Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Listed on Indian Website: Launch Soon?
Mercedes-Benz has officially listed the CLA Electric, branded as the CLA with EQ Technology, on its Indian website, signalling the imminent arrival of this all-electric sedan. While an exact launch date is yet to be confirmed, industry watchers expect the CLA Electric to debut on Indian roads by August 2025. The car is positioned as the entry point into Mercedes-Benz’s electric vehicle (EV) range, targeting buyers seeking luxury, technology, and sustainability in a compact package.
The expected price for the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is around ₹65 lakh (ex-showroom). This pricing places it squarely in the premium EV segment, making it accessible to those looking to step into the world of luxury electric mobility without venturing into the ultra-high-end territory.
A Closer Look at the CLA Electric: Design, Features, and Technology
The CLA Electric marks a significant shift in Mercedes-Benz’s design and engineering approach. Built on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, the car is tailored specifically for compact electric vehicles, drawing inspiration from the futuristic Vision EQXX concept. The result is a sedan that looks strikingly modern, with a coupe-like silhouette, a low-slung stance, and a prominent illuminated grille adorned with multiple three-pointed stars.
Dimensionally, the new CLA Electric is larger than its predecessor, offering increased length, width, and height. This translates to a more spacious cabin and greater road presence. The exterior is highlighted by star-pattern LED tail lamps, a continuous LED light bar at the front and rear, and aggressive body sculpting on the bonnet and bumpers. Frameless doors and a fixed panoramic glass roof add to the premium feel.
Inside, the CLA Electric is a showcase of Mercedes-Benz’s latest digital technology. The centrepiece is the MBUX Superscreen layout, which integrates three expansive displays: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch central infotainment screen, and a 14-inch passenger-side entertainment screen. This system runs on the latest MB.OS operating system, featuring artificial intelligence-based voice assistance for a more intuitive user experience.
Comfort and luxury are well catered for, with sports seats, multi-zone climate control, ambient lighting in multiple colours, ventilated and powered front seats, and a wireless charging pad. Safety is a priority, with a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) included as standard.
Under the bonnet, or rather beneath the floor, sits an 85 kWh battery pack supported by an 800-volt electrical architecture. The CLA Electric is available in two versions globally: the CLA 250+ (rear-wheel drive) and the CLA 350 4MATIC (all-wheel drive). The former delivers 268 bhp and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, while the latter offers 349 bhp and completes the sprint in just 4.9 seconds. Both versions have a claimed WLTP range of 771-792 km, making them among the longest-range EVs in their class. Fast charging capabilities allow over 300 km of range to be added in just 10 minutes, minimising downtime on long journeys.
How the CLA Electric Stacks Up Against the Competition
The CLA Electric enters a rapidly evolving premium EV market in India. Its main competitors include:
• BYD Seal: Priced from ₹41 lakh, the BYD Seal offers strong value, good range, and a growing reputation for quality and reliability.
• Hyundai Ioniq 5: At around ₹46 lakh, the Ioniq 5 is known for its retro-futuristic design, spacious interior, and impressive technology suite.
• Volvo C40 Recharge: With a price tag of ₹62.95 lakh, the C40 Recharge brings Scandinavian minimalism, a strong safety record, and a comparable range.
• Kia EV6: Priced at ₹65.9 lakh, the EV6 is another stylish, tech-forward option with a similar range and charging capabilities.
While the CLA Electric is slightly more expensive than some rivals, it distinguishes itself with its luxury brand cachet, advanced digital features, and a design that is both futuristic and unmistakably Mercedes-Benz. The car also serves as an electric alternative to traditional petrol-powered luxury sedans like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A4, appealing to buyers who want to transition to electric without compromising on status or comfort.
The CLA Electric’s Place in the Indian Market
Besides the sedans, CLA Electric might have to contend with SUVs such as BYD Sealion and BMW iX LWB—former is loaded with tech and latter has as much brand cache as the baby Merc. And they are SUVs. And Indians love SUVs. We believe that Mercedes might have to price CLA rather aggressively—sub Rs 50 lakh would be a good starting point—if it has to make a mark in the fledgling EV market.
Will the luxury carmaker do that?