The all-electric Mercedes-Benz CLA comes equipped with a single-motor system paired with a two-speed transmission, delivering a CLTC-rated driving range of 866 km.
Beijing Benz announced that the all-electric CLA, its first model built on Mercedes-Benz’s new MMA platform, has officially rolled off the production line and will enter the Chinese market this fall.
In August, Mercedes-Benz opened pre-orders for the new CLA, offering a range of purchase incentives, including deposit bonuses and value-added benefits. Customers placing early reservations can receive packages such as brand travel kits, premium sound systems, and charging equipment.
Those who secure their orders before the official launch will also be eligible for an additional driver-assistance package.
The design retains the brand’s signature styling cues. The front fascia adopts a closed black panel, decorated with a matrix-style “three-pointed star” motif, connected to the headlights via a full-width LED light strip. The headlamp units also incorporate star-pattern detailing, while the grille area features 142 individually addressable LED star lights.
The vehicle was first previewed at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, where it drew significant attention during static displays.
Dimensionally, the CLA EV measures 4,763 mm in length, 1,836 mm in width, and 1,471 mm in height, with a 2,830 mm wheelbase—40 mm longer than its overseas counterpart—providing improved interior space.
Inside, the cabin integrates a digital instrument cluster, a central control screen, and a 14-inch passenger entertainment display into a continuous panel layout.
It is powered by the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system, which supports voice recognition, gesture control, and functions customized to Chinese driving scenarios and preferences.
On the technical side, the CLA stands out with its two-speed transmission and 800V high-voltage electrical architecture, rarely seen in its class. It is equipped with the new MB.OS operating system and advanced driver-assistance features for both urban and highway navigation.
The latest MB.DRIVE system, running on NVIDIA’s Orin chip, enables functions such as city-level navigation assistance and intelligent parking.
Power comes from a single-motor setup rated at 200 kW, paired with a two-speed transmission. The vehicle delivers a CLTC-rated range of 866 km.
Pricing for the Chinese market has yet to be announced. In Europe, the CLA EV is already available, starting at €45,615 ($48,650) in the UK, €55,858 ($59,760) in Germany, and over €60,000 ($64,250) in Portugal.
Jörg Burzer, Mercedes-Benz’s Head of Production, said strong demand in Europe has already pushed the Rastatt plant in Stuttgart to run triple shifts, with production slots booked into next year.
Whether the electric CLA can change consumer perceptions in China—where German luxury EVs (Benz, BMW, and Audi) have been criticized as lacking brand coherence—will become clear by the end of the year.
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