Later this month, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric will go on sale in India as the German carmaker’s entry-level model, replacing the ICE-powered A-Class Limousine and the EQA and EQB EVs. Ahead of the CLA EV’s launch, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the all-electric sedan.
What are the exterior design highlights of the Mercedes CLA Electric?
Three-pointed star is a major styling theme
The CLA Electric sports sleek and rounded-off proportions in the interest of aerodynamic efficiency (thereby maximising range), and so possesses a very slippery drag coefficient of 0.21Cd. Up front, there’s a significant emphasis on Mercedes-Benz’s three-pointed star motif – it’s present in the CLA Electric’s DRL signatures, bonnet-mounted logo, and illuminated grille emblem. The grille section even has 142 illuminated stars.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric dimensions | |
| Length | 4,723mm |
| Width | 1,855mm |
| Height | 1,468mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,790mm |
| Wheel size | 18 inches |
| Boot space | 405 litres |
| Frunk | 101 litres |
Elsewhere, the CLA Electric’s fascia features connected LED headlights and a discrete air dam in the bumper, which is flanked by well-sculpted air intake housings. Over to the side, the CLA Electric has a clean, flowing silhouette with a fastback-like roofline, as well as retractable door handles and 18-inch aero-optimised alloy wheels.
The rounded rear end houses an LED light bar with star signatures, an integrated lip spoiler, and a neatly-styled bumper with a strip of chrome.
Which features will the Mercedes CLA Electric be equipped with?
India-spec CLA Electric gets AMG Line package as standard
Inside, the CLA Electric is quite a tech-laden affair, with a full-width panel stretching across the dashboard and incorporating a 14-inch central touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, and a cluster of illuminated three-pointed stars on the co-driver side. Since the India-spec CLA Electric is fitted with the AMG Line styling package as standard, it also gets a flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel, metal pedals, and AMG seat upholstery.
Other creature comforts of note include powered, heated, and massaging front seats (no ventilation), dual-zone auto climate control, ambient lighting, a panoramic glass roof, a Burmester 3D audio system, a wireless charging pad, 6 airbags, auto park assist, a 360-degree parking camera, Level 2+ ADAS, semi-autonomous driving capabilities, and more.
Which battery options will the Mercedes CLA Electric offer?
58kWh and 85kWh units
Mercedes-Benz will sell the CLA Electric here in two variants: 200 Standard Range and 250+ Long Range. The CLA Electric 250+ Long Range is equipped with an 85kWh NMC battery and rear-mounted electric motor. Total output is pegged at 272hp and 335Nm, which is channelled to the rear wheels via a 2-speed gearbox. 0-100kph comes up in a rated 6.7 seconds, and thanks to the CLA Electric’s 800V architecture and claimed 93 percent drivetrain efficiency, the sedan achieves a staggering 792km range (WLTP).
As for the base CLA Electric 200 Standard Range, it’s expected to use a 58kWh battery with the same 335Nm rear motor. However, its power output drops to 224hp, and at 7.5 seconds, so does the claimed 0-100kph time. Owing to the smaller battery, this CLA Electric variant also delivers a lower 542km WLTP-claimed range.
What is the Mercedes CLA Electric India launch date and price estimate?
Could start at around Rs 55 lakh
The CLA Electric will launch in India on Friday, April 24. Expect the CLA Electric price to land at around Rs 55 lakh for the 200 Standard Range variant, and Rs 59–60 lakh for the top-spec 250+ Standard Range. In India, the CLA Electric won’t have any direct rivals, but its expected pricing will position it between premium electric sedans like the BYD Seal and Lexus ES.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.