The Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ 250+ has achieved a five-star sustainability rating in Green NCAP’s latest assessment of electric, hybrid and petrol cars.
The electric coupé received an overall score of 91%, with Green NCAP highlighting its energy efficiency, long-distance capability, rapid charging and comparatively low lifecycle carbon emissions.
The result showed that strong environmental performance was not limited to small electric cars with compact batteries, according to the testing organisation.
CLA combines range and efficiency
The CLA EQ 250+ carries a 90kWh battery and weighs almost two tonnes, but Green NCAP said its aerodynamics, powertrain efficiency and auxiliary systems helped offset the environmental impact of its size and weight.
Its official WLTP energy consumption is 12.2kWh per 100km, while it recorded 13.9kWh per 100km during warm-weather laboratory testing with the cabin air conditioning operating.
Green NCAP calculated its total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions at around 119g CO2-equivalent per kilometre.
The car achieved a maximum tested range of 690km, or 428 miles, in warm weather on rural roads.
Its estimated urban range in warm conditions was 651km, or 405 miles, while it was calculated to travel up to 456km, or 283 miles, on a motorway at -7°C.
Charging performance peaked at 342kW, allowing the battery to be replenished from 10% to 80% in 22.6 minutes.
The result follows the CLA’s five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and its recognition as a Best in Class performer for 2025.
Hybrid Toyota scores 3.5 stars
The Toyota C-HR hybrid received a three-and-a-half-star sustainability rating with an overall score of 66%.
Green NCAP recorded fuel consumption of 4.4 litres per 100km, or 64.2mpg, on mixed roads in warm weather and 3.6 litres per 100km, or 60.1mpg, during city driving. Its estimated lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions were 196g CO2-equivalent per kilometre.
However, Green NCAP said the C-HR’s hydrocarbon and particle emissions could be improved during its -7°C winter cold-start test.
The petrol Mini Cooper C received three stars, with estimated lifecycle emissions of around 230g CO2-equivalent per kilometre.
Green NCAP said its fuel consumption ranged from six to seven litres per 100km, equivalent to between 47.1mpg and 40.4mpg.
The petrol MG HS received one-and-a-half stars after returning highway fuel consumption of 9.9 litres per 100km, or 28.5mpg.
Its estimated lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reached 303.7g CO2-equivalent per kilometre, above Green NCAP’s maximum scoring threshold.
Dr Aleksandar Damyanov, technical manager at Green NCAP, said: “Green NCAP’s testing gives a glimpse of what the next generation of automotive engineering can achieve. Mercedes-Benz has shown that choosing a larger, more versatile car no longer means compromising on environmental integrity.
“By maximising powertrain efficiency and aerodynamics, Mercedes has created a vehicle that banishes range anxiety and boasts a highly creditable carbon footprint throughout its lifetime. It shows the car industry that Europe’s car makers can, and must, do better.
“At the same time, our findings reinforce the value of robust hybrid technology. The Toyota C-HR performs impressively well in terms of real-world fuel efficiency, though its scores remind manufacturers of the importance of clean and robust exhaust management – even in the most challenging winter conditions.
“For the Mini and the MG HS, the message is simple: there are more efficient electric and hybrid alternatives within their respective families.”
Ensure you always receive AM insights. Make us a preferred source of news on Google