The Mercedes-Benz CLA and BYD Seal sit in the compact premium EV sedan segment. Both target buyers upgrading from ICE sedans into electric. The CLA focuses on efficiency, refinement, and brand-led luxury. The Seal targets value-focused buyers who still want strong performance and modern tech.
Range and charging show different priorities. The CLA delivers around 600 to 750 km WLTP depending on version, with real-world tests exceeding 400 miles in some cases . The BYD Seal offers around 460 to 570 km WLTP depending on battery and drivetrain. Charging differs more. The CLA uses an 800V system with peak speeds around 250 to 320 kW, enabling fast top-ups in about 20–25 minutes. The Seal uses a 400V system with peak charging near 150 kW, which results in longer charging sessions.

Price positioning favors the Seal. It sits in the lower premium range and undercuts the CLA in most markets. The CLA enters as a higher-priced entry luxury EV with newer platform tech. Availability also differs. The Seal is already on sale across China, Europe, and other regions. The CLA is rolling out through 2026 in phases . This comparison helps you choose between lower upfront cost with balanced performance or higher efficiency with faster charging and a newer platform.
Within Mercedes-Benz, other EVs include EQA, EQB, EQE, and EQS. Within BYD, the lineup includes Atto 3, Dolphin, and Sealion models. Rivals to the CLA include the BMW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. The Seal competes with the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2.
The CLA offers long range, high charging speed, and a refined cabin, but it comes with higher pricing and slower initial availability. The Seal delivers strong value, good performance, and solid standard features, though charging speed is lower and software polish is less consistent.
QUICK VERDICT
Pick the CLA for efficiency, range, and faster charging. Choose the Seal for lower cost and balanced everyday performance.
Related EV Comparisons
| Models |
Mercedes CLA 200 Mercedes CLA 250+ Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC BYD Seal (Atto 4) Standard Range BYD Seal (Atto 4) Long Range BYD Seal (Atto 4) Performance |
| Announced | 2025, March 13 2022, October 17 |
| Status | Available to order. Released 2025, May Available. Released 2023, September |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Base Price |
€ 49,400 - Mercedes CLA 200 € 55,900 £ 45,600 - Mercedes CLA 250+ € 60,400 - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC |
| Power |
RWD 224 hp (165 kW) - Mercedes CLA 200 RWD 272 hp (200 kW) - Mercedes CLA 250+ AWD 354 hp (260 kW) - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC RWD 204 hp (150 kW) |
| Torque |
247 lb-ft (335 Nm) - Mercedes CLA 200 335 Nm (247 lb-ft) - Mercedes CLA 250+ 515 Nm (380 lb-ft) - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC 310 Nm (229 lb-ft) |
| Acceleration The acceleration numbers are an easy way to compare car performance. We list either time from 0 to 100 km/h or time from 0 to 60mph, depending on which number(s) the manufacturers provide. The lower the acceleration time, the higher performance the car is. |
7.5 sec 0-62 mph - Mercedes CLA 200 6.7 sec 0-62 mph - Mercedes CLA 250+ 4.9 sec 0-62 mph - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC 7.5 sec 0-62 mph |
| Max Speed | 130 mph (210 km/h) 112 mph (180 km/h) |
| transmission | 2-speed automatic |
| Capacity |
58 kWh usable - Mercedes CLA 200 85 kWh usable - Mercedes CLA 250+ 85 kWh usable - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC 61.4 kWh total |
| Tech | Liquid-cooled Li-ion NCM (800V type) Liquid-cooled Li-ion LFP battery |
| Range |
336 mi WLTP - Mercedes CLA 200 492 mi WLTP - Mercedes CLA 250+ 479 mi WLTP - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC |
| Consumption |
196 Wh/mi WLTP - Mercedes CLA 200 196 Wh/mi WLTP - Mercedes CLA 250+ 201 Wh/mi WLTP - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC |
| Recuperation | Yes Yes |
| Heat Pump | |
| AC Charging |
Type 2 11 kW, 0-100% in 6 hours 30 min - Mercedes CLA 200 Type 2 11 kW, 10-100% in 9 hours - Mercedes CLA 250+ Type 2 11 kW, 10-100% in 9 hours - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC Type 11 kW |
| DC Charging |
CCS 200 kW max, 10-80% in 20 min - Mercedes CLA 200 CCS 320 kW max, 10-80% in 22 min - Mercedes CLA 250+ CCS 320 kW max, 10-80% in 22 min - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC CCS 110 kW, 30-80% in 26 min |
| Others | Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) |
| Type | 4 door sedan, 5 seats 4 door sedan, 5 seats |
| Platform | MB MMA e-platform 3.0 |
| Dimensions | 185.9 x 73.0 x 57.8 in (4723 x 1855 x 1468 mm) 4800 x 1875 x 1460 mm (189.0 x 73.8 x 57.5 in) |
| Drag Co-Efficient | 0.21 Cd 0.219 Cd |
| Wheelbase | 109.8 in (2790 mm) 2920 mm (115.0 in) |
| Weight |
EU: 2045 kg unladen, 2500 kg gross - Mercedes CLA 200 EU: 2055 kg unladen, 2510 kg gross - Mercedes CLA 250+ EU: 2135 kg unladen, 2575 kg gross - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC |
| Suspension | Three-link front axle, multi-link rear axle Front double wishbone, rear multi-link |
| Wheels | R17, R18, R19 R18, R19 |
| Trunk/Boot | EU: 14.3 ft³ EU: 402 l |
| Frunk/Bonnet | 3.6 ft³ 53 l |
| Towing |
EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1500 kg braked - Mercedes CLA 200 EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1500 kg braked - Mercedes CLA 250+ EU: 750 kg unbraked, 1800 kg braked - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC No |
| Centre | 14" touchscreen 15.6" rotating touchscreen |
| Driver's Display | 10.3" 10.25" |
| Head-Up | Yes Yes |
| Others | 14" passenger display |
| Seats | Heated front seats Heated and ventilated front seats |
| Roof | Panoramic glass sunroof Panoramic glass roof, fixed |
| Parking Aids | Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera, self parking, remote parking assist Front and rear sensors, 360 camera, reversing camera |
| Connectivity | Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Airbags | Front, side, rear, center, head airbag system Front, side, rear, head airbag system, front seats knee airbags |
| Driving Aids | 5 radars, 8 cameras, 12 sensors. Traffic sign assistant, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active distance assistant, Adaptive high beam assistant, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Pedestrian warning function in the area of zebra crossings, Active Emergency Stop Assist 2 front radars, 4 rear radars, multiple cameras, 12 sensors. Blind Spot Warning, High Beam Assist, Lane departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Front/Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front/Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Traffic Sign Recognition, Automatic Emergency Braking System, Door Open Warning |
| Others |
Digital Video Recorder 40500 Nm/degree torsional stiffness |
| disclaimer | We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct |
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We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct