Mercedes-Benz has launched the all-new CLA EV in India with prices starting from Rs 55 lakh (ex-showroom). The CLA is the new entry-point to Mercedes’ lineup in India, effectively replacing the A-Class Limousine, as well as the EQA and EQB EVs. The CLA is not a new nameplate for India, but this is the first time it’s being offered as an EV; globally, the CLA is also offered with a hybrid powertrain. The brand says it has already amassed over 400 bookings since it commenced on March 10.
- CLA EV is available in two variants: 200 Standard Range and 250+ Long Range
- Higher-spec variant has a WLTP-certified range of 792km
- Superscreen with three digital screens available only on limited Launch Edition
Here’s a look at the full price list of the new Mercedes CLA:
| Variant | Price (ex-showroom) |
| CLA 200 Standard Range Progressive Line | Rs 55 lakh |
| CLA 250+ Long Range AMG Line | Rs 59 lakh |
| CLA 250+ Long Range Launch Edition | Rs 64 lakh |
The entry-level 200 Standard Range comes in the Progressive Line trim, while the higher-spec 250+ Long Range is available with the AMG Line styling package.
Mercedes has also introduced a special Launch Edition of the CLA that comes finished in a matte black exterior paint shade, gets larger 19-inch alloy wheels and also the Superscreen display on the inside. It also additionally gets illuminated door sills and edition-specific ambient lighting, leather upholstery and trim materials.
Mercedes-Benz CLA EV: battery, range and specs
The lineup starts with the 200 Standard Range that comes powered by a 58kWh battery and has a WLTP-claimed range of up to 542km. It uses a 224hp/335Nm rear-mounted electric motor that can propel the electric sedan to 100kph from standstill in a claimed 7.5 seconds.
The higher-spec 250+ Long Range variant is equipped with an 85kWh NMC battery and has a WLTP-claimed range of up to 792km. In this spec, the rear electric motor produces 272hp and 335Nm, bringing down the 0-100kph time 6.7 seconds. Both versions of the CLA get a Porsche Taycan-style two-speed gearbox, rather than the usual single-speed reduction gearing.
The CLA EV can be fast-charged at rates of up to 320kW, thanks to its 800V electrical architecture that allows for a 300km top-up in just 10 minutes. Mercedes has also raised the ground clearance and adapted the suspension to specifically suit Indian roads.
Mercedes-Benz CLA EV exterior design
One of the biggest highlights of the CLA EV is its remarkably low drag coefficient of (Cd) of 0.21. In fact, the CLA EV’s impressive range figures are in no small part thanks to its aerodynamic design. Although the car is larger than its predecessor (25mm wider, 25mm taller and 30mm longer), much work went into minimising its frontal area, and smoothing the air flow around it.
The CLA EV places a strong focus on Mercedes’s three-pointed star logo in its lighting elements. The motif features in the CLA’s headlights and taillights, and also on the flush front grille with no fewer than 142 backlit stars. The AMG-Line styling package on the 250+ Long Range variant adds a bit of sportiness to the bumpers and wheels, but overall, the design is clean and understated. There’s also some resemblance to the original CLA with the couple-like tapering roofline and the frameless doors, and the aero-optimised 18-inch AMG alloys also add to the flair.
Mercedes-Benz CLA EV interior and features
Inside, the CLA Electric is quite a tech-laden affair. As standard, there’s a full-width panel stretching across the dashboard and incorporating a 14-inch central touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a cluster of illuminated three-pointed stars on the co-driver’s side. With the AMG Line styling package, the 250+ Long Range gets a flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel, metal pedals and AMG seat upholstery. As mentioned earlier, the Launch Edition variant gets the Mercedes’ Superscreen with a triple screen layout.
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. The CLA’s boot space is rated at 405 litres and it also gets a frunk that adds another 101 litres of storage space.
Mercedes is also offering an 8year/1,60,000km warranty on the battery. At this price point, the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV will see competition from the BYD Seal sedan.
Mercedes C-Class and E-Class get new Celebration Edition variants
To commemorate its 140th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz has also launched Celebration Editions of the C-Class and E-Class sedans, limited to 140 models each. Priced from Rs 62.40 lakh and Rs 82.70 lakh, respectively, the special edition models get additional features like a dashcam, rear seat entertainment screen, rear seat cushions and a “curated collectible”, over the standard models.
