Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed the launch of the all-new CLA Electric in India. The German marque has listed the battery-powered entry-level luxury sedan indicating its imminent launch is around the corners. To be available in fully-electric guise for the first, the concept of the CLA Electric broke cover last year at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, Germany.
In fact, the third-gen CLA is likely to be available in only the electric guise in India, even though internationally it gets a hybrid version. Based on the new Modular Architecture (MMA), the CLA Electric uses a powertrain derived from the Vision EQXX unveiled in 2022.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Design
Similar to the concept unveiled in 2023, the CLA Electric boasts a futuristic design from every angle. It features a low-slung stance and a reimagined front fascia, highlighted by a sealed-off nose and an illuminated Mercedes-Benz star logo at the center. A constellation of small glowing stars enhances its distinctive all-electric identity.
The iconic three-pointed star also appears within the semi-circular headlamp clusters on either side, accentuated by a thin LED strip that stretches across the bonnet and seamlessly extends into the front fenders and doors. The side profile is clean and elegant, marked by a sharp parabolic roofline, a streamlined glasshouse, and frameless doors. Adding to the modern appeal, the roof is a single, fixed glass panel.
At the rear, the car continues its coupe-inspired silhouette with a steeply raked rear window, echoing the design of its ICE-powered counterpart. The rear also features a similar LED arrangement, with semi-circular lighting elements, three-pointed stars, and a slender light bar that ties the design together.
Besides the design, the new-gen CLA has also grown in size.
| Outgoing CLA | New CLA | Difference | |
| Length | 4688 mm | 4723 mm | +35 mm |
| Width | 1830 mm | 1855 mm | +25 mm |
| Height | 1439 mm | 1468 mm | +29 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2729 mm | 2790 mm | +61 mm |
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Interior Design
Inside, the CLA Electric embraces Mercedes-Benz’s Sensual Purity design philosophy, drawing heavy inspiration from the Vision EQXX prototype. The cabin is dominated by a full-width MBUX Superscreen that spans the dashboard, powered by the latest generation of the MB.OS operating system—set to debut with the CLA and become standard in all future Mercedes models.
One of the notable design shifts is the elimination of traditional turbine-style air vents, which are now virtually integrated into the Superscreen interface. The seats are upholstered in recycled Nappa leather, finished in elegant shades of silver and crystal white. The interior is further enhanced by ambient lighting in soft blue and violet hues, adding a refined contrast and futuristic ambiance.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Features
The all-electric CLA boasts of a 10.25-inch driver’s display, a 14.6-inch infotainment screen and a 14-inch entertainment screen for the passenger which run on the brand’s latest operating system. The newest version of the MBUX system also embeds AI functions like ChatGPT for multiple operations.
Other notable features include multi-zone climate control, powered and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger, and a panoramic glass roof. In terms of safety, the CLA Electric will come with Level 2 ADAS features that will be upgraded to Level 3 capabilities at a later stage.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Powertrain
Mercedes-Benz Electric CLA Electric will come with the latest battery technology with an 800-volt system, with the aim of maximising efficiency. The setup is meant for low energy consumption and allows a WLTP range of up to 750 km. Mercedes commonly refers to the CLA as the ‘one-litre car for the electric age’, a hypothesis used for cars that use less than 1 litre of fuel to travel 100km.
The CLA Electric supports up to 250kW DC fast charging that can add as much as 400km on the tank with just 15 minutes of charging. It is not clear if Mercedes will bring the 250+ version with an output of 268 bhp and 335 Nm and a RWD configuration or the 350 4MATIC al-wheel drive configuration with 350 bhp and 515 Nm dual motor layout.
