Mercedes has teased a new low-priced CLA EV with a sleek design

Mercedes is teasing its upcoming low-priced CLA EV ahead of its official debut. A new luxury electric car has been unveiled with a sleek new design as it nears production.

Mercedes previews the upcoming low-priced CLA EV

After introducing the CLA electric concept last year, Mercedes considered it a new “one liter” car due to its efficiency.

Based on the new MMA platform, Mercedes says the entry-level EV will use 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 more than 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 launch, the entry-level EV has been spotted in the wild several times. In April, it was held a winter test in the Arctic Circle, revealing its stylish silhouette (you can see the video here).

Now, we're getting a closer look at the upcoming EV after a production-spec model was shown during an event in France. Mercedes has previewed the entry-level CLA EV, giving us our closest look yet.

Despite the camouflage, the silhouette of the four-door coupe, the shark nose rear, and the new design of the headlights are clearly visible.

While the new MMA platform supports all electric, plug-in hybrid, and traditional hybrid models, the closed front grille suggests it could be an EV version. The range-topping AMG version was also spotted racing around the Nurburgring last month ahead of its official debut.

Inside, the CLA EV will feature Mercedes' (MB.OS) new OS, which the company calls the “brains” behind its next-generation vehicles.

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

Although pricing has not yet been announced, the electric CLA is expected to start around $50,000. Meanwhile, it could compete with Tesla's base Long Range RWD Model 3, which starts at $42,490 with a range of 363 EPA-est miles in the US. It will also compete with BMW's i4, which starts at $53,975

The German luxury carmaker may be taking advantage, with global EV sales down 22% in the first nine months of 2024. Mercedes sold 148,500 electric cars in September. German rival BMW sold more than 294,000 EVs, up nearly 20% YOY.