2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ vs. BMW i4 eDrive40: Which Electric Luxury Sedan Wins in Arizona?
Quick answer: The 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ starts at $47,950 against roughly $57,900 for the BMW i4 eDrive40, a difference of about $9,950. The BMW makes more power. The Mercedes-Benz costs less, and its native NACS port lets it charge at Tesla Supercharger stations without an adapter, which matters on Arizona freeways.
How do the two compare on paper?
| Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ | BMW i4 eDrive40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $47,950 | [[VERIFY: $57,900]] |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | [[VERIFY: 335 hp]] |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft | [[VERIFY: 317 lb-ft]] |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| EPA range | [[VERIFY: 374 mi]] | [[VERIFY: 307 to 333 mi]] |
| DC fast charge port | Native NACS | CCS |
Which one is faster?
The BMW. The i4 eDrive40 makes more horsepower and more torque than the CLA 250+, and it feels it.
Whether that is worth about $9,950 depends on how you drive. On a Gilbert to Phoenix commute, both are quick enough that the difference rarely comes up. On an open road, the BMW has the edge.
Which one goes further?
On EPA figures, the CLA 250+ leads. Bear in mind that both lose range in Arizona summer, for the same reasons we explained in how Arizona heat affects electric range. Battery cooling and cabin cooling both draw power, and neither brand is exempt.
Which one is easier to charge in Arizona?
This is the difference most comparisons miss, and in Arizona it may be the deciding one.
The 2027 CLA has a native NACS port, so it plugs into Tesla Supercharger stalls directly. Supercharger coverage along the I-10 toward Tucson and the I-17 toward Flagstaff is dense and reliable. The i4 uses a CCS port, which means either a CCS network or an adapter.
Both charge on a Level 2 home charger overnight, which covers normal East Valley commuting either way. We went through the detail in our guide to charging a Mercedes-Benz EV in the East Valley.
What about interior and technology?
Both are genuinely luxury interiors, and preference here is personal in a way a spec sheet cannot settle. The MBUX system and the BMW iDrive system take different approaches to the same problems.
This is the part of the decision that only a test drive answers. Sit in both, use the screens, and see which one you stop thinking about.
Which should an East Valley driver buy?
- Choose the CLA 250+ if value matters, if you want Supercharger access without an adapter, or if you want the longer EPA range
- Choose the i4 eDrive40 if outright performance is the priority and the price difference is not a factor
We took a similar approach comparing SUVs in GLC versus GLE.
Drive the CLA 250+ in Gilbert
Full specifications are in our guide to the 2027 CLA 250+. Browse the electric lineup, check current offers on our specials page, or schedule a test drive at 3455 S. Gilbert Road. Call (480) 407-5800.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CLA 250+ cheaper than the BMW i4?
Yes. The CLA 250+ starts at $47,950, roughly $9,950 below the i4 eDrive40’s starting price.
Can the BMW i4 use Tesla Superchargers?
The i4 uses a CCS port, so Supercharger access requires an adapter where supported. The CLA 250+ has a native NACS port and does not.
Which has more range?
On EPA figures the CLA 250+ leads. Real-world range in Arizona summer is lower than the EPA figure for both vehicles.
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