The Mercedes Benz CLA EV and MG4 EV are both electric vehicles, but they target different segments and have different features. The CLA EV is a premium sedan, while the MG4 EV is a more affordable hatchback.
Overview: Mercedes Benz CLA EV
The production-spec world premiere of the Mercedes-Benz CLA is set to take place on March 13, the brand has confirmed.
The new CLA was first showcased as a concept at the Munich Motor Show in September 2023. Earlier this year, the CLA Concept was also showcased in India at the Auto Expo 2025.
Based on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), the new CLA will be the first car in the all-new model line-up of entry-level luxury cars from Mercedes-Benz. The new CLA will be launched as an EV, followed by petrol variants.
- It will be the first car to feature the brand’s new MB.OS operating system
- It is the first car in a new line-up of entry-level Mercedes EVs.
Design and Style
- Mercedes had previously said that the production version of the CLA would feature only ‘slight changes’ to the concept, and as such, it previews a completely new exterior and interior design philosophy.
- The camouflaged test model of the CLA features new wraparound LED headlamps with a three-pointed star-like LED daytime running lamp signature, a full-width light bar above the grille, and a new interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz grille.
- Meanwhile, the rear of the compact sedan is similar to the front, with an LED light bar connecting the tail-lamps with a star-like LED signature.
- Overall, the new CLA will have a low-slung stance with flared haunches and a coupe-like roofline, similar to the original CLA.
Feature and Tech
We haven’t gotten a glimpse of the interior of the production-spec CLA, but the concept previewed a Super screen setup with three connected screens.
The brand did say that this will be retained for the production version as well. Interestingly, CLA will launch the new MB.OS operating system. The new chip-to-cloud architecture comes with an AI-enabled virtual assistant.
The new CLA will feature Level-2 semi-autonomous driving with LIDAR sensors, over-the-air update compatibility, and a wide glass roof.
Engine and Performance
The new CLA is designed as an EV-first vehicle, and the entry-level variants of the compact sedan will come with a rear electric motor mated to a two-speed transmission.
Higher-spec 4Matic models will have an additional single-speed electric motor on the front axle. Mercedes calls the new CLA “the one-litre car for the electric age”, with the power train borrowed from the Vision EQXX concept.
The battery and electrical architecture will run at 800V, and can be charged at up to 320kW. It’s claimed that this will allow the CLA to achieve a range of 300km in just 10 minutes.
Mercedes claims that the CLA has an efficiency of 12kWh/100km and a range of around 750km on a single charge.
Later, the CLA will also benefit from a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine that will be offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.
Mercedes-Benz CLA EV:
- Battery pack: 85 kWh (NMC battery).
- Range: Up to 792 km (WLTP) for rear-wheel-drive model.
- Charging: 800-volt system, 325 km range in 10 minutes with a 320 kW charger
- Power train: Rear-mounted motor with two-speed gearbox, 272 hp for CLA 250+ and 354 hp for CLA 350 4Matic.
- Additional features: Isolating front motor in 4Matic to reduce friction losses, regenerative braking.
Price and Variants
The Mercedes-Benz CLA EV is expected to launch in India around August 15, 2025, with an expected price of around Rs 65 lakh (ex-showroom). The MG 4 EV is also expected to arrive in India, with an expected launch date around December 2025 and an expected price of Rs 30-32 lakh.