In a significant move for India’s growing premium electric vehicle segment, Mercedes-Benz has today unveiled the all-electric CLA BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) in Bengaluru. The event, taking place in the city’s vibrant automotive hub, holds special relevance as Bengaluru is also home to Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), the company’s largest R&D center outside Germany. MBRDI played a key role in the development of this next-generation model, contributing expertise in software, digital features, and India-specific adaptations such as suspension tuning and ADAS calibration.
The debut marks the official India introduction of the production-spec CLA Electric, closely following its global reveal and building on the Concept CLA Class showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in early 2025. This sleek four-door coupe-style sedan rides on Mercedes-Benz’s new Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, designed for both ICE and EV powertrains, emphasizing efficiency, aerodynamics, and advanced electrification.
Key Specifications and Performance
The India-spec CLA BEV features an 85.5 kWh battery pack with an 800-volt architecture, enabling rapid charging up to 240 kW DC. Mercedes claims a WLTP range of up to 792 km on a single charge—translating to potentially 550-650 km in real-world Indian conditions, depending on driving style, climate control usage, and traffic.
Power comes from a single rear-mounted electric motor in the CLA 250+ variant (expected for India), delivering around 272 hp (200 kW) and strong torque for brisk acceleration (0-100 km/h in approximately 6.7 seconds). The rear-wheel-drive setup promises agile handling, while India-specific tweaks include raised ground clearance and recalibrated suspension to better suit local roads.
The design retains the signature CLA coupe silhouette with a low drag coefficient, sleek LED lighting, flush door handles, and a modern, tech-forward aesthetic. Inside, the cabin embraces Mercedes’ latest MBUX Superscreen setup, featuring large curved displays, augmented reality navigation, voice control, and premium materials. Safety is enhanced with multiple airbags, a 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS features (including adaptive cruise, lane keep, and autonomous emergency braking), calibrated with five radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors for Indian traffic scenarios.
Strategic Importance and Market Positioning
Today’s debut in Bengaluru underscores Mercedes-Benz India’s accelerated push into electrification. The CLA BEV is positioned as an accessible yet aspirational entry into the brand’s EQ lineup, effectively replacing the discontinued ICE A-Class sedan while succeeding compact EVs like the EQA and EQB. It targets buyers seeking a stylish, long-range electric sedan in the premium segment.
Bookings for the CLA Electric are set to open on March 10, 2026, with the full market launch scheduled for April 2026. Expected pricing starts around ₹55-65 lakh (ex-showroom), making it competitive against rivals like the BMW i4, Audi A6 e-tron (upcoming), and emerging local premium EVs.
With contributions from MBRDI ensuring localization-friendly features and real-world optimization, the CLA BEV represents a confident step in Mercedes-Benz’s plan to introduce over a dozen models in India this year, blending luxury, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology. As the company eyes stronger EV adoption amid India’s charging infrastructure growth, today’s Bengaluru event signals an exciting new chapter for electric mobility in the luxury space. Stay tuned for drive reviews and final pricing details in the coming months.
