Zakirin
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ marks the debut of Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation 800V Modular Architecture (MMA) in Malaysia, combining an 85 kWh battery, a 2-speed rear-axle transmission, an official 792 km WLTP range, 320 kW DC ultra-fast charging, and the three-display MBUX Superscreen at RM 274,888. The Tesla Model 3 Long Range counters as a benchmark EV package offering an ultra-efficient 750 km WLTP range, 250 kW Supercharger network integration, a dual-screen minimalist cabin, and standard ventilated seating at an accessible RM 187,000 to RM 210,000 price point.
Quick Verdict:
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ if:You want true German luxury prestige, class-leading 792 km WLTP range, next-gen 800V architecture with 320 kW DC charging (+325 km in 10 mins), a 101-litre front trunk (frunk), and the three-display MBUX Superscreen powered by MB.OS with dual generative AI (ChatGPT + Google Gemini).
- Choose the Tesla Model 3 Long Range if:You want the best EV value per Ringgit (saving ~RM 65,000–RM 87,000), seamless plug-and-charge access to Tesla’s dedicated Supercharger network, quicker acceleration (0–100 km/h in 4.4s–5.2s), larger total cargo capacity, and a software-first ecosystem.
💰 Estimated Monthly Ownership Breakdown
| Cost & Ownership Factor | Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ (CBU) | Tesla Model 3 Long Range (CBU) |
| Price (OTR w/o Insurance) | RM 274,888 | RM 187,000 (LR RWD) – RM 210,000 (LR AWD) |
| Standard Vehicle Warranty | 4-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty | 4-Year / 80,000 km Basic Vehicle Warranty |
| Battery & Drive Unit Warranty | 8 Years / 160,000 km | 8 Years / 192,000 km (or 160,000 km on RWD) |
| Maintenance / Service Package Cost | Included in Agility+ Financing (or pay-per-service) | Condition-Based Maintenance (No mandatory annual fixed schedule) |
| Estimated Scheduled Maintenance (5 Years) | ~RM 4,500 – RM 6,000 (cabin filters, brake fluid, 2-speed fluid check) | ~RM 2,000 – RM 3,500 (cabin HEPA filters, wiper blades, brake fluid) |
| Annual Road Tax (Peninsular MY) | RM 20 (EV Incentive Rate) | RM 20 (EV Incentive Rate) |
| Claimed EV Range (WLTP) | Up to 792 km (748 km as equipped) | Up to 750 km (LR RWD) / 629 km (LR AWD) |
| Total Luggage Capacity | 405 Litres (+101L Frunk / 506L Total) | 594 Litres (+88L Frunk / 682L Total) |
| Est. Monthly Commitment (9-Yr @ 3%) | ~RM 2,905/mo (or from RM 2,988/mo on Agility+) | ~RM 1,980/mo (LR RWD) – ~RM 2,220/mo (LR AWD) |
📊 Comprehensive Specification Comparison
| Feature / Spec | Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ | Tesla Model 3 Long Range |
| Segment / Body Style | 4-Door Compact Executive Coupé (EV) | 4-Door Compact Executive Fastback Sedan (EV) |
| Platform / Architecture | 800V Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) | 400V Dedicated EV Architecture |
| Drivetrain Layout | Single-Motor Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Single-Motor RWD (or Dual-Motor AWD) |
| Transmission Type | 2-Speed Automatic Transmission (Rear Axle) | Single-Speed Fixed Ratio Transmission |
| Max Power Output | 272 PS (268 hp / 200 kW) | 315 hp (LR RWD) / ~491 hp (LR AWD) |
| Max Torque | 335 Nm | 450 Nm (LR RWD) / 493 Nm (LR AWD) |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | 6.7 seconds | 5.2 seconds (LR RWD) / 4.4 seconds (LR AWD) |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h | 201 km/h |
| Battery Type & Chemistry | 85.0 kWh Usable (NMC Chemistry) | 78.4 kWh – 79.0 kWh Usable (NMC Chemistry) |
| Maximum WLTP Range | 792 km (748 km as equipped) | 750 km (LR RWD) / 629 km (LR AWD) |
| DC Fast Charging Rate | 320 kW (10–80% in 22 mins / +325 km in 10 mins) | 250 kW (10–80% in ~27 mins) |
| AC Charging Rate | 11 kW Three-Phase (0–100% in ~9.0 hrs) | 11 kW Three-Phase (0–100% in ~8.0 hrs) |
| Aerodynamic Drag (Cd) | 0.21 Cd | 0.219 Cd |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,723 mm x 1,855 mm x 1,468 mm | 4,720 mm x 1,850 mm x 1,441 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,790 mm | 2,875 mm |
| Front Trunk (Frunk) | 101 Litres (Pneumatic Struts) | 88 Litres |
| Rear Boot Space | 405 Litres | 594 Litres (incl. deep underfloor tub) |
| Suspension (Front / Rear) | MacPherson Strut / Multi-Link Independent | Double Wishbone / Multi-Link (Frequency-Selective Dampers) |
| Wheels & Tyres | 19-inch AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Alloy Wheels | 18-inch Photon / Optional 19-inch Nova Wheels |
| Cockpit / Infotainment | MBUX Superscreen (10.25″ Cluster + Dual 14″ Screens) | 15.4″ Central Touchscreen + 8.0″ Rear Passenger Screen |
| Operating System | MB.OS with ChatGPT & Google Gemini Integration | Tesla Custom OS (AMD Ryzen, Netflix, YouTube, Spotify) |
| Audio System | Mercedes-Benz Advanced Sound System | 9-Speaker Audio (LR RWD) / 17-Speaker Dual Subwoofer (LR AWD) |
| Upholstery & Seating | Artico Leather / Microcut Microfibre Sports Seats | Premium Vegan Leather with Heating & Ventilation |
| ADAS Safety Suite | Driving Assistance Package Plus (Full Level 2 ADAS) | Basic Autopilot (Optional EAP: RM16k / FSD: RM32k) |
⚡ Key Differences Breakdown
🚗 Powertrain, 800V Efficiency & Charging Capabilities
- Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+: Utilizes a native 800V architecture paired with a rear-axle 2-speed transmission. The shorter 11:1 first gear optimizes city takeoff and low-speed torque, while the taller second gear ensures exceptional high-speed efficiency (consuming as low as 12.2 kWh/100 km). It supports up to 320 kW DC ultra-fast charging, allowing drivers to add 325 km of range in 10 minutes at high-power chargers.
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range: Employs a 400V architecture delivering higher motor output (315 hp in RWD or 491 hp in AWD), producing quicker 0–100 km/h acceleration (5.2s to 4.4s). It charges at up to 250 kW across Tesla’s Supercharger network, offering plug-and-charge convenience with automatic payment processing.
🎨 Exterior Styling, Aerodynamics & Practical Utility
- Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+: Features an aerodynamic coupé silhouette (0.21 Cd) highlighted by an illuminated front star-pattern grille, multibeam LED lights, frameless doors, and standard 19-inch AMG wheels. It features a 101-litre front trunk (frunk) with pneumatic struts alongside a 405-litre rear boot.
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range: Uses a wind-tunnel-sculpted sedan profile (0.219 Cd) with slim headlights, double-glazed acoustic glass all around, and an 88-litre frunk combined with a deeper 594-litre rear luggage compartment.
🛋️ Interior Tech, Software Ecosystem & Passenger Comfort
- Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+: The cabin is dominated by the MBUX Superscreen running the new MB.OS platform. It features native dual AI integrations (ChatGPT for conversational tasks and Google Gemini for live destination intelligence), AMG Line sport seats, and 30-colour ambient lighting.
- Tesla Model 3 Long Range: Features a minimalist layout devoid of instrument clusters or turn stalk levers, controlled via the 15.4-inch central touchscreen and steering-wheel capacitive buttons. Rear passengers get a dedicated 8-inch entertainment display with independent climate and streaming controls. Standard front seats feature active ventilation.
🌟 3 Things We Love
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+
- Unmatched 792 km Real-World Range: With an 85 kWh usable battery and an ultra-efficient 2-speed gearbox, it is the longest-range EV available in Malaysia under RM 300,000, virtually eliminating highway charging anxiety.
- Next-Gen 800V / 320 kW Charging Speed: Pulling up to 320 kW at compatible DC fast chargers allows a 10% to 80% replenishment in 22 minutes.
- MBUX Superscreen with Integrated Dual AI: The pillar-to-pillar glass cockpit offers dedicated entertainment for the front passenger and integrates ChatGPT and Google Gemini for voice commands.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range
- Outstanding Value & Performance: Priced from RM 187,000 to RM 210,000, it delivers 0–100 km/h acceleration in 4.4s–5.2s and up to 750 km WLTP range at a significantly lower purchase price.
- Seamless Tesla Supercharger Ecosystem: Effortless plug-and-charge functionality with built-in route planning and stall availability tracking remains the gold standard in EV road-tripping convenience.
- Rear Passenger Touchscreen & Cabin Refinement: The Highland update introduces 360-degree acoustic glass for a quiet cabin, front ventilated seats, and an 8-inch rear screen that allows passengers to watch Netflix or adjust climate settings independently.
⚠️ 2 Things That Need Work
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+
- Legacy 400V DC Charger Throttling: Operating strictly on native 800V without an onboard DC step-up booster means charging speeds will throttle significantly when connected to older 400V public DC chargers.
- Cooped-Up Rear Seat Footroom: The sloping coupé roofline paired with an underfloor battery pack slightly compromises rear headroom and under-thigh support for tall passengers.
Tesla Model 3 Long Range
- No Physical Stalks or Dedicated Driver Cluster: Relying entirely on steering wheel push-buttons for turn signals and a central screen for speed readouts requires a steep learning curve that frustrates some drivers on Malaysian roundabouts.
- Option Pricing Adds Up Quickly: Upgrading to colours other than white (RM 5,000–RM 11,000), 19-inch wheels (RM 7,500), white interior (RM 5,000), or Enhanced Autopilot (RM 16,000) rapidly narrows the price gap against premium competitors.
🏁 Buying Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ sets a new technological benchmark for compact executive EVs in Malaysia. At RM 274,888, it successfully blends genuine German brand prestige, long-distance touring capability (792 km WLTP), 800V / 320 kW ultra-rapid charging, and the three-screen MBUX Superscreen. For buyers who want luxury refinement, road presence, and maximum highway range without range anxiety, the CLA 250+ is worth the premium.
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range remains the value and efficiency king in the electric sedan segment. Priced between RM 187,000 and RM 210,000, it undercuts the Mercedes by over RM 65,000 while delivering punchier acceleration, superior cargo volume (682L total), condition-based low servicing costs, and seamless access to the Tesla Supercharging network. For tech enthusiasts and value-focused EV adopters, the Model 3 Long Range offers the smarter financial purchase.
