Powertrain and Range
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is set to make waves with its 85 kWh battery pack, promising an impressive WLTP-certified range of 792 km. A notable technical
distinction is its inclusion of a two-speed gearbox, a departure from the single-speed transmissions commonly found in electric vehicles. This setup propels the CLA Electric with a motor generating 272 hp, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Fast charging capabilities are robust, with support for 240 kW DC fast charging that can add approximately 400 km of range in under 20 minutes. In contrast, the BYD Seal EV presents a more varied range of options across its three trims: Dynamic, Premium, and Performance. The base Dynamic model features a 61.44 kWh battery powering a 204 hp rear motor. The Premium variant offers a larger 82.56 kWh battery and a more potent 313 hp rear motor. The top-tier Performance model leverages the same 82.56 kWh battery but incorporates dual motors – one at the front producing 218 hp and another at the rear with 313 hp – to deliver all-wheel-drive capability. Performance figures for the BYD Seal vary significantly; the Dynamic achieves 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, the Premium in 5.9 seconds, and the Performance variant impressively hits the mark in just 3.8 seconds.
Cabin Ambiance and Tech
Stepping inside the cabin, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric boasts a sophisticated dual-screen display system. This setup includes a 10.25-inch digital driver's display and a central 14-inch infotainment screen running on MB.OS, which supports over-the-air (OTA) updates for continuous improvement. The interior aesthetic is enhanced by a sporty three-spoke steering wheel equipped with touch controls and complemented by carbon-fiber trim accents. For driver and passenger comfort, the CLA Electric offers electrically adjustable, heated front seats with memory functions, a panoramic glass roof to enhance the sense of spaciousness, and automatic climate control. Optional enhancements include a premium 16-speaker Burmester sound system, an additional 14-inch display for the front passenger, a head-up display for crucial information, and dual-zone climate control for personalized comfort. The BYD Seal EV counters with its own impressive technology suite, featuring a distinctive 15.6-inch rotating infotainment screen that can switch between portrait and landscape orientations, alongside a 10.25-inch driver display. It also includes dual wireless charging pads, a head-up display for convenient information access, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality for external power delivery, an NFC card key for simplified access, and a 12-speaker audio system. Comfort is prioritized with ventilated and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and extensive adjustability for the seats, including 8-way power adjustment with memory and lumbar support for the driver, and 6-way power adjustment for the front passenger.
Market Positioning and Pricing
The arrival of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is slated for April 2026 in the Indian market, though official pricing details are yet to be disclosed by the manufacturer. This launch will revive the CLA nameplate, which was last seen in its internal combustion engine (ICE) variant in 2020, and positions the electric model as a direct competitor to the BYD Seal EV. Currently, the BYD Seal EV is available for purchase in India, with its ex-showroom price starting at Rs 41 lakh. This existing availability and established price point provide a clear benchmark for the upcoming Mercedes-Benz offering as it prepares to enter the competitive electric vehicle segment.
