The new Mercedes CLA, named the safest car tested by Euro NCAP in 2025
Safety is no longer just for SUVs: Mercedes CLA and Tesla Model 3 dominate crash tests in 2025
2025 marked a turning point in the automotive industry, being one of the busiest years for the Belgian experts at Euro NCAP. As testing standards become increasingly rigorous, the organization published the long-awaited "Best-in-Class" list, and the results confirm the dominance of German innovation in terms of protection.
The biggest surprise and, at the same time, the big winner of the title of "Safest Car of the Year" (Best Performer) is the new generation Mercedes-Benz CLA. It not only won in its category, but also obtained the highest average score of all vehicles tested during the year.
Record performance for Mercedes-Benz CLA
The new CLA impressed the jury with its almost perfect balance between structural protection and active assistance systems. The scores speak for themselves:
- 94% for adult occupant protection.
- 93% for vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists), a record score thanks to the active bonnet and state-of-the-art AEB (autonomous emergency braking) systems.
- 89% for child protection.
Other stars of the Euro NCAP 2025 ranking
Although the Mercedes-Benz CLA took the top prize, other models also shone in their categories:
- Mini Cooper E: Named Best City & Supermini, proving that small size does not mean a compromise in terms of safety.
- Tesla Model 3: Winner of the Best Large Family Car category, with an outstanding score of 93% for child protection.
- Tesla Model Y: Titled Best Small SUV, standing out for the effectiveness of standard safety systems (92%).
- Smart #5: Leader of the Best Large SUV category.
- Polestar 3: Named Best Executive Car.
Mercedes-Benz CLA on the Romanian market: Prices and Sales
In Romania, the new generation Mercedes-Benz CLA (both in the thermal and electric version - CLA with EQ technology) was received with great interest, being one of the most popular models in the premium compact segment.
| Model Version | Powertrain Type | Power Output | Starting Price (incl. VAT) |
| CLA 180 Coupé | Petrol (48V Mild-Hybrid) | 136 hp | from €42,970 |
| CLA 200 Coupé | Petrol (48V Mild-Hybrid) | 163 hp | from €44,850 |
| CLA 200 4Matic | Petrol (All-Wheel Drive) | 163 hp | from €47,130 |
| CLA 220 Coupé | Petrol (48V Mild-Hybrid) | 190 hp | from €47,170 |
| CLA 220 4Matic | Petrol (All-Wheel Drive) | 190 hp | from €49,350 |
| CLA 250 e | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | 218 hp | from €47,100 |
| CLA 250+ (Electric) | 100% Electric (85 kWh) | 272 hp | from €51,770 |
| CLA 350 4M (Electric) | 100% Electric (Dual Motor) | 354 hp | from €57,910 |
| AMG CLA 45 S 4Matic+ | Performance Petrol | 421 hp | from €73,800 |
Sales in Romania were boosted by the "mini-CLS" design and the new MB.OS digital platform, which includes the MBUX virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence. The model is available in the Progressive, AMG Line and AMG Line Plus equipment lines, the latter being preferred by Romanian customers for its aggressive appearance.
Competition in the premium compact segment
Although the Mercedes-Benz CLA now holds the title of the safest car, the battle for customers is tight. The main rivals on the local market are:
- BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé: The main opponent, appreciated for its sportier driving dynamics, although the CLA now offers a superior technology package.
- Audi A3 Sedan: A more sober and conservative alternative, but extremely refined.
- Tesla Model 3: Although it is a pure electric sedan, the Model 3 competes directly with the CLA EQ versions in terms of price and safety technology.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz CLA achieves a rare feat in 2025: to combine the spectacular aesthetics of a four-door coupé with the engineering rigor that guarantees the highest level of safety in Europe. The Euro NCAP results confirm that safety is no longer just an attribute of massive SUVs, but can also be successfully integrated into compact, elegant and efficient cars.