Mercedes-Benz has just launched the new CLA EV in India and it is a pretty bold move. With prices starting at Rs 55 lakh, the brand is looking to make luxury electric mobility a bit more accessible while still keeping that premium feel people expect from the three-pointed star. This is the first time the CLA is coming to the Indian market as a pure electric vehicle and it sits on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture. It is a big step because it is positioned as the new entry point to their luxury EV lineup in the country, effectively replacing the A-Class Limousine along with the EQA and EQB.
The new CLA EV keeps that sleek, coupe-like silhouette that the CLA has always been famous for but it looks much more futuristic now. The front gets a distinctive grille design with the star pattern and the lighting tech is sharp and modern. Inside, the cabin feels like a step into the future, dominated by the massive MBUX screen setup. It comes with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system running the latest MB.OS. Some versions even get a front passenger display and the top-tier Launch Edition features the impressive Superscreen that houses three digital displays. You also get wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless phone charger and AR-based navigation to make every drive easier. For comfort, it is loaded with electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats with a memory function and a massage feature. The panoramic glass roof adds to the airy feel and the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel make managing everything feel very intuitive.
The 2026 CLA EV is available in two main variants spread across three trims: the CLA 200 Standard Range Progressive Line at Rs 55 lakh, the CLA 250+ Long Range AMG Line at Rs 59 lakh and the range-topping CLA 250+ Long Range Launch Edition at Rs 64 lakh. The standout figure is the range—the higher-spec 250+ version manages a WLTP-certified range of up to 792 km, while the standard 200 variant with its 58 kWh battery delivers a respectable 542 km. The 250+ uses an 85.5 kWh battery pack and thanks to its 800V electrical architecture, it supports ultra-fast DC charging at up to 320 kW, meaning you can add 300 km of range in just 10 minutes. The rear-mounted motor produces between 224 hp and 272 hp depending on the variant and both use a two-speed gearbox for better efficiency and performance.
Safety is also a massive part of the package. The car comes with six airbags, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring and a tyre pressure monitoring system. It also supports Level 2 ADAS features to help with tricky traffic and the whole system has been tuned specifically for Indian road conditions, including a slightly higher ground clearance than standard international models. It has even secured a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. For anyone looking for a stylish, high-tech and long-range electric sedan, this EV seems like a very serious contender that balances luxury with everyday usability.