Chinese-Made Electric Mercedes Stretched and Upgraded with Local Autopilot: Sales Begin for the New Mercedes-Benz CLA EV

A new fully electric Mercedes-Benz CLA EV sedan has debuted on the Chinese market — featuring a longer wheelbase, locally developed autonomous driving systems, and a refreshed exterior design.

The Beijing Mercedes-Benz joint venture has officially introduced the locally built CLA 300 L EV, with prices starting at 249,000 yuan (about $34,000 USD).

Built on Mercedes-Benz’s Modular Mercedes Architecture (MMA), the new CLA is positioned as a compact electric sedan. The Chinese version comes with a 40 mm longer wheelbase than the global model and features a two-speed transmission.

Visually, the CLA EV stands out with a blacked-out front fascia and an integrated Three-Pointed Star grille in a distinctive matrix pattern. The headlights echo the star motif and are connected by a full-width LED light strip. Higher trims add several AMG-style body elements for a sportier look.

Buyers can choose from five exterior colors — Obsidian Black, Water Moon Silver, Lava Red, Pine Mist Blue, and Arctic White. The rear design includes a “ducktail” spoiler, full-width taillights forming a star-shaped pattern, and a rearview camera neatly integrated into the large central badge.

In terms of size, the new CLA EV measures 4,763 mm in length, 1,836 mm in width, and 1,471 mm in height, with a 2,830 mm wheelbase.

Inside, the fully electric CLA EV departs noticeably from its gasoline counterpart, offering an extensive list of high-tech features, including:

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14-inch central touchscreen
• 14-inch front passenger display (on higher trims)
• Flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel
• Head-up display (HUD)
• Wireless smartphone charging
• 64-color ambient lighting
• MBUX interactive navigation system
• AI-powered virtual assistant
• Multi-zone voice control
• Momenta driver-assistance suite
• Navigation on Autopilot (NOA)
• Parking and reversing assist systems
• Heated steering wheel
• Panoramic sunroof
• And more comfort and tech options

The cabin still retains some physical control buttons, while the gear selector is mounted on the steering column. The infotainment system is powered by Mercedes’ MB.OS operating system and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor.

Under the hood, the CLA EV uses an 800-volt electric architecture with a maximum output of 272 hp paired with a two-speed transmission. According to China’s CLTC test cycle, the car offers up to 866 km (538 miles) of range on a single charge. A lower-powered 224 hp version will follow later in China.

Compared to the global version, the Chinese CLA EV features a 40 mm longer wheelbase for extra rear legroom, a simplified lower grille design, and a localized AI voice assistant, among other tweaks.

For safety, the electric CLA includes Pre-Safe 3.0, an Emergency Stop Function (EESF), 11 airbags, a high-strength steel and aluminum body, and multi-layer battery protection. The vehicle also meets China’s 2026 EV fire safety standards.