The all-new electric Mercedes-Benz CLA isn't a vision of tomorrow-it's a car ready for today. I drove it in Copenhagen and came away impressed by how seamlessly it blends innovation with usability. This isn't just Mercedes-Benz ticking the EV box. It's a sharp, intelligent offering that's high on efficiency, tech, and real-world practicality-especially for the Indian context.
Design: Aerodynamics Over Drama
Unlike many new EVs that shout for attention, the CLA prefers to whisper with precision. With a segment-leading drag coefficient starting at just 0.21, it's a design masterclass in aerodynamic efficiency. The grille is gone, replaced by a sleek panel embedded with 142 illuminated three-pointed stars, flanked by full-width LED lighting and a purposeful lower air intake.
From the flush door handles and frameless doors to the reprofiled shoulder line and aero-optimised 19-inch wheels, the CLA exudes sophistication over flash. The rear gets a blacked-out bumper, diffuser, and a subtle spoiler-all helping performance, not just aesthetics.
This is also the first time that the CLA looks identical across all powertrains-ICE, hybrid, and electric. A key lesson Mercedes-Benz has clearly taken to heart after facing criticism for past EVs that looked disconnected from their combustion siblings. The design uniformity helps establish brand continuity and lets the technology-not the styling-differentiate what's under the skin.
Dimensionally, it's slightly larger now-60 mm more in wheelbase, 40 mm added to length, and for the first time in a Mercedes-Benz compact, you get a 101-litre frunk alongside a generous 470-litre boot.
Cabin: High-Tech, High-Style
The interior of the CLA is a clean, connected, and high-quality space. Black gloss, chrome accents, and minimalist lines create a modern vibe, but it's the tech that steals the show. A curved three-screen layout stretches across the dash, including a passenger display (which may not come to India).
At the heart of it is MB.OS-Mercedes-Benz's new in-house operating system. Fast, fluid, and AI-driven, it's capable of handling voice commands (powered by ChatGPT), streaming video, running third-party apps, and even facilitating video calls via the built-in camera. Navigation now uses Google Maps, bringing real-time traffic and charging data, and the clarity of all displays is top-notch.
The Dolby Atmos-enabled Burmester sound system delivers a near-theatre experience, and you can even connect a PlayStation or Xbox controller to play games. In terms of in-cabin digital experience, the CLA is more tablet than car-and in the best possible way.
Space & Climate: Cleverly Packaged
While the front occupants are pampered with excellent seats, high-quality materials, and generous storage areas, rear seat space remains tight-as expected in a coupe-style compact. That said, thoughtful touches like rear AC vents, a panoramic sunroof, and neatly designed armrests make it feel anything but compromised.
A special mention to the multi-source heat pump-a clever, energy-efficient system that reuses waste heat from the drivetrain, battery, and ambient air to maintain cabin temperature or precondition the battery for fast charging. It's especially valuable in colder climates as it reduces strain on the battery.
In the Indian context, however, cooling is a bigger concern. The large panoramic sunroof does have some countermeasures: it's made of laminated, IR-reflective glass with a Low-E (low-emissivity) coating, designed to reduce heat ingress. We'll need to see how well it performs under Indian summers, but it's a promising touch.
Performance: Efficient and Eager
The CLA launches globally with two variants:
CLA 250+: RWD, 200 kW (270 hp), 335 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 6.7 sec, up to 792 km WLTP range
CLA 350 4MATIC: AWD, 260 kW (350 hp), 515 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 4.9 sec, up to 771 km WLTP range
Both use an 85 kWh battery and boast 800V architecture, allowing for DC fast charging up to 320 kW. That's good for 325 km of range in just 10 minutes-a game-changer for long-distance EV travel. A two-speed transmission optimises torque and cruising efficiency-something usually reserved for high-end EVs.
The EDU 2.0 motor delivers a 93% battery-to-wheel efficiency and uses significantly fewer rare-earth elements than previous units. It's derived from the Vision EQXX and it shows-in refinement, responsiveness, and quietness.
Driving Feel: Composed, Connected, and Comfortable
The CLA rides on a newly developed multi-link rear suspension and a high-precision aluminium front axle. On Denmark's silky roads, it felt planted, predictable, and extremely refined. Steering feedback is natural, and cabin insulation is excellent.
Regenerative braking is a particular strength here. There are four regen modes, including an intelligent "D Auto" setting that adjusts energy recovery based on upcoming terrain, traffic, and road features. However, the regen mode selector is now integrated into the gear lever. Personally, I preferred the earlier paddle-shifter arrangement, which felt more intuitive and offered quick access without taking your hand off the wheel-especially useful during spirited driving.
That said, braking transitions are smooth thanks to the new one-box brake system, which blends regen and friction braking seamlessly while enhancing range.
Safety & Sustainability: Built for the Long Run
The CLA is the first in its class to feature a standard centre airbag, and it incorporates eight-layer high-voltage protection, automatic system shutdown in a crash, and a robust new thermal monitoring setup. It meets all global benchmarks, and then some.
From a sustainability standpoint, Mercedes claims a 40% lower lifecycle carbon footprint versus its ICE predecessor. The battery uses silicon-oxide anodes for greater energy density, recycled materials are used extensively inside, and the car is future-ready for bidirectional charging-with Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality coming via OTA updates.
Verdict: Next-Gen Benz Buyer's EV
The all-electric Mercedes-Benz CLA is more than just a compact luxury EV-it's a distilled expression of where the brand is headed. With a segment-leading range that eliminates anxiety, tech that rivals your best personal devices, and comfort anchored in thoughtful, intelligent design, the CLA feels like a peek into the future-only, it's already here.
If Mercedes-Benz manages to bring the CLA to India with most of its MB.OS features intact, and prices it between Rs 60-70 lakh, it could very well set a new benchmark for smart electric luxury in the under-Rs 1 crore bracket. Stylish, connected, and impressively efficient, this is the kind of EV that doesn't just tick boxes-it redraws them.