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At the recently concluded Auto Expo, Mercedes-Benz, India’s largest luxury car manufacturer, revealed its ambitious plans to enter the electric vehicle (EV) segment with the upcoming CLA Concept. This new model is set to rival the popular Hyundai Ioniq 5 in India, combining futuristic design with state-of-the-art technology. Let’s take a closer look at what the CLA Concept offers and what it means for the future of luxury cars in India.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Concept
The Mercedes-Benz CLA range is expected to introduce a new category of entry-level luxury vehicles, bringing premium features and a high-tech design to a broader market in India. The vehicle lineup will include four variants: a four-door coupe, a shooting brake, and two SUVs. The concept shown at the Auto Expo was the four-door coupe, which offers a preview of the brand’s future design direction.
Exterior Design of Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Concept stays true to the brand’s hallmark design language, combining elegance with sportiness. One of the key elements of its design is the sloping roofline and coupe silhouette, which enhances its streamlined and dynamic appearance. At the front, the model features a large Tri-Star grille that seamlessly integrates with the bumper, giving it a bold yet refined look. The illuminated Mercedes-Benz logo adds a touch of sophistication, while the connected LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) provide a futuristic appeal.
The headlights display a striking tri-arrow design, which is expected to be replaced with new, more aerodynamic sweptback LED units in the production model. Moving to the sides, the car boasts muscular wheelarches, large 21-inch wheels, and an extended wheelbase that contributes to its confident and powerful stance on the road. At the rear, the CLA Concept features a connected LED light bar and tri-arrow taillamps, which further elevate its modern and high-tech appearance.
Interior Design and Features
Inside, the CLA Concept is a seamless blend of sustainability and cutting-edge technology. Drawing inspiration from the Vision EQXX concept, the interior features eco-friendly materials and a minimalist design. The standout feature inside the cabin is the MBUX Superscreen, a massive screen that spans the entire width of the dashboard. This system integrates the instrument cluster, infotainment touchscreen, and passenger display, offering an immersive and futuristic user experience.
The cabin also includes a large panoramic glass roof, which enhances the sense of openness and natural light. The floating center console adds a futuristic touch, and it includes a wireless charging pad for convenience. Mercedes-Benz has also incorporated multi-zone climate control and ambient lighting, adding to the luxury and comfort of the cabin. For safety and convenience, the CLA Concept will come equipped with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), featuring LiDAR sensors for enhanced autonomous driving capabilities.
Powertrain and Technology of Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Concept is built on the brand’s innovative Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA), which enables both Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Electric Vehicle (EV) options. Although specific details regarding the ICE powertrain are yet to be revealed, the EV version promises impressive performance and long-range capabilities.
Electric Powertrain and Performance
The EV variant of the CLA Concept is expected to be powered by an 85kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of up to 750 kilometers on a single charge. This makes the CLA Concept a strong competitor in the electric vehicle segment, providing consumers with an eco-friendly yet powerful alternative to traditional luxury sedans.
The vehicle’s 800V architecture enables fast charging capabilities, with 320kW fast-charging technology that can add up to 400 kilometers of range in just 15 minutes—perfect for long-distance travel. Initially, the CLA Concept will feature a single rear-mounted motor paired with a two-speed automatic transmission. However, Mercedes-Benz could introduce an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with its 4MATIC system in the future, further enhancing the car’s performance and handling.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Pricing and Competition
The CLA Concept is still in its early stages, and while it’s not expected to reach production until late 2025, the vehicle has already generated significant interest. The car is expected to be priced around INR 50 lakh (approximately), positioning it as a premium electric vehicle in the Indian market. Once launched, the CLA Concept will compete with other electric vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6, both of which have been well-received for their performance, design, and technology.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Specifications
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Launch Timeline and Expectations
Although the CLA Concept is still in the development phase, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the vehicle will debut in India before the end of 2025. The expected launch will mark a significant step forward for the brand in terms of offering luxury, performance, and sustainability. As the electric vehicle market in India continues to grow, the CLA Concept will be one of the key players in this transformation, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.
