Mercedes-Benz India has unveiled the all new Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric in India marking the return of the CLA brand in the country. The CLA will be brought in as a CBU and replaces the EQA, EQB and the A Class sedan in the brand’s India lineup. The CLA Electric is based on the new Mercedes Benz Modular Architecture also known as MMA and was revealed globally last year. We had also confirmed its India arrival in a previous report.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric – Exterior Design
The new CLA Electric features an illuminated radiator grille with 142 animated star elements. Up front the car gets new three pointed star Multibeam LED headlamps while the rear features connected tail lamps with star design lighting signatures. The grille and tail lamps also get animation patterns for approach entry unlock and charging functions.
The CLA rides on 18 inch AMG alloy wheels and gets flush fitting door handles as standard which automatically extend when the vehicle is unlocked. It also gets an AMG line front apron and AMG rear apron along with a logo projector. The CLA will be offered in five colour options which include Polar White, Cosmic Black, Alpine Grey, Patagonia Red and Clear Blue.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric – Interior And Features
On the inside the CLA comes equipped with a 14 inch central touchscreen display along with a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster. The vehicle features AMG upholstery light brushed aluminium trims and turbine inspired air vents.
Other features include a panoramic glass roof with heat protection coating wireless charging system six USB C ports with 100 W fast charging support electric front seats memory seats heated seats and a centre armrest for rear passengers.
The CLA also gets 40:20:40 split folding rear seats with direct access to the boot. In addition to this it also features a 405 litre boot space and a 101 litre front frunk which marks the return of front storage in a Mercedes-Benz after 90 years.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric – Battery Pack Range And Charging
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is built on an 800 volt electric architecture and is powered by an 85.5 kWh battery pack. It produces 268 hp of peak power and offers a claimed WLTP range of up to 792 kilometres.
The CLA also gets a two speed transmission. The 800 volt architecture allows the CLA EV to gain up to 400 kilometres of range in just 20 minutes when connected to a 240 kW fast charger. Charging features include MB Charge Public which allows users to locate initiate and pay for charging through a single integrated application along with real time charger availability.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric – Market Positioning And Rivals
The CLA Electric does not have a direct rival in India since there are no entry level electric luxury sedans currently on sale. However it will compete with the likes of the BYD Seal. In terms of entry level luxury EVs it will also rival models such as the BMW iX1 LWB and the Volvo EX40.
Customer bookings for the Merecdes-Benz CLA Electric will commence in March while prices will be announced in April. While pricing has not yet been revealed Mr Santosh Iyer has confirmed that Mercedes Benz aims to price the CLA aggressively. Despite being a CBU the brand is targeting CKD levels of pricing for the CLA.