Mercedes-Benz India has just revealed the new Mercedes-Benz CLA electric in the Indian market. The CLA was previously sold with internal combustion engine options and was discontinued in 2020. The new CLA will take the place of the A-Class sedan and will also replace the EQA and EQB EVs in the brand’s entry-level portfolio. The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is expected to be priced somewhere between 55-60 lakh (ex-showroom).
While it does not have any direct rivals, the new CLA is expected to compete on pricing with electric models such as the BMW iX1, Volvo XC40 Recharge, Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y, along with other EVs positioned around the Rs 60 lakh mark.
The EV will be launched in April, and pre-bookings will begin from March 2026. Ahead of its launch, let’s take a look at the top five things you need to know.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV has a strong focus on aerodynamics just like the older models, and has a low drag coefficient of 0.21. The sedan features a low stance, a longer wheelbase and short overhangs, giving it balanced proportions.
At the front, the model gets a closed grille panel in gloss black with illuminated star-pattern elements and a central Mercedes emblem. Slim LED headlamps are linked by a light bar that runs across the fascia. The bumper has been redesigned with functional air inlets to support cooling and airflow.
From the side, the CLA EV continues with frameless doors and a sloping roofline. It also features flush door handles and aerodynamically designed alloy wheels to aid efficiency.
At the rear, a full-width LED light bar with star-pattern detailing mirrors the front lighting signature. The bumper has a clean finish, and other highlights include chrome elements all around, a front grille with 142 small backlit stars, a panoramic glass roof that comes with a heat-protective coating, five-spoke aero wheels and more.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA EV features a minimalist, screen-focused cabin that prioritises technology and usability.
The highlight of the cabin is a dual-screen layout consisting of a 10. 25-inch digital driver’s display and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The cabin features a three-spoke steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, while a carbon-fibre finish on the centre console adds a sportier visual touch. Features include 64-colour ambient lighting, a 16-speaker Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos, heated, ventilated and powered front seats, wireless charging, six 100W USB-C fast-charging ports, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, connected car tech, latest MBUX with Ai integration and more.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA will be offered in a single CLA 250 plus variant. It gets an 85 kWh battery pack paired with a single electric motor, which sends power to the rear wheels and produces 268hp and 335Nm of torque. It also gets a two-speed gearbox and has a claimed range of upto 792 km (WLTP). The new CLA features an 800-volt electrical architecture that supports DC fast charging at speeds of up to 320 kW.
Mercedes-Benz claims this can add close to 300 km of driving range in around 10 minutes under ideal conditions.
In terms of safety, the new CLA has received a full 5-star safety rating by the Euro NCAP. The EV secured 94% in Adult Occupant Protection, and in Child Occupant Protection, the model scored 89%. The vehicle is equipped with a system that detects the installation of a child seat and automatically deactivates the relevant airbags.
For Vulnerable Road User protection, which includes pedestrians and cyclists, the EV received 93%. Safety features include eight airbags, a 360-degree camera with blind-spot monitoring, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, an electronic parking brake and ASAS.
The new CLA is underpinned by Mercedes-Benz’s MMA architecture, a platform developed specifically for electric vehicles. The new CLA has also grown in size compared to its predecessor. It measures 4,723 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,468 mm in height, with a longer wheelbase of 2,790 mm. Practicality is enhanced with a 101-litre front storage compartment and a 405-litre boot.
