The Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ 250+ earned a five-star Green NCAP sustainability rating with an overall score of 91 percent, the top result among four cars the independent body assessed in its latest round of testing. Green NCAP, the sustainability ratings partner of Euro NCAP, evaluated the electric sedan alongside a hybrid and two gasoline models drawn from the hatchback and SUV classes. Green NCAP reports that the CLA EQ 250+ result shows strong efficiency is no longer confined to small, light electric cars, with the midsize premium coupe pairing long-distance range and rapid charging with a low lifecycle carbon footprint.
Highlights
- The CLA EQ 250+ scored five stars and 91 percent overall, the highest of the four vehicles tested.
- Green NCAP estimated the CLA’s range at up to 428 miles (690 km) in warm weather on rural roads, 405 miles (651 km) in warm urban conditions, and 283 miles (456 km) on the highway in 19°F (-7°C) cold.
- The electric sedan charged from 10 to 80 percent in 22.6 minutes, peaking at 342 kW, and carries a 90 kWh battery.
- Estimated lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions ranged from 119 g CO2-eq./km for the CLA to 303.7 g CO2-eq./km for the bottom-rated MG HS.
A Heavier Electric Car Delivers Top Efficiency
Green NCAP noted that its assessments usually reward compact, light electric cars with small batteries, which place the lowest burden on the environment. The CLA EQ 250+ broke that pattern: it scored 91 percent despite a 90 kWh battery and a curb weight approaching two metric tons (nearly 4,400 pounds). Green NCAP attributed the result to the powertrain’s efficiency and the car’s aerodynamics, which it said offset the impact of the added mass.
The organization recorded an official WLTP energy consumption of 12.2 kWh/100 km, with the car using 13.9 kWh/100 km in warm-weather lab tests run with the cabin air-conditioning active. Its total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions were calculated at roughly 119 g CO2-eq./km.
On range, Green NCAP’s calculations put the CLA at up to 428 miles (690 km) in warm weather on rural roads and 405 miles (651 km) in warm urban driving, falling to 283 miles (456 km) on the highway in 19°F (-7°C) cold. Charging peaked at 342 kW, restoring the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 22.6 minutes. The result follows the CLA’s five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and Best Performer award in the 2025 Best in Class round.
According to Dr. Aleksandar Damyanov, Technical Manager at Green NCAP: “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.”
Toyota C-HR: A Hybrid Middle Ground
The gasoline-hybrid Toyota C-HR earned three-and-a-half stars and 66 percent. Green NCAP reported real-world fuel economy of 53.5 mpg (4.4 l/100 km) on mixed roads in warm weather and 65.3 mpg (3.6 l/100 km) in city driving, with estimated lifecycle emissions of about 196 g CO2-eq./km.
The organization said the C-HR fell short of a higher rating because of emissions in its 19°F (-7°C) cold-start test, where control of hydrocarbons and particulates from the 1.8-liter gasoline engine could be improved. Better exhaust after-treatment and particulate filtration, it added, could move the model into the highest tier.
MINI and MG: Conventional Models Lag
The MINI Cooper C, fitted with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine and no hybridization, recorded fuel economy of 33.6–39.2 mpg (6–7 l/100 km). Green NCAP estimated its lifecycle emissions at about 230 g CO2-eq./km, holding it to three stars and 52 percent. The organization noted that MINI offers electric and plug-in hybrid alternatives in its lineup.
The MG HS 1.5T GDI, a large gasoline SUV from China’s SAIC Motor, finished last at one-and-a-half stars and 26 percent. Green NCAP recorded highway fuel economy of 23.8 mpg (9.9 l/100 km) and said the SUV scored zero points for propulsion energy efficiency and greenhouse gases. Its estimated lifecycle emissions reached 303.7 g CO2-eq./km, exceeding the organization’s maximum threshold.
How the Four Cars Compared
| Vehicle | Powertrain | Lifecycle GHG (g CO2-eq./km) | Sustainability rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz CLA EQ 250+ | Electric (BEV) | ~119 | 5 stars (91%) |
| Toyota C-HR | Gasoline full hybrid | ~196 | 3½ stars (66%) |
| MINI Cooper C | Gasoline internal combustion | ~230 | 3 stars (52%) |
| MG HS 1.5T GDI | Gasoline internal combustion | 303.7 | 1½ stars (26%) |
The spread underscored the widening gap Green NCAP has tracked across recent cross-market sustainability ratings between the strongest electric and hybrid performers and conventional gasoline models.
Sign up for our popular weekly email to catch all the latest EV news!
