Mercedes-Benz launches China-made CLA EV with a 40 mm longer wheelbase, 34,900 USD start
Beijing Mercedes-Benz has officially launched the China-made CLA 300 L EV, with prices starting from 249,000 yuan (approximately 34,900 USD). The model is based on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform and is positioned as a compact electric vehicle. The Chinese version features a 40 mm longer wheelbase compared with the overseas variant and is equipped with a two-speed transmission.
| Trim / Variant | Price (CNY) | Approx. Price (USD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLA 300 L (Standard) | 249,000 | 34,900 | Long-wheelbase (+40 mm vs overseas), 200 kW motor, two-speed transmission, Momenta assistance, MB.OS system |
| CLA 300 L Ultra-Long Range Intelligent Edition | 285,600 | 40,100 | Adds 14-inch passenger display, AMG body kit, urban NOA, full Momenta driver assistance features |
The CLA EV adopts a blacked-out front panel design with a matrix-style “Three-Pointed Star” emblem integrated into the grille. A full-width LED light strip is connected to the headlamps, which also feature star-shaped elements. Higher trims offer AMG-style body components. Five exterior colours are available: Obsidian Black, Water Moon Silver, Lava Red, Pine Mist Blue, and Arctic White. At the rear, the vehicle features a ducktail spoiler, full-width taillights forming a “Three-Pointed Star” pattern, and an upward-flipping rearview camera integrated into the central emblem. The car measures 4,763 mm in length, 1,836 mm in width, and 1,471 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,830 mm.
Inside, the CLA EV departs from the design of the internal combustion CLA, featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and, on higher trims, a 14-inch passenger-side display. The cabin uses a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, column-mounted shifter, and retains several physical buttons. Additional features include a head-up display (HUD), wireless smartphone charging, and multi-zone ambient lighting with 64 colours.
The vehicle runs on the MB.OS operating system with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 hardware. It supports immersive MBUX navigation, 3D graphics, AI-assisted virtual assistant functions, multi-zone voice interaction, and full-scene interruption capabilities. Driver assistance features include the Momenta system, which offers heated steering, a panoramic sunroof, high-end trims with Urban Navigation on Autopilot (NOA), parking assistance, and trajectory-reverse guidance.
The CLA EV uses an 800V electric architecture, with a maximum motor output of 200 kW paired with a two-speed transmission. The CLTC-range version achieves a range of 866 km per charge. A lower-powered variant with 165 kW has also been submitted for approval.
The Chinese long-wheelbase CLA differs from the overseas version in several ways: a 40 mm longer wheelbase for increased rear legroom, a simplified lower grille design, a locally integrated Momenta-based urban NOA system, and an AI voice assistant co-developed with ByteDance’s model.
Safety standards are consistent across domestic and overseas models, featuring Pre-Safe 3.0, emergency stop functions (EESF), 11 airbags, high-strength steel and aluminium construction, and multi-level high-voltage battery safety. Both variants meet China’s 2026 EV fire safety standards.
Key competitors for the CLA EV in China include Tesla Model 3, Xiaomi SU7, and Xpeng P7.
