Mercedes-Benz CLA 260 L EV to debut as entry-level 600 km model in China
New details about a lower-spec variant of the Beijing Mercedes-Benz CLA EV have surfaced in China’s latest catalogue of new-energy vehicles eligible for purchase tax exemption. The upcoming version, named CLA 260 L, is expected to serve as the new entry-level option in the CLA EV lineup in China, as reported by D-Auto.
According to the official filing, the CLA 260 L is equipped with a 60 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a CLTC-rated range of 600 km. This represents a reduction of 29 kWh and 266 km compared with the CLA 300 L, which uses a ternary lithium battery. Vehicle weight has also decreased by 15 kg, from 2,020 kg to 2,005 kg.
Power output is provided by a single electric motor rated at 165 kW, down from the 200 kW unit used in the CLA 300 L. The lower power figure aligns with the model’s expected positioning as a more affordable version. The CLA 300 L, launched on November 5, currently starts from 249,000 yuan (34,900 USD).
The CLA EV series is built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform and produced by Beijing Benz. Compared with the overseas version, the China-made CLA features a 40 mm longer wheelbase (2,830 mm total) to improve rear legroom. It also utilises an 800V architecture and a two-speed transmission, which supports higher efficiency at highway speeds.
Design-wise, the CLA EV features a blacked-out front panel with a matrix-style “Three-Pointed Star” grille and a full-width LED light bar that links the headlights. The rear features a ducktail spoiler and full-width taillights forming a star-shaped pattern. Inside, the CLA offers a 10.25-inch digital cluster, 14-inch central touchscreen, and, on higher trims, a 14-inch passenger display running the MB.OS system powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295 chip.
The CLA 260 L shares the overall design with the CLA 300 L but may omit specific driver-assistance cameras, reducing the available Momenta-based ADAS features, such as Urban Navigation on Autopilot (NOA).
As a compact, premium electric sedan, the CLA EV series targets buyers of the Tesla Model 3, Xpeng P7, and Xiaomi SU7 in the 220,000–340,000 yuan (approximately 31,00-48,000 USD) segment in China. Pricing and full technical specifications of the CLA 260 L will be officially announced at a later date.
