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The incoming electric Mercedes-Benz CLA, the German brand's game-changing EV that promises a 492-mile range, is unable to use any 400V DC charger - a common standard across the UK and Europe.

This means the third-generation CLA, based on the German firm's new MMA electric car platform, is incompatible with many older 50kW units and most Tesla Superchargers currently in operation.

This is because it lacks a DC-to-DC voltage booster, meaning it can only fast-charge at stations that supply 800 volts - typically found on newer HPC (high-power charging) networks that can charge at speeds almost double that of 400V.

The UK currently has 14,448 public charge points capable of 50kW charging or faster, according to Zap-Map. Although the data doesn't include the voltage of the chargers, Zap-Map does confirm that while 800V charging (up to 350kW) is available at some locations, it's not nearly as widespread as 400V charging (up to 250kW), given that it's a newer - and therefore much more expensive - technology.

The omission of a 400V DC converter is thought to be a cost-saving measure, the likely thinking being that the majority of customers will charge their CLA mostly at home via an AC connection –there, 400V AC flows into an onboard charger and is converted into 800V DC internally for battery use.

Mercedes confirms the charging limitation on its German website configurator with the message "charging at 400V charging stations is not possible".

Backing its decision, a spokesperson for the car maker told Autocar that "the share of 800V DC-fast-charging stations in the entire charging network is constantly increasing" adding that drivers will only be "directed to a compatible charging station" via the navigation system. "The update of available and compatible charging stations works almost in real time," it said.

Asked if there would be a paid option to fit a DC converter for the UK market, the spokesperson said: "We cannot comment on this now."

Rival car makers have taken a different approach. Hyundai and Kia equip their E-GMP-platform EVs, including the Ioniq 5 and EV6, with internal voltage boosters to allow 400V-800V conversion, enabling charging even from older DC stations.

Meanwhile, Porsche and Audi use a split-pack battery strategy with their PPE-platform EVs, such as the Macan Electric and A6 E-tron, dividing the battery into two 400V sections for charging (albeit at reduced speeds).

Mercedes has chosen not to implement either solution in the CLA EV sold in selected European markets. There is still a DC-DC converter onboard, but it's only used to supply 12V power to auxiliary systems such as seat heating and infotainment. 

While 400V chargers are being replaced by 800V chargers across Europe, many 400V chargers still remain, particularly in countries such as Norway, where the EV charging infrastructure was established much earlier than in other countries.

Reports suggest the new CLA EV to be sold in Norway will be fitted with the DC-to-DC booster, but it remains unclear if this will be included on models offered in other European countries.

Mercedes' Belgian and Dutch online configurators make no mention of the charging limitation.

Autocar has asked Mercedes for clarification on the specification of the CLA EV to be sold in the UK but has yet to receive a reply. 

Can anything overtake the Ford Puma as the UK's best-selling car?

The popular small SUV topped the charts for the second consecutive year in 2024 and, four months into 2025, it's still clinging on to the number one spot. 

While it has been a successful start to the year for the Puma, the overall new car market is struggling slightly.

New car registrations dropped by 10.4% in April to 120,331, down from 134,274 the year prior. That made it the worst April for the market since 2022. 

However, electric car sales continued to look healthy, increasing by 8.1% year-on-year to 24,558. The Renault 5 was the best-selling EV for retail buyers in its first month on sale. 

But which are the top 10 best-selling cars of the year so far? Keep reading to find out, with data directly from the SMMT. 

The most popular new cars of 2025

1. Ford Puma – 18,241 units

The best-selling car of 2024 had a slow start to this year but three months of consistently strong performance pushed it back to the top spot, where it has sat since February. 

The Puma appeals because it's engaging to drive and attractively priced, plus it offers the option of a hot Puma ST variant.

Perhaps the impending arrival of the electric Ford Puma Gen-E will give it an additional boost. 

Read our Ford Puma review

2. Kia Sportage – 16,380 units

The Kia Sportage finished fourth in the 2024 sales charts, and we suspect the people of Seoul will be thrilled to see the SUV retain second place for the second consecutive month. 

Consistency is the key to this family SUV. It entered its fifth generation at the tail end of 2022 and still looks fresh, eye-catching and modern.

Its mild-hybrid, full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains ensure a great variety for buyers, too.

Read our Kia Sportage review

3. Nissan Qashqai – 13,989 units

The Nissan Qashqai was the UK's best-seller in 2022, but it has since been outpaced by rivals, finishing second in 2023 and third in 2024.

That said, it's still extremely popular and continues to appeal to buyers here with its excellent practicality.

The British-built family crossover's appeal has also no doubt been bolstered by the addition of electrified powertrains for its third generation. 

Read our Nissan Qashqai review

4. Vauxhall Corsa – 13,852 units

The sales figures for the evergreen Vauxhall Corsa have been a bit up and down of late. It was the best-seller of 2021 but failed to place in the top 10 for 2024. So Vauxhall will be happy to have it performing well again.

A 2024 facelift and keen finance offers have given the supermini a real shot in the arm, and it's deserving of its place on the podium.

Today, the Corsa offers great value for money, with strong, economical powertrains and a pretty impressive roster of digital tech.

Read our Vauxhall Corsa review

5. Nissan Juke – 12,373 units

The Nissan Juke remains a popular car among UK buyers, having finished 2024 in fourth place.

The small SUV went on sale with a brand-new design in 2020 and then a facelifted version arrived in the middle of 2023, along with hybrid power for the first time.

Read our Nissan Juke review

6. Volkswagen Golf – 12,348 units

The Golf isn’t quite as popular as it once was, but it’s still a top pick for drivers on the hunt for a good all-round family hatchback or estate. In fact, it has been slowly creeping its way back up the charts.

The German stalwart has been kept fresh with a wide-reaching technology update, a design revamp, a more powerful GTI hot hatch and a longer-range plug-in hybrid, so it could climb higher still. 

Read our Volkswagen Golf review 

7. MG HS - 11,016 units

The MG HS offers class-leading value for money.

Available with a petrol engine or as a more frugal plug-in hybrid, the HS comes with good levels of equipment as standard, including a 10.1in touchscreen, a 360deg parking camera and smartphone mirroring as standard.

Its PHEV powertrain is the star of the show, offering 75 miles of electric-only driving. 

Read our MG HS review

8. Volkswagen Tiguan - 10,664 units

Volkswagen's popular family SUV has long been one of its best sellers, and it's the brand's second model on this list after the Golf. 

A practical and versatile option, the Tiguan gets a wide range of powertrains, including petrols, diesels and plug-in hybrids. 

Standard equipment is good too, with a reversing camera, parking sensors, wireless smartphone mirroring and dual digital screens all basic equipment.  

Read our Volkswagen Tiguan review

9. Volvo XC40 - 10,612

The eight-year-old Volvo XC40 is a surprise re-entry into the top 10 following a successful April, surging above the similarly positioned Hyundai Tucson. 

A well-rounded model, the XC40 is a compelling SUV for buyers after something a bit more posh-feeling. Its interior is still one of the best around for technology and material quality. 

It's currently available with a choice of mild hybrid powertrains with either 159bhp or 194bhp, which propels it on from 0-62mph in as little as 7.6sec. An electric version is also available, badged EX40.

Read our Volvo XC40 review

10. Hyundai Tucson - 8715 units

The Hyundai Tucson is one of the UK’s most popular SUVs and regularly appeared in the top 10 in 2024.

Along with the XC40, the Tucson has been battling it out in the top 10 for the title of most premium SUV.

It was renewed in 2021 with a fresh front end that featured a unique, eye-catching lighting arrangement. Its plush interior and range of electrified powertrains are attractive propositions for many Brits.

Read our Hyundai Tucson review