included route-planning capability for electric-model owners. The Lexus Drive Connect trial runs three months standard, with Remote Connect provided for five years.
The CLA 250+ electric supports DC fast charging at up to 320 kW and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 22 minutes. The ES BEV models support up to 150 kW DC fast charging. For buyers who charge primarily at home, the CLA's 9.6 kW AC charging takes approximately 8.75 hours from 10 to 100 percent. The ES 350h requires no external charging.
The CLA 220 Hybrid Sedan offers another option, combining 48V hybrid assist with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 city / 39 highway mpg without requiring external charging.
Which One Should You Buy
Consider the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ electric if:
you want an EPA-estimated 374 miles of range, DC fast charging at up to 320 kW, a lower and more compact sedan profile, fourth-generation MBUX, or the option to step into the CLA 350 4MATIC® electric for 349 hp and a 4.8-second 0-60 mph time.
Consider the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 Hybrid if:
you want a conventional fueling experience with hybrid efficiency at 29/39 mpg, 280 lb-ft of combined torque, and the fourth-generation MBUX platform without relying on charging infrastructure.
Consider the 2027 Lexus ES 350h if:
rear-seat legroom and trunk space are priorities, you prefer a hybrid powertrain with 46 MPG combined and no external charging required, or the 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty is important to your ownership plan.
Consider the 2027 Lexus ES 500e AWD if:
you want all-wheel-drive BEV performance at 338 hp combined and prefer the ES's larger overall footprint.
Explore the 2027 CLA Sedan at Mercedes-Benz of Tuscaloosa
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers a mix of electric and hybrid powertrains, fourth-generation MBUX technology, and multiple performance configurations. The CLA 250+ electric provides 374 miles of EPA-estimated range and DC fast charging at up to 320 kW, while the CLA 350 4MATIC® electric increases output to 349 hp. Browse available 2027 CLA inventory online at Mercedes-Benz of Tuscaloosa to see current listings and configurations, or contact the dealership to schedule a test drive for an available vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EPA-estimated range of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ electric?
The CLA 250+ electric has an EPA-estimated range of 374 miles. It also supports DC fast charging at up to 320 kW through its NACS connector.
What is the 2027 CLA's DC fast charging speed?
The CLA 250+ electric and CLA 350 4MATIC® electric both support DC fast charging at up to 320 kW through the NACS connector, charging from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 22 minutes. The Lexus ES BEV models support up to 150 kW DC fast charging.
Is the 2027 Lexus ES or the 2027 CLA larger inside?
The Lexus ES is larger by the listed dimensions. At 202.4 inches long with 40.7 inches of rear legroom and 13.3 cubic feet of cargo space, the ES offers more rear-seat room than the CLA, which provides 33.6 inches of rear legroom and 10.3 cubic feet of rear cargo plus a 1.4-cubic-foot front trunk.
Does the 2027 CLA come in a hybrid version?
Yes. The CLA 220 Hybrid Sedan pairs a 1.5L inline-4 turbo with a 48V hybrid assist system producing 188 hp from the gasoline engine plus 30 hp from the electric motor, with 280 lb-ft of combined torque and EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 city / 39 highway mpg.
How do the powertrain warranties compare?
The 2027 Lexus ES carries a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA carries a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty.
What infotainment system does the 2027 CLA use?
The CLA uses fourth-generation MBUX built on Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), featuring a 14-inch central touchscreen, a conversational MBUX Virtual Assistant with AI from Microsoft and Google, MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence included for seven years, and over-the-air software updates. The optional MBUX Superscreen adds a 14-inch front passenger display.
*Burmester is a registered trademark of Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH, Berlin, Germany.
AMG® and 4MATIC® are registered trademarks of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC.
Apple CarPlay® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
harman/kardon® and Logic 7 are registered marks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated
Burmester® is a registered trademark of Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH, Berlin, Germany
Bluetooth® is a registered mark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.