Mercedes-Benz launches next-gen electric CLA, GLC in Korea, vows to 'redefine entry luxury'

Mercedes-Benz Korea has launched two next-generation electric vehicles in the domestic market — the all-new electric CLA and the all-new electric GLC. The automaker aims to accelerate its electrification push with an entry-level model targeting first-time premium EV buyers and a flagship offering in the imported midsize SUV segment.

Mercedes-Benz Korea held a launch event Monday at Mercedes-Benz Studio Seoul in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, where it unveiled both models. The all-new electric CLA is the first vehicle to adopt Mercedes-Benz's modular architecture MMA, while the all-new electric GLC is the first to use MB.EA, the brand's dedicated midsize electric vehicle architecture. Mercedes-Benz plans to extend MMA to upcoming compact models including the GLB, and to roll out MB.EA across mid- and full-size vehicle classes following the next-generation electric C-Class.

Mercedes-Benz Korea CEO Shirin Emira said the all-new electric CLA "redefines the standards of the entry luxury segment by delivering the technology and customer experience previously reserved for higher vehicle classes," adding that it "will be an attractive gateway into the world of Mercedes-Benz for Korean customers considering their first premium electric vehicle."

The all-new electric CLA is offered in five trim levels, priced from 52.9 million won ($39,400) to 67.7 million won. The CLA 250+ Electric, equipped with an 85 kWh battery, offers a certified domestic range of 474 kilometers on a single charge, while the CLA 200 Electric, fitted with a 58 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, covers 342 kilometers. An 800-volt charging system allows the battery to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 20 to 22 minutes. Battery cells are supplied by CATL.

The all-new electric GLC is the first fully electric version of the GLC. Emira said the GLC "has grown into an iconic model in Korea's imported midsize SUV segment," noting that cumulative sales across all body types have exceeded 80,000 units since the predecessor GLK was first introduced in the domestic market in 2009.

Two launch edition variants go on sale first in Korea, priced at 90 million won and 94.8 million won. Both are powered by an 85 kWh battery with a certified domestic range of 448 kilometers and support DC fast charging of up to 320 kW. Battery cells are also supplied by CATL.

The all-new electric GLC features a 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen spanning from the driver to the front passenger, an illuminated radiator grille, and a wheelbase stretched 84 millimeters beyond the combustion-engine GLC, expanding interior space. A GLC 400 4MATIC Electric will be added to the lineup in the first half of next year.

Both models are priced below their combustion-engine equivalents. The all-new electric CLA starts at 52.9 million won, undercutting the 48-volt mild-hybrid CLA 220, priced at 59.9 million won, by 7 million won. The GLC 300 4MATIC Electric AMG Line, at 90 million won, is priced 5.5 million won lower than the equivalent combustion model.

Mercedes-Benz Korea said both models drew strong interest during the pre-order period. The all-new electric CLA, which opened for pre-orders in September, recorded about 1,000 reservations, while the all-new electric GLC, available for pre-order since July, drew roughly 2,500. Customer deliveries are set to begin in mid-November.

Lee Sang-guk, executive vice president for digital, marketing and communications at Mercedes-Benz Korea, said all units of both the CLA and GLC allocated for sale this year have been fully reserved.

Mercedes-Benz Korea said it will continue offering both electric and combustion-engine vehicles in parallel. The combustion-engine CLA 220 also went on sale this month alongside the electric model. Emira said the global rollout of battery electric vehicles "is progressing in a more diversified way than expected," and that through a flexible and adaptive strategy, the brand will "simultaneously offer innovative pure electric vehicles and highly efficient advanced combustion models over the next decade and beyond, allowing customers to choose the drivetrain they want."

Both models run on MB.OS, Mercedes-Benz's proprietary vehicle operating system, paired with fourth-generation MBUX, and support over-the-air software updates. Locally tailored applications — including T map Auto navigation, Genie Music and Millie's Library — are also available for Korean customers.

The MB.DRIVE Assist driver-assistance system supports adaptive cruise control, steering assistance, and lane changes triggered by the turn signal. A reverse maneuvering function that automatically retraces the vehicle's recent path in narrow spaces is planned for a future software update.