New-Gen Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Launched In India, Prices Start At ₹55 Lakh

After months of speculation, Mercedes-Benz India has finally announced prices for the CLA EV. The new-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA EV comes to India in two variants - CLA 200 Standard Range, priced at ₹55 lakh, while the top-spec CLA 250+ Long Range is priced at ₹59 lakh (ex-showroom). The CLA 200 trim was introduced to the lineup in response to customer feedback. Deliveries will begin soon for the CLA 250+ Long Range, whereas those who’ve booked the CLA 200 Standard Range will receive their cars from June onwards.

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV steps in as the brand’s most accessible electric offering. It’s also the most accessible offering, alongside the GLA SUV in the automaker’s stable. The CLA 200 Standard Range brings a shorter range and lower price point, allowing a more accessible price point.

The CLA EV looks stylish with its four-door, coupe styling. The electric sedan gets star-themed LED DRLs and 142 illuminated stars on the grille. It also gets 18-inch aero-optimised AMG alloy wheels, while a sealed underfloor allows the sedan to be super efficient with a drag coefficient of just 0.21 cd. The rear sports connected taillights, and a raked windscreen for that stylish look. With respect to colours, Mercedes-Benz has five options available - Polar White, Cosmic Black, Clear Blue and two ‘Exclusive Manufaktur’ options of Patagonia Red and Alpine Grey.

The CLA 250+ Long Range promises 792 km (WLTP) on a single charge from the 85 kWh battery pack, while the CLA 200 Standard Range offers 542 (WLTP) on a full charge. The new CLA EV is underpinned by the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) 800-volt architecture, which ensures a top-up of 400 kms of charge in just 20 mins in the 250+ Long Range, while the 200 ‘Standard Range’ takes just 20 minutes to add 320 kms, using a 240 kW DC fast charger.

The CLA 250+ Long Range gets the AMG Line package as standard, while the CLA 200 Standard Range gets the Progressive Line styling. The latter also gets comfier seats, a multi-function sports leather steering wheel and two trim options. Mercedes-Benz says customers will have access to over 9,000 charging points across the country, while home charging will be available via an optional 22 kW wall box charger. 

The new CLA is smarter with advanced hardware onboard. There are four supercomputers and the car runs the latest MB.OS for the infotainment system. The latest tech allows Mercedes to bring AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Bing to the car, which will work with the Virtual Assistant to provide information to users such as chargers, plan trips, and even pay for charging.

The car runs a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. There is no passenger screen for the Indian market, although the feature is available internationally. The EV also comes with powered, heated and massaging front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, auto parking, a Burmester sound system, and more. Interestingly, there are no ventilated seats for the Indian market. The safety package includes six airbags, a 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, and more. The boot capacity measures a decent 405 litres, but you also get a 101-litre frunk, which simply adds more cargo room overall.

Powering the CLA 250+ is the rear-mounted electric motor tuned for 268 bhp and 335 Nm of peak torque with a two-speed gearbox, and can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 6.7 seconds. The more accessible CLA 200 also gets a single rear-mounted motor but churns out 221 bhp and 335 Nm and does the 0-100 kmph run in 7.5 seconds.

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV arrives in a rather competitive market with multiple premium/luxury EVs in the ₹50-60 lakh price bracket. BMW is ruling the luxury EV space with the iX1 long wheelbase, while there’s also the more comparable BYD Seal priced between ₹41 lakh and ₹53.14 Lakh. Tesla recently launched the Model Y L (Long Wheelbase) in India, with dual electric motors and six seats, all at a price of ₹62 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.