Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Debuts in India with 792km Range

After listing on its official website last year, Mercedes-Benz has now unveiled the CLA Electric for India. The four-door coupe, which was first previewed in concept form in September 2023, is the inaugural model to use Mercedes-Benz’s new Modular Architecture (MMA). Globally, the electrified CLA is available in two variants; however, in India, only the 85kWh  250+ version will be offered.

For the first time, the CLA embraces a fully electric powertrain, replacing the ICE engines that powered earlier generations that were discontinued in 2020. In India, the CLA Electric will challenge the segment popular like the Volvo C40 Recharge, BYD Seal, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, while also serving as an EV option against petrol luxury sedans such as the Audi A4 and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Battery, Range

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric 250+ combines an 800V electrical system with an 85.5kWh lithium-ion battery to churn out a maximum power output of 268bhp. This setup also enables a 0–100km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds, and a certified range of 792 kilometres, one of the longest in the compact EV segment. The CLA Electric achieves high efficiency with its streamlined aerodynamics and 93% drivetrain efficiency, consuming around 12 kWh per 100 km.

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Other notable details include a two-speed transmission and DC fast charging up to 240 kW, adding 400 km of range in 20 minutes. The CLA Electric’s suspension has been specially tuned to handle Indian road conditions.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Exterior

The CLA Electric features a coupe-like silhouette and an aerodynamic design. Its 0.21 drag coefficient is aided by aero-focused bumpers and airflow-guiding inlets, while Mercedes’s iconic three-pointed star is highlighted across the grille and lighting elements. Flush door handles, 18-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof with heat-protective coating, and a full-width rear light bar complete the look.

The EV is available in Clear Blue, Cosmic Black, Polar White, and Manufaktur-exclusive Alpine Grey and Patagonia Red. It measures 4,723mm in length, 1,855mm in width, 1,468mm in height, and has a 2,790mm wheelbase. The CLA EV has a boot capacity of 405 litres and an additional 101 litres of front trunk (frunk) storage.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Interior and Features

The India-bound Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric 250+ comes equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch central touchscreen running the latest MB.OS operating system, an AI-enabled MBUX Virtual Assistant with ChatGPT and Google Gemini support, and 3D Surround Navigation. Similar to the triple-display Superscreen, Mercedes has replaced the passenger screen with a glass panel featuring LED-lit stars that complement the ambient lighting.

Other highlights include AMG upholstery options, wireless charging, six USB-C fast-charge ports, split 40:20:40 rear seats, turbine-style air vents, over-the-air software updates, and other optional upgrades.