Mercedes has never shied away from experimenting with the CLA. When the first generation arrived over a decade ago, it was pitched as the brand’s stylish entry into the coupe-sedan space, designed to attract younger buyers into the three-pointed star ecosystem.
Fast forward to 2026 and the CLA has evolved into something far more significant. The all-new Mercedes Benz CLA EV is the first car built on the brand’s new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, a dedicated electric-first platform that will underpin future compact Mercedes models.
And if Mercedes’ claims are anything to go by, this might just be one of the most technologically ambitious EVs the brand has built yet.
Design
At first glance, the Mercedes Benz CLA EV looks dramatically different from the outgoing model. It still carries the sleek four-door coupe silhouette that made the original CLA such a head-turner, but look closer and the details start to reveal a very different story.
A very striking element is the illuminated front grille, which now features 142 animated star elements embedded within it. It lights up during unlocking and charging sequences, adding a bit of theatre to the otherwise “minimal” EV front fascia.
Flanking the grille are three-pointed star-shaped Multibeam LED headlamps. Around the back, the theme continues with star-pattern tail lamps connected by a light bar. To each their own, but something that we appreciated was the fact that Mercedes actually nailed the design on this one. It looks like an “EV” but surprisingly carries it very well.
The Mercedes Benz CLA EV is almost as long as the C class, is something that mercedes say, and has increased in dimensions, which in theory, translates to more interior space, however, we found the interiors to be somewhat on the cramped side. The signature sloping roofline and the high floor (thanks to the under-floor batteries) could be a cause.
The India-spec model comes standard with the AMG Line package, featuring 18-inch AMG wheels and aerodynamically optimized flush door handles that retract into the bodywork that slashes drag and also looks the part.
Interior
This is the first Mercedes to run the new MB.OS operating system, essentially the brain behind the car’s entire digital ecosystem. In front of the driver sits a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, paired with a 14-inch infotainment display that runs the latest generation of MBUX.
Interestingly, Mercedes even tilted the screens by six degrees after testing different angles to minimise reflections and glare during day and night driving.
The infotainment system also integrates Google Maps-based navigation and AI assistants powered by ChatGPT and Google Gemini, meaning the car can respond to natural voice commands or even offer suggestions during navigation. The system comes loaded with apps like Spotify, Teams, YouTube and even games like Angry Birds.
Elsewhere, the cabin gets AMG-line interiors, aluminium pedals, turbine-inspired air vents and star-pattern trim elements, giving the interior that AMG feel.
Practicality
The rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 configuration, giving easy access to the boot for longer luggage. There is a strange sense of déjà vu with the new CLA EV. If you were around in the 1930s ( highly unlikely ) driving the rear-engined Mercedes 130, the 2026 CLA EV might actually feel a bit nostalgic. That’s because, for the first time in nearly a century, Mercedes has brought back the ‘frunk.’ It’s a clever full-circle moment: the brand’s oldest rear-engine tech and its newest electric platform both ended up moving some luggage to the front. With 101 litres of storage, it’s perfect for storing charging cables or small luggage.
This EV Has Two Gears ?
Yes, perhaps the most interesting engineering detail is the two-speed transmission, something rarely seen in cars of this segment. The first gear focuses on acceleration while the second improves efficiency at highway speeds sort of a best of both worlds arrangement so to say.
Powertrain
The electric CLA runs on an 800-volt electrical architecture, it also enables ultra-fast charging and has been said to improve efficiency. Mercedes claims the car can gain up to 400 KM of range in just 20 minutes when connected to a 240 kW charger.
The CLA 250+ variant, the only one currently on offer in India, uses an 85.5 kWh battery pack and produces 268 HP sent to the rear wheels. You could compare the performance figures to my high school grades: not exactly ‘top of the class,’ but respectable enough to get the job done.
- 0-100 KM/H: 6.7 seconds
- WLTP claimed range: up to 792 KM
Safety
The car comes with MB.DRIVE, an advanced ADAS suite that includes functions such as lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. It gets 8 airbags and a unique feature is the central airbag positioned between the front seats, designed to reduce injuries during side impacts.
All of this has paid off, with the CLA reportedly emerging as the best-performing vehicle in Euro NCAP safety tests for 2025.
Nothing Is Perfect
While the CLA brings plenty of innovation, it isn’t without compromises.
For one, rear seat space and headroom still feels a little tight, especially considering the car’s length. Even though Mercedes claim to have improved the ground clearance and tuned the car for “Indian conditions”, it might still be a concern going over some topsy-turvy speed breakers. Then there’s the panoramic glass roof, which doesn’t actually open, a bit disappointing given how common opening sunroofs are today, but nonetheless looks quite appealing with a slight tint to prevent overheating.
Other misses include:
- No seat ventilation
- Climate controls only accessible via the infotainment system
Small things perhaps, but they do affect day-to-day usability.
Final Thoughts
The new CLA EV driving dynamics are still good. It has that classic EV punch that pushes you back into your seat, and handles itself quite well. Lets also keep in mind that this car represents a fairly big shift for Mercedes. It’s a technology showcase, a platform debut, and arguably a glimpse into how they intend to build their future electric cars.
The CLA certainly makes a strong case for itself and is quite impressive in a bunch of areas, but as always, the real test will be how well all this technology works outside of press presentations, spec sheets and media drives, particularly on real roads and in real traffic conditions.
