Yes, we know — yet another awkward Matt Watson gurn, expertly timed and captured by us here at The Car Blog, otherwise known as the Daily Car Blog. It’s a tradition at this point. But Watson’s facial contortion is a harbinger of what’s to come once the early reviews of the Mercedes CLA EV have settled. When the hype fades, it will be replaced by the grim reality of real-world range.

To be fair, Watson did test the CLA EV in real-world warm conditions and managed around 350 miles of range. Impressive from Mercedes — but it’s neither the claimed 500 miles, nor is it a game-changer.

You see, there will be many more so-called “game-changing” moments to come in the EV era, because in evolutionary terms, the technology is only just beginning to walk upright, still slightly crouched.

EV technology is developing rapidly, so the era of breakthroughs isn’t over. But those breakthroughs are more likely to come from China, not Mercedes. Europe is significantly behind China in terms of EV infrastructure, accessibility, and technology. So, the Mercedes CLA EV is one small step for Mercedes, but it’s certainly no giant leap.

Try telling that to some motoring journalists, though — many of whom seem happy to become willing foot soldiers, parroting whatever Mercedes expects of them. It’s the journalistic equivalent of being tossed into a meat grinder.

This critique, of course, does not apply to Carwow or Matt Watson — they are immune from any criticism from us.

However, I should mention, purely in the interest of transparency, that Carwow is partly owned by Mercedes. Just saying. Doing my civic duty, folks.