Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed the much-anticipated CLA Electric sedan in India. Bookings will start on March 10, followed by launch in April. The new CLA will replace the ICE A-Class Limousine, as well as the EQA and EQB EVs, in Mercedes’ 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
- Its 792km claimed range even exceeds the EQS sedan flagship’s 770km figure
- Produced in Mercedes’s Rastatt plant in Germany
- AMG Line styling package is standard on the India-spec sedan
2026 Mercedes CLA range and specs
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. What stands out is that this figure even surpasses the Mercedes’ EQS electric sedan flagship, which manages 770km despite using a much bigger 118kWh unit. The strong range is largely down to the CLA EV’s focus on efficiency, aided by its slippery aerodynamic design and optimised energy consumption.
0-100kph: 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 electric motor produces 272hp, enabling the CLA 250+ to sprint from 0-100kph 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’ three-pointed star logo in its lighting elements. The star motif is present in the headlights and 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 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, 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.
| Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric dimensions | |
| Length | 4,723mm |
| Width | 1,855mm |
| Height | 1,468mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,790mm |
| Wheel size | 18 inches |
2026 Mercedes CLA interior and features
14-inch touchscreen, 6 USB-C fast charging ports
Since we will get the 250+ variant, the brand’s triple-display Superscreen will not on offer. Instead, the cabin will feature a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 14-inch central touchscreen running Mercedes’ 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 are 40:20:40 split. Courtesy of the AMG styling package comes a sporty steering wheel, which offers lots of tactile controls.
