Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed the much-anticipated CLA Electric sedan in India. Bookings will commence on March 10, followed by the launch in April. The new CLA will replace the ICE A-Class Limousine, as well as the EQA and EQB EVs, in the brand’s line-up of entry-level models. This is the first time that the nameplate will offer an all-electric powertrain, as before being discontinued in early 2020, it was combustion-powered. We expect Mercedes to price the CLA Electric sedan between Rs 55 lakh and Rs 60 lakh, ex-showroom.
- CLA EV is the first model based on Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA)
- Ground clearance raised, suspension adapted for Indian road conditions
- Produced at the carmaker’s Rastatt plant in Germany
- AMG Line styling package is standard on the India-spec sedan
2026 Mercedes CLA Electric range and specs
85kWh battery pack
The CLA EV uses an 800-volt electrical architecture, and its base 85kWh 250+ variant, headed to India, delivers a claimed range of 792km on the WLTP cycle. The strong range is largely down to the CLA Electric’s 93 percent drivetrain efficiency, aided by its aerodynamic design and optimised energy consumption. Notably, the ground clearance is higher now, and the suspension has been specially tuned for road conditions.
0-100kph in 6.7 seconds; 400km range top-up in 20 minutes
Another notable highlight is the use of a two-speed gearbox, similar to what we have seen on models like the Porsche Taycan, instead of the usual single-speed reduction unit found in most EVs. The rear electric motor produces 272hp, enabling the CLA 250+ to sprint from a standstill to 100kph in a claimed 6.7 seconds. On the charging front, the system supports high-speed DC fast charging of up to 240kW, with Mercedes claiming that 400km of range can be added in just 20 minutes under ideal conditions.
2026 Mercedes CLA Electric exterior highlights
18-inch wheels, three-pointed stars in lighting elements
The new CLA places a strong focus on Mercedes’s three-pointed star logo in its lighting elements. The star motif is present in the headlights, tail-lights and even in the sealed-off front grille with 142 small backlit stars. The bumper design is clean and aero-focused, in line with its efficiency-first approach, and it also features small air inlets that help guide airflow smoothly around the corners of the car.
Slippery drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.21
In profile, the sedan features a sleek, coupe-like silhouette with flush door handles and 18-inch wheels. The large panoramic glass roof comes with a heat-protective coating suited for hot climates. Despite being 30mm longer, 25mm wider and 25mm taller than its predecessor, the smooth surfacing and better airflow management help the EV achieve a low drag coefficient of 0.21. At the rear, a full-width light bar runs between the tail-lights. The available exterior shades are Clear Blue, Cosmic Black, Polar White, Alpine Grey and Patagonia Red, with the last two being Manufaktur options.
2026 Mercedes CLA Electric interior and features
14-inch touchscreen, 6 USB-C fast charging ports
Since we will get the 250+ variant, it won’t feature the brand’s triple-display Superscreen. Instead, the cabin will be equipped with a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 14-inch central touchscreen running Mercedes’s latest MB.OS operating system. In place of the passenger display, there will be a glass panel with LED-backlit star logos that sync with the ambient lighting. The car will also support over-the-air software updates. Wireless charging and six 100W USB-C fast-charging ports are provided as standard, and the rear seats split 40:20:40. Courtesy of the AMG styling package comes a sporty steering wheel, which offers lots of tactile controls.
Safety
While the CLA Electric is yet to be crash-tested by the Bharat NCAP, it was awarded a full 5-star safety rating by the Euro NCAP in 2025. In addition to front and side airbags, it will also be equipped with a centre airbag, as well as camera- and radar-based Level 2 ADAS.
Suraj Viswanathan
Dipan Sur
Lenny D'sa
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Ameya Dandekar
