Mercedes-Benz's New Entry-Level CLA Sedan With Electric And Hybrid Powertrains Set For Early 2026 India Launch

Battery, Range and Powertrain Details for CLA EV

The 2025 CLA EV offers a claimed range of up to 792 km, surpassing the range of Mercedes’ flagship EQS sedan. The entry-level CLA 250+ with EQ Technology has a range of 792 km, while the all-wheel-drive CLA 350 4Matic delivers 770 km.

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The CLA EV achieves high efficiency due to its nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery with an 85 kWh capacity. This allows the car to reach an efficiency of over 9.0 km per kWh. The vehicle features a new rear-mounted permanent magnet motor designed for higher torque density and better power output. A two-speed gearbox is included, similar to the one seen in Porsche Taycan. The CLA 250+ generates 268 bhp and company claims that it goes from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.7 seconds, while the CLA 350 4Matic has a combined power output of 349 bhp and does 0 to 100 kmph in 4.9 seconds.

The additional front-axle motor in the all-wheel-drive variant can disconnect when not needed, reducing energy loss. The regenerative braking system can provide up to 200 kW of stopping power, contributing to battery efficiency. The CLA EV also supports fast charging up to 320 kW with its 800V electrical architecture, enabling a 300 km top-up in just 10 minutes. A 58 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery variant will be introduced later.

Mercedes will offer the CLA with a hybrid powertrain, which will be powered by a 1.5L four cylinder petrol engine paired with a 27 hp electric motor and a 1.3 kWh battery generating 134 bhp and 160 bhp in front-wheel-drive configurations and 188 bhp in the all-wheel-drive 4Matic variant. Mercedes claims the hybrid version provides fuel efficiency comparable to diesel-powered vehicles. The company has also stated that the hybrid will be priced similarly to the electric model.

The 2025 CLA has been designed with a focus on aerodynamics, featuring a drag coefficient of 0.21. Despite being larger than its predecessor, the new CLA has design elements that reduce air resistance, such as repositioned wheels and strategically placed air inlets and outlets. The EV variant has a flush front grille with 142 backlit stars surrounding the main Mercedes badge. The hybrid model has a traditional open grille to accommodate engine cooling needs.

Interior and Technology

On the inside, the 2025 CLA features a dashboard with Mercedes’ Superscreen setup, including three digital displays: a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch infotainment screen and an optional 14-inch passenger display. The infotainment system runs on Mercedes’ new MB.OS operating system, which includes AI-powered functions from ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing. The system also supports video streaming and gaming.

For models without the Superscreen, the passenger display area is replaced with a glass panel featuring LED-lit Mercedes star logos. The 2025 CLA offers 405 litres of boot space and the EV variant includes an additional front trunk (frunk) with 101 litres of storage capacity.

Global and India Launch Timeline

The CLA EV will be introduced first, with sales in Europe starting around October 2025. The hybrid version will follow a few months later. Mercedes is also expected to unveil a CLA estate version with both powertrains at the 2025 Munich Motor Show. The India launch of the CLA is slated for early Q1 of 2026.