Do you remember the original Mercedes-Benz CLA? It was the car that taught us that four-door sedans could look like sexy coupes. It was a head-turner, a style statement. Well, after a brief hiatus, the nameplate is making a comeback in India—but this time, it’s ditching the petrol pump for the charging station.

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed that the all-electric CLA EV will make its India debut in April 2026.

This isn't just another EV launch; it marks a strategic shift. With the petrol A-Class sedan bowing out, the new electric CLA is poised to take its place as the entry-point into the Three-Pointed Star’s luxury sedan world. If you’ve been waiting for an electric luxury car that doesn't look like a science experiment, this might be the one.

The Comeback Kid: What to Expect

The new CLA EV isn't just a conversion job; it is built on a dedicated electric platform. It brings back that signature sloping roofline and frameless doors but pairs them with futuristic tech.

The biggest talking point? Range. The global specs suggest this car could be a marathon runner, potentially solving range anxiety once and for all for Indian buyers.

Battery, Range & Performance

Globally, the CLA EV is a beast when it comes to efficiency. While the exact India-spec configuration is yet to be locked, here is what the international models offer:

• The Battery: A massive 85kWh lithium-ion battery pack sits at the core.
• Variant 1 (CLA 250+): This Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) version churns out 268 bhp and 335 Nm of torque. The headline figure here is the range—a staggering 792 km (WLTP) on a single charge.
• Variant 2 (CLA 350 4MATIC): For those wanting more grip and grunt, the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) version produces 349 bhp and 515 Nm, with a range of around 771 km.

Charging Tech:

Built on an 800-volt architecture (similar to the Porsche Taycan), the CLA EV supports DC fast charging up to 320 kW. In simple terms, if you find a charger fast enough, you can add hundreds of kilometers of range in just minutes.

Design: Bigger, Sharper, Sleeker

The old CLA was compact; the new one is grown up. Measuring over 4.7 metres in length with a wheelbase of 2,790 mm, it is noticeably larger than its predecessor.

• Signature Style: It retains the beloved coupe-style roofline and frameless doors.
• Modern Touches: Expect flush-fitting door handles, connected LED lighting bars at the front and rear, and aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels to squeeze out every bit of range.
• The "Frunk" Surprise: Here is a fun fact—the CLA EV is the first Mercedes-Benz model to offer a "frunk" (front trunk). It offers 101 litres of extra storage, perfect for your charging cables or a small gym bag.

Interior: The Digital Cockpit

Step inside, and it’s likely to feel like a mini-S-Class.

• Screens Galore: A triple-screen display setup (likely the Superscreen) could be offered as an option, spanning the entire dashboard.
• Luxury Features: Expect a panoramic glass roof, powered front seats, and the latest connected car tech.
• Safety: Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) will likely be standard, making highway cruising safer and easier.

Quick Specs: Global Model Overview

Note: India specs may vary.

Is the CLA EV For You?

• Wait for it if: You want a luxury EV that looks stunning and offers incredible range. If you drive long distances (like Delhi to Jaipur or Mumbai to Pune) frequently, the 700km+ range capability is a game-changer.
• Look elsewhere if: You need a chauffeur-driven car. The sloping roofline of the CLA has historically meant headroom in the back is tight. This is a car meant to be driven, not driven in.

Final Thoughts

The Mercedes-Benz CLA EV arriving in April 2026 is exciting because it brings style back to the electric segment. It replaces the practical-but-safe A-Class sedan with something far more emotional.

While pricing is still under wraps, we expect it to compete aggressively in the premium electric sedan segment, possibly taking on the likes of the BYD Seal and BMW i4.