It’s official: Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled a long-wheelbase version of its upcoming electric CLA, but there’s a catch — it’s exclusive to China. That’s right, the new Mercedes CLA L offers more legroom, an impressive claimed range of 538 miles, and a surprisingly low starting price. The only problem? The rest of the world won’t get it.
This feels like watching your neighbor get a bigger slice of cake, while you’re left staring at your perfectly fine — but suddenly inadequate — portion. Let’s dive into why China gets the luxury of extra space, and what the rest of us can expect when the standard CLA arrives.
Bigger, Better, and Only for China
The standard Mercedes CLA is already a handsome, compact electric sedan, but the CLA L stretches things further — literally. Mercedes extended the wheelbase by 1.5 inches, bringing it to 111.4 inches, and overall length to 188.3 inches.
That extra space may not sound like much on paper, but in the real world, it’s the difference between knees pressed against the seatback and being able to cross your legs in comfort. Rear passengers in China are going to love this upgrade.
And the best part? Price.
The CLA L starts at around $36,000 in China — a shockingly affordable figure for a premium electric Mercedes. By comparison, the standard-wheelbase CLA expected in the U.S. and Europe will likely start north of $50,000.
So yes, the longer car costs less, but you’ll have to move to China to get it.
An Eye-Popping Range… With a Catch
Mercedes is boasting a 538-mile range for the CLA L, which sounds absolutely incredible — almost Los Angeles to San Francisco on a single charge.
But there’s a twist: that number comes from China’s CLTC testing cycle, which is notoriously optimistic. In real-world terms, expect closer to 400 miles, which is still highly impressive.
For context:
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85 kWh battery pack powers the CLA L
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800-volt architecture allows ultra-fast charging
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Adds 200+ miles of range in just 10 minutes at a DC fast charger
Even if the final range falls short of the headline number, this sedan will still be road trip-ready.
Tech-Packed Interior: Screens Everywhere
Step inside the CLA L, and it’s clear that Mercedes is pushing tech to the limit.
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10.25-inch driver display
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14.6-inch central touchscreen
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Optional 14-inch passenger screen for streaming, gaming, or… a serious round of Angry Birds?
Running the show is MB.OS, Mercedes’ next-gen operating system. It features:
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AI-powered virtual assistant
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Personalized driving profiles
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Over-the-air updates
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Level 2 intelligent driving system, developed with Momenta for the Chinese market
It’s not fully self-driving, but it’s a big step toward the future.
Why Only China Gets the CLA L
China is the largest EV market in the world, and Mercedes knows where its biggest opportunities lie. Chinese customers tend to prioritize rear-seat comfort, especially in luxury cars, making a long-wheelbase sedan a smart move.
For now, the standard CLA will launch globally, while the CLA L remains a China-exclusive model — at least until demand convinces Mercedes to rethink its strategy.
Final Thoughts: A Taste of Envy
The Mercedes CLA L combines luxury, range, and affordability in a package that’s hard to resist. Unfortunately, most of us will never get behind the wheel of this stretched electric beauty.
For everyone outside China, the standard CLA is still coming — just smaller and pricier.
But if you’re craving extra space, maybe it’s time to start looking at Shanghai real estate listings.
Key Specs: Mercedes CLA L
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Length: 188.3 in (4,782 mm)
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Wheelbase: 111.4 in (2,830 mm)
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Battery: 85 kWh
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Claimed Range: 538 miles (CLTC) / ~400 miles estimated real-world
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Charging: +200 miles in 10 minutes (DC fast charge)
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Starting Price (China): $36,000