Mercedes’ new entry-level CLA EV teased with a sleek design ahead of its upcoming debut

Mercedes is teasing its upcoming lower-priced CLA EV ahead of its official debut. The new entry-level electric car is shown with a sleek new design as it nears production.

Mercedes previews upcoming lower-priced CLA EV

After unveiling the electric CLA concept last year, Mercedes deemed it the new “one-liter car” due to its superior efficiency.

Based on the new MMA platform, Mercedes claims the entry-level EV will have an energy consumption of about 5.2 mi/kWh. Its new in-house drivetrain is based on the ultra-efficient Vision EQXX.

Mercedes expects the new platform to unlock over 466 miles (750 km) of WLTP driving range. The 800V platform also enables fast charging (up to 248 miles) in 15 minutes.

Leading up to its official debut, the entry-level EV has been spotted out in the wild several times. In April, it was caught winter testing in the Arctic Circle, revealing its stylish silhouette (you can see the video here).

Now, we are getting an even closer look at the upcoming EV after the production-spec model was showcased during an event in France. Mercedes previewed the new entry-level CLA EV, giving us our closest look yet.

Despite the camouflage, the four-door coupe’s streamlined silhouette, shark-nose front end, and new headlight design are clearly visible.

Although the new MMA platform supports all-electric, plug-in hybrid, and traditional hybrid models, the closed-off front grille suggests it could be the EV version. A high-performance AMG version was also spotted racing around the Nurburgring last month ahead of its official debut.

On the inside, the CLA EV will feature Mercedes’ new OS (MB.OS), which the company calls “the brain” behind its next-gen vehicles.

Mercedes is expected to officially unveil the production CLA EV later this year as a 2026 model. It is expected to launch globally, including in the US and Europe.

Although prices have yet to be announced, the electric CLA is expected to start at around $50,000. At that, it could potentially rival Tesla’s base Long Range RWD Model 3, which starts at $42,490 with 363 miles EPA-est range in the US. It will also compete with BMW’s i4, which starts at $53,975

The luxury German automaker could use a boost, with global EV sales slipping 22% through the first nine months of 2024. Mercedes sold 148,500 electric vehicles through September. German rival BMW sold over 294,000 EVs, up nearly 20% YOY.