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Mercedes CLA vs BYD Seal (Atto 4)

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.

Mercedes CLA vs BYD Seal (Atto 4)

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.

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  Mercedes-Benz CLA BYD Seal (Atto 4)
Price $45,000.00
Our Rating 6.0 6.0
Brand MERCEDES BYD
Category Electric Cars Electric Cars

MODEL

Full Model Name Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ / CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology
Segment / Class Compact luxury sedan
Available Trims / Variants CLA 250+ (RWD), CLA 350 4MATIC (AWD); Shooting Brake estate offered outside the US BYD Seal (Atto 4) Standard Range
BYD Seal (Atto 4) Long Range
BYD Seal (Atto 4) Performance
Powertrain Options Single motor RWD, dual motor AWD

PRICE & AVAILABILITY

Base Price (USD) From €52,900 (Germany); from ~$45,000 (US, before destination fee — ~$47,250 MSRP with destination)
Availability Status On sale in Europe and the US Available. Released 2023, September
Markets Available Europe, United States; other regions not yet confirmed
Brand / Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz

BATTERY & CHARGING

Battery Capacity 58 kWh usable - Mercedes CLA 200
85 kWh usable - Mercedes CLA 250+
85 kWh usable - Mercedes CLA 350 4MATIC
61.4 kWh total
Range (WLTP/CLTC/EPA) CLA 250+ — up to 792 km WLTP / 374 miles EPA. CLA 350 4MATIC — up to 672 km WLTP / 312 miles EPA
DC Charging (Max kW) 320 kW
CCS 110 kW, 30-80% in 26 min
Charging Time (10–80%) ~22 minutes
AC Charging (Max kW) 11 kW Type 11 kW
Battery Warranty 8 years / 100,000 miles (US figure; may vary by market)
Energy Consumption ~267 Wh/mile (250+), ~286 Wh/mile (350 4MATIC), per EPA ratings

PERFORMANCE

Power Output (kW / hp) 268 hp / 247 lb-ft (250+); 349 hp / 380 lb-ft (350 4MATIC) RWD 204 hp (150 kW)
0–100 km/h / 0-60 mph (seconds) 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. 6.6–6.7 sec (250+); 4.5–4.8 sec (350 4MATIC) 7.5 sec 0-62 mph
Motor Configuration Rear-only (250+), Front + Rear (350 4MATIC)
Torque (Nm) 335 Nm (250+); 515 Nm (350 4MATIC) 310 Nm (229 lb-ft)
Top Speed (km/h / mph) 130 mph / 209 km/h (electronically limited) 112 mph (180 km/h)

BODY & DIMENSIONS

Dimensions (L×W×H mm) 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)
Trunk/Boot Capacity (L) 405 litres (EU spec); 10.3–16.8 cu ft depending on measurement method (US spec) EU: 402 l
Body Style 4-door sedan; Shooting Brake estate (non-US markets) 4 door sedan, 5 seats
Kerb Weight (kg) 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
Frunk/Bonnet Capacity (L) 101 litres (~1.4 cu ft) 53 l
Sunroof fixed glass roof standard

SAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTANCE

ADAS Features Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping/Change Assist, Driver Monitoring
Autonomous Driving Level SAE Level 2 (Level 2++ with DRIVE ASSIST PRO where regulatory approval exists — China from 2025, US planned 2026)
Over-the-Air (OTA) Safety Updates Yes

COMFORT & SEATING

Seating Capacity 5 Heated and ventilated front seats
Wireless Charging Available

DISPLAYS & CONNECTIVITY

Centre Screen (inches) MBUX Superscreen configuration available 15.6" rotating touchscreen
Mirror Link / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Supported
Driver's Display (inches) 10.3" 10.25"
Head-Up Display (HUD) Available Yes

TECHNOLOGY

Over-the-Air Map Updates Yes, including ADAS functions

ADDITIONAL SPECS

Headlight Type (LED/Matrix/Laser) LED standard; matrix LED optional
Adaptive Headlights Available (LED Intelligent Light System)

Note

Data Source Mercedes-Benz USA, Mercedes-Benz France (official specs/pricing), Edmunds, Autocar, Electrifying, evchargingstations.com (independent testing/reporting)
Last Updated July 2026
Additional Notes Digital Video Recorder
40500 Nm/degree torsional stiffness
  Mercedes-Benz CLA BYD Seal (Atto 4)

Disclaimer Note

Specifications sourced from manufacturer data and may reflect WLTP, CLTC, or EPA test conditions. Import prices in your local are estimates based on grey-market landing costs and exclude duties, clearing fees, and local taxes. Figures are subject to change without notice. Always verify with your local importer before purchase. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct