The Mercedes-Benz CLA is set for its world premiere in production-spec on March 13, the brand has confirmed. The new CLA was first showcased in concept guise in September 2023 at the Munich Motor Show. Earlier this year, the CLA concept even made an appearance at the Auto Expo 2025 in India. Based on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), the new CLA will be the first of an all-new model lineup of entry-level luxury cars from Mercedes-Benz.
- New CLA will debut as an EV, petrol variants to follow
- Will be the first car with brand’s new MB.OS operating system
- Is the first of a new lineup of entry-level Mercedes EVs
Mercedes Benz CLA exterior design
Production model to closely resemble the concept
Mercedes had previously said the production version of the CLA will only be ‘lightly altered’ over the concept, and as such, it previews a completely new exterior and interior design philosophy. Camouflaged test mules of the CLA have hinted at new wraparound LED headlamps with a three-pointed star-like LED daytime running lamp signature, a full width light bar atop the grille, and a new interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz grille.
Meanwhile, the rear end of the compact sedan mimics the front end with an LED light bar connecting the tail lamps with the star-like LED signature. Overall, the new CLA will have a low-slung stance with flared haunches and a coupe-like roofline, much like the original CLA.
Mercedes Benz CLA interior and features
Will get an all-new MB.OS operating system
We haven’t got a glimpse at the production-spec CLA interior, but the concept had previewed a Supercreen setup with three connected screens. The brand had said the same would be retained for the production version as well. What’s interesting is that the CLA will debut the new MB.OS operating system. The new chip-to-cloud architecture also comes with an AI-enabled virtual assistant.
The new CLA will come equipped with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving using LiDAR sensors, over-the-air updates compatibility, as well as an expansive glass roof.
Mercedes Benz CLA powertrain, range and specs
Is claimed to deliver around 750km range from a single charge
The new CLA has been engineered as an EV-first vehicle, and entry-level variants of the compact sedan will come with a rear electric motor with a two-speed transmissions. Higher-spec 4Matic models will have an additional single-speed electric motor on the front axle. Mercedes calls the new CLA the “the one-litre car of the electric age”, with the powertrain having been derived from the Vision EQXX concept.
The battery and electrical architecture will run at 800V, and it can be charged at up to 320kW. This was claimed to enable the CLA to gain 300km of range in just 10 minutes. Mercedes claims an efficiency of 12kWh/100km for the CLA, and an overall range of around 750km on a single charger. Later on, 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.
Stay tuned to this space for more details when Mercedes officially takes the wraps off the all-new CLA sedan.
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