The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV has a lot riding on its sleek shoulders. It’s the new entry-point to Mercedes EVs, it debuts a new skateboard platform, it’s the first to get the company’s new operating system (OS) for the infotainment and it promises an astonishing range of 792km. All of this makes it quite an intriguing package. Let’s see if it’s up to the task.
Mercedes CLA Exterior Design and Engineering –
Aero-optimised design has a low drag coefficient of just 0.21cd; debuts new MMA skateboard platform.
The new CLAs design has been shaped by Mercedes’ pursuit of efficiency and there is a familiar resemblance to other Merc EV’s smooth and curvy silhouette. However, it still manages to retain some of the original CLA appeal thanks to the couple-like tapering roofline and the frameless doors. Details like the flush door handles, the sealed-off front grille, the aero-optimised 18-inch AMG alloys and a sealed underfloor all result in very aero efficient shape that has a drag coefficient of just 0.21cd.
Like newer Mercs, the CLA also gets loads of logos all around. The three pointed star features on the bonnet, on the grille, in the headlamps and the tail lamps. There’s even 142 illuminated stars in the grille and this may divide opinion but I think it grows on you and lends the CLA a distinctive identity.
The CLA EV becomes the first model to be based on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) skateboard platform that’ll also underpin future models. As for dimensions, the CLA EV measures over 4.7m in length, over 1.8m in width, over 1.4m in height and has a near-2.8m long wheelbase. That makes it about the size of the BYD Seal, though the BYD is slightly longer overall with a longer wheelbase. The CLA EV is being offered in five paint shades – Polar White, Cosmic Black, Clear Blue and two ‘Exclusive Manufaktur’ options of Patagonia Red and Alpine Grey.
Mercedes CLA Interior Space and Comfort –
Cabin impresses with its tech and quality; cramped rear seat with high floor
The CLA’s doors open wide which allows for easy access to the cabin and once you’re in here you’ll appreciate the design, the mix of materials and the build quality. The CLA 250+ in India only comes in the AMG Line guise, which means you get elements like the flat-bottom AMG steering wheel, sporty metal pedals and AMG upholstery on the seats. The flat and upright dashboard is essentially a gloss black panel that houses a dual-screen setup which offers sharp new graphics, a clean and uncluttered layout and an intuitive user experience. That said, there are almost no physical controls, with only a few capacitive touch shortcut buttons for volume and drive modes lower down; any further functionality has to be accessed via the touchscreen.Â
Overseas, a third, passenger screen is also on offer but that hasn’t been left out for India. Instead, you get a gloss black panel with illuminated three-pointed stars. A classy touch are the classic turbine-style AC vents on the outside which look great and are satisfying to operate.
It’s a practical space too, with a sizeable glovebox, storage under the centre armrest, bottle holders in the doors and a floating centre console which houses the cupholders and wireless charger on top and a large cubby space below.Â
The front seats are supportive and generously padded though larger occupants may find them a bit too snug. What is a downer though is the relatively high floor which results in knees-up seating even at the front. And things aren’t much better at the rear.
Even though it has a longer wheelbase than the outgoing ICE CLA which helps knee room, the underfloor battery means you’re lacking under thigh support and sitting in a knees-up position which affects comfort. What also doesn’t help is the upright backrest and the sloping roofline, which limits headroom for taller passengers. As such, this isn’t a car for the chauffeur-driven. You do get a centre armrest with cupholders and dedicated AC vents, though.Â
However, what does help the sense of space is the large, fixed panoramic glass roof. And even though Mercedes claims this glass is heat-insulated it would have been nice to see a sunshade to alleviate the heat that invariably filters through given our hot climate. During our drive on a 30deg C day in Bengaluru, the rear AC had its work cut out trying to keep the back seat area cool.
Boot space is a reasonable 405 litres and it does get a space saver spare under the boot floor. What also helps is a sizeable 101 litre front trunk, which is a first for a Merc EV.
Mercedes CLA Features and Safety –
Gets Merc’s new infotainment OS, an AI Virtual Assistant, Level 2+ ADAS tech and much more.
The CLA also packs in cutting edge tech that’s enabled by four supercomputers, which Mercedes says has the computing power of over 200 times the older CLA. It becomes the first Mercedes model to feature the new MB.OS for the infotainment, that’s powered by an Nvidia processor, delivering super-fast responses and is capable of OTA updates without having to visit a workshop. Then there’s the new MBUX Virtual Assistant that constantly learns more about the driver, including their language, accent and mood. The Virtual Assistant makes use of AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Bing, all of which have been enabled onboard. Our short test drive meant we didn’t get to explore the full capabilities of these features, but initial impressions suggest that it works as intended. There’s also a new MB.Charge app on offer with the CLA, which basically clubs in all charging providers in one place and it allows you to locate the chargers, know the real-time availability, plan your trip and even pay for your charging session. Â
Other notable features on the CLA 250+ include a 14-inch central touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, powered, heated and massaging front seats, dual-zone auto climate control, configurable ambient lighting, a panoramic glass roof, a Burmester 3D audio system, wireless phone charger, auto parking and much more. Though it does miss out on ventilated seats, which is offered on higher variants abroad. Â
The comprehensive safety suite includes 6 airbags, a crisp 360-degree parking camera and ADAS Level 2+ features (called MB.Drive) like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitor, autonomous emergency braking, semi-autonomous driving and more. What’s nice though is that the ADAS tech didn’t feel intrusive on our drive, which points to a well-calibrated system. This system uses a wide array of radar sensors and cameras all around the car. What’s also commendable is that the CLA was the safest car crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2025. And it’s also nice to know that the lower CLA 200 variant doesn’t miss out on any of these features.
Mercedes CLA Performance and Refinement –
Refined and efficient powertrain packs in punchy performance too; two-speed gearbox gives a great balance between performance and efficiency.
We drove the CLA in the 250+ guise, which uses a rear-mounted motor that puts out 272hp and 335Nm. Needless to say acceleration is brisk, with 0-100kph taking a claimed 6.7sec. However, unlike something like a Porsche Taycan that feels aggressive from the get-go, the CLA’s power delivery feels progressive and smooth. It build speed in a linear manner and you’re never left wanting more. There’s drive modes too, with the CLA feeling the most responsive in Sport mode and what also adds to the experience are the synthesised sounds piped through the speakers.
Mercedes has also opted for a two-speed gearbox, which enables a great balance between performance and efficiency. The short 11:1 ratio for the first gear allows for strong initial acceleration while the taller 5:1 ratio second gear enables greater efficiency at higher speeds. In fact, Mercedes claims the CLA has a drivetrain efficiency of 93 percent which is a major factor in this EV’s exceptional claimed range.
The CLA also brings in a new brake-by-wire system that represents a huge improvement of older Mercedes EVs. The brakes offer good bite and response, and they feel consistent and natural – all of which feels reassuring.
There’s four levels of regenerative braking too, including a one-pedal and an adaptive mode, all of which work as intended. However, the controls for the levels have been moved from the paddle shifters (there aren’t any) to the gear selector stalk. One has to now push/pull on the lever to adjust the levels, which isn’t as intuitive as paddles. It’s worth noting the stalk now also houses the start/stop button for the car. Â
What also stands out is this EVs refinement. The lack of engine noise helps, but even wind and road noise are so well contained that you can barely hear anything inside the cabin.
Alongside the CLA 250+, Mercedes is also offering a lower CLA 200 variant in India that also has rear-mounted single motor setup with 335Nm, but puts out a lower 224hp for a claimed 0-100kph time of 7.5sec. In overseas markets, there’s even a CLA 350 which gets a dual-motor setup (enabling all-wheel drive) with an output of 354hp and 515Nm, and this does the 0-100kph sprint in a claimed 4.9sec. However, it remains to be seen if this variant will be offered in our market.
Mercedes CLA Range and Efficiency –
Is very efficient and can easily do over 500km on a range in real-world conditions.
On our short test drive we didn’t get a chance to subject the CLA 250+ to our real-world range tests. However, Mercedes claims this EV will do an eye-opening 792km (WLTP cycle) on a single charge from its 85kWh (net) NMC battery pack. Of course, real world figures will be lower but you can still easily expect a range of over 500km irrespective of driving styles. For reference, on our drive the CLA was averaging 6.3km/kWh which translates to a real-world range of 535km. And this included some spirited driving up and down a ghat road.
As for charging, the CLA’s 800V architecture enables fast charging at speeds of up to 240kW which is said to give it a 400km range in just 20 mins of charge time. This coupled with the excellent range means there won’t be much range anxiety. However, finding a charger that can top up the battery at that speeds will be tough in our country. The lower-spec CLA 200 meanwhile gets a smaller 58kWh battery that has a claimed range of 542km on the WLTP cycle.
Mercedes CLA Ride Comfort and Handling –
Feels mature and confident on the move; increased ride height doesn’t affect handling.
Thanks to the rear-wheel drive setup, the CLA feels enjoyable around the bends with the steering being a particular highlight. It’s uncorrupted since there’s no power being sent to the front axle and as such feels very precise and well-weighted. Its light enough at low speeds to aid manoeuvrability and it picks up weight in a progressive manner.
Mercedes has also jacked up the CLA’s ride height and made some India-specific changes to the suspension to deal with our road conditions and both changes are effective. There’s enough ground clearance to clear normal-sized speed breakers and the raised height hasn’t come at the cost of ride comfort or handling. Around bends, the CLA feels agile with body-roll kept well in check. The ride, while still on the firmer side, absorbs road imperfections with ease and it feels stable and comfy at all speeds.
Mercedes CLA Value for Money –
Refined, efficient powertrain, deft ride and handling mix, things make it possibly Merc’s best EV yet.
Mercedes is bringing the CLA EV to India via the CBU route but the company has said the prices will be in a similar vein to CKD models. Prices are yet to be announced, but we expect it to be priced around the Rs 60 lakh-65 lakh mark (ex-showroom), placing it in between the BYD Seal (Rs 41 lakh – 53.15 lakh) and the Tesla Model Y (Rs 59.89 lakh – 67.89 lakh). This represents a fairly competitive price given all that the CLA packs in. Mercedes has started taking bookings for the CLA for a token amount of Rs 1.5 lakh and customers who pre-book will also receive a complimentary wall box charger installed at their homes.
There are some shortcomings of course, like the cramped rear seat which isn’t for the chauffeur-driven, the knees-up seating position even at the front and, the lack of sun shades for the sunroof and rear windows, and ventilated seats. But for those who will drive themselves and want a stylish luxury EV that stands out, the CLA makes sense. On top of that, it’s got a refined and efficient powertrain that promises over 500km of real-world range, a sorted ride comfort and handling balance and an absolute tech fest inside the cabin with all the latest AI-enabled features. As such, the new CLA represents the best EV Mercedes has put out yet.
