Mercedes CLA Electric vs Tesla Model 3 – Premium sedan comparison

CLA Electric launches on April 24, 2026 . It aims to beat the Tesla Model 3 with faster charging, longer range, and traditional luxury . The Tesla Model 3 is the established leader in performance and software.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Mercedes CLA Electric (250+)	Tesla Model 3 (Long Range RWD)
Est. Price (India)	₹55 – ₹59 Lakh	~₹60 Lakh (Slightly Higher)
Battery Capacity	85.5 kWh (Bigger)	75 kWh
Claimed Range (WLTP)	792 km	750 km
Real-World Range (Cold)	~565 km	~459 km
0-100 km/h	6.7 seconds	4.9 seconds (Faster)
Peak DC Charging	320 kW (Faster)	250 kW
Charge Speed (10 mins)	Adds 320 km	Adds ~250 km
Drag Coefficient	0.21 (More Aerodynamic)	0.22
Efficiency	4.1 miles/kWh (Better)	3.8 miles/kWh
Frunk (Front Trunk)	101 Litres (Bigger)	88 Litres
Driver Display	Yes (10.25-inch)	No (only centre screen)
Touchscreen	14-inch	15.4-inch
Physical Buttons	More	Almost none
Service Centres (India)	50+ (Established)	Limited (growing)
Best For	Range, charging speed, luxury	Acceleration, software, minimalism

1. Price – Very Close

Car	Est. Price (India)
Mercedes CLA Electric	₹55 – ₹59 Lakh
Tesla Model 3	~₹60 Lakh

The Mercedes is slightly cheaper (₹1-5 lakh less) .

Winner: Mercedes (slightly).

2. Range and Efficiency – Mercedes Wins

Question	Answer
Longer claimed range?	Mercedes (792 km)
Longer real-world range?	Mercedes (~565 km vs 459 km)
More aerodynamic?	Mercedes (0.21 cd)
Better efficiency (less energy per km)?	Mercedes

Winner: Mercedes CLA Electric.

3. Charging – Mercedes is Faster

Question	Answer
Faster peak charging?	Mercedes (320 kW)
More range added in 10 minutes?	Mercedes (320 km)
Better charging network?	Tesla (Supercharger network)

Winner: Mercedes for speed. Tesla for network reliability.

4. Performance – Tesla is Faster

Question	Answer
Faster 0-100 km/h?	Tesla (4.9 seconds)
Sportier driving feel?	Tesla (aggressive, digital)
More comfortable, refined ride?	Mercedes (better over bumps)

Winner: Tesla for acceleration. Mercedes for ride comfort.

5. Interior and Practicality

Question	Answer
Has driver display (behind steering wheel)?	Mercedes (Yes)
Bigger frunk (front storage)?	Mercedes (101 L)
More physical buttons?	Mercedes
Minimalist, software-first design?	Tesla

Winner: Mercedes for traditional layout and storage. Tesla for minimalist fans.

6. Ownership in India

Question	Answer
More service centres?	Mercedes (50+ established)
Luxury brand presence?	Mercedes (strong)
Tesla entry in India?	Anticipated, but network is smaller

Winner: Mercedes (for now).