THE new Mercedes-Benz CLA - said to be the most efficient, intuitive and intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever - is now available to order in the UK with prices starting from £45,615.

AMG Line Edition and AMG Line Premium Edition specifications are available from £49,375and £51,770respectively.

The new CLA is the first model in a completely new family of vehicles underpinned by the flexible Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture, which has been designed to accommodate both electric and high-tech hybrid drivetrains.

Initially the CLA is available as an all-electric model - the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology is equipped with an 85 kWh high-voltage battery and a 272 hp electric drive unit mounted on the rear-axle.

The CLA 250+ can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph. Additional battery and motor configurations will be available in the future.

The new CLA 250+ with EQ Technology has a range of up to 484 milesin Sport Edition specification andcan be recharged at up to 320 kW - meaning over 200 miles of range can be added in ten minutes.

Later this year the CLA will be offered as a hybrid with a new four-cylinder combustion engine and 48-volt technology, with an electric motor integrated into its new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Every new CLA is equipped with the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) - the fourth Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) generation.

The new AI-enhanced system, developed in-house, makes it possible to equip every CLA with a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud which enables regular over-the-air updates for the most important vehicle functions, includingdriving assistance systems.

Every CLA is equipped with a 14-inch centre display with smartphone integration and an integrated video camera, powered by high-performance chips and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine. The MBUX Superscreen, which adds a second 14-inch display for the front-seat passenger, will be available to order after the initial launch period.

All electric CLAs feature an illuminated front panel with 142 individually animated LED chrome-effect stars creating a distinctive brand signature. The illuminated grille greets and bids farewell to the driver with various animations. Under the bonnet is a 101-litre ‘frunk', adding additional luggage capacity beyond the 405-litre boot.

Additional standard equipment includes a large panoramic glass roof.

AMG Line Edition specification adds AMG bodystyling, flush-fitting door handles with KEYLESS-GO and Digital Vehicle Key compatibility, a multifunction steering wheel in Nappa leather, Surround Lighting with animated projections of the Mercedes-Benz star pattern, ambient lighting and wireless device charging.

The AMG Line Premium Edition introduces equipment such as 19-inch alloy wheels, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and the Night Package.

The new CLA is equipped with extensive safety features including blind spot assist, manoeuvring assist, lane keeping assist and brake assist. DISTRONIC Distance Assist is also included.