Mercedes CLA Electric vs BYD Seal: Price, specifications compared

Mercedes-Benz has launched the CLA Electric as its new entry-level model for the Indian market. While the CLA Electric doesn’t have any direct competitors at its price point, there is a more affordable alternative in the form of the BYD Seal. We compare the CLA Electric and Seal, spec sheet to spec sheet, to find out how they stack up.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric vs BYD Seal: Dimensions

Seal is larger, but CLA Electric offers greater luggage capacity

The Seal is easily the bigger sedan here, measuring 77mm more in length, 20mm more in width, and a considerable 130mm more in wheelbase over the CLA Electric. However, the Merc is taller by 8mm and claws back points on the luggage capacity front, thanks to a 5-litre larger boot and a frunk that measures nearly double the Seal’s.

Both electric sedans are matched in terms of alloy wheel sizes, though it’s worth noting that the CLA Electric gets the 19-inchers only in its Launch Edition. As for turning radii, the Seal’s greater length allows the CLA Electric to edge ahead, albeit by a very small margin.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric vs BYD Seal: Powertrains and performance

Seal is more performant and can be had in 530hp AWD spec

Comparing entry-level variants, the Seal comes with a larger battery pack than that of the CLA Electric. Both sedans are rear-wheel drive, but the CLA develops 20hp and 25Nm more. Interestingly, despite the Seal’s larger proportions and bigger battery pack, its 61.44kWh variant is 123kg lighter than the CLA Electric 58kWh, which likely explains why their claimed 0-100kph times are identical.

However, the script flips when it comes to their higher-spec variants. Here, the CLA Electric gets a bigger battery, while the Seal one-ups it in output; the 82.56kWh RWD version makes 41hp and 25Nm more. Since both of their higher-spec RWD variants weigh exactly the same, the Seal’s higher output allows it to achieve a 0.8sec quicker claimed 0-100kph time.

The Seal is uniquely available with a dual-motor AWD configuration with the 82.56kWh battery too, which develops a staggering 530hp and 670Nm. 0-100kph for this BYD Seal variant is pegged at 3.8 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars at its price point. The CLA Electric also has an ace up its sleeve in the form of a more sophisticated 2-speed gearbox – the first ratio enables strong acceleration off the line, and the second one extracts greater efficiency at cruising speeds.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric vs BYD Seal: Range and charging

Across-the-board victory for the CLA Electric

Thanks to the CLA Electric’s highly aerodynamic body and claimed 93 percent drivetrain efficiency, it unequivocally beats the Seal in terms of WLTP-claimed range figures. The CLA Electric 58kWh claims an impressive 82km lead in WLTP range over the Seal 61.44kWh, and the delta widens up to a whopping 222km when comparing their higher-spec variants.

The CLA Electric also leverages an 800V architecture that allows for DC charging speeds of up to 320kW, more than doubling the Seal’s maximum supported wattage of 150kW. When charging at their maximum respective DC wattages, the CLA Electric takes nearly half as long as the Seal does to achieve an 80 percent SoC (state of charge).

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric vs BYD Seal: Price

CLA Electric is considerably more expensive

The entry-level Seal Dynamic variant is Rs 14 lakh cheaper than the equivalent CLA Electric 200 Standard Range. Meanwhile, their top-spec RWD guises – the Seal Premium and CLA Electric 250+ Long Range – are separated by Rs 13.3 lakh in the BYD’s favour. If we consider the CLA 250+ Launch Edition, that gap stretches to a significant Rs 18.3 lakh. Not to mention, the range-topping 530hp Seal Performance AWD undercuts even the base CLA Electric variant.

It’s clear, then, that the Seal offers more bang for your buck, and is the right choice for those who seek performance and can forgo the badge value of the CLA Electric. On the other hand, if badge value and range are of greater importance to you, it’s the CLA Electric that you should go for.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.