With the launch of excellent EV models in India, the EV market is growing rapidly, offering sustainable driving options and additional benefits for vehicle enthusiasts. Among the various outstanding models, the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV and the Volvo EC40 stand out for their exceptional features.
Both include multiple similar and diverse specifications, reflecting two distinct interpretations of premium electric mobility. CLA EV focuses on efficiency, and EC40 focuses on performance and practicality, suiting the driving needs of varied customers.
Keep reading for a detailed comparison of CLA EV and EC40’s dimensions, engine, performance, safety and comfort features, and pricing!
Mercedes CLA EV vs Volvo EC40: Dimensions
When choosing a car, one should consider its dimensions to understand its size and capacity. Here’s a detailed comparison of both in tabular format:
| Dimensions | Mercedes CLA EV | Volvo EC40 |
| Length | 4,723 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,855 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,468 mm | 1,591 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,790 mm | 2,080 mm |
| Boot Space | — | 610 litres |
| Ground Clearance | — | 177 mm |
CLA EV offers executive rear space and stability compared to the shorter, more compact look of the EC40, which is best suited for city driving. On the other hand, EC40 is wider than CLA EV, which enhances its utility as an SUV. It helps taller occupants enter and exit the car with ease and reflects enough on-road stability.
EC40 offers a larger boot space of 610 litres, which suits family trips and provides enough room for luggage. On the other hand, CLA EV is optimised for cabin room efficiency. Thus, CLA EV enhances a prestigious appeal for luxurious efficiency, and EC40 focuses on versatility and practicality for Indian roads.
Mercedes CLA EV vs Volvo EC40: Engine & Performance
The engine and transmission configurations of a vehicle help assess its performance and functionality. Here is a tabular comparison of the engine and performance of the CLA EV and EC40:
| Engine & Performance | Mercedes CLA EV | Volvo EC40 |
| Engine or Motor Options | Permanent Magnet Synchronous | 2 Permanent Magnet Synchronous placed at One Motor each on the front and rear axles |
| Transmission Options | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power | — | 402.30 bhp |
| Torque | — | 660 Nm |
| Range / Mileage | 792 km | 530 km |
EC40 is a top choice for buyers seeking top-class vehicle responsiveness, delivering impressive power and torque for rapid acceleration. However, CLA EV focuses on progressive power buildup with refined electric delivery, offering comfortable manoeuvrability for city rides.
CLA EV offers a superior range of 792 km, favouring long trips without frequent charging. On the other hand, EC40 offers a 530 km range, which is shorter than the CLA EV’s but still powerful enough for shorter journeys. Overall, both models showcase efficiency and power with CLA EV, offering suitability for long journeys and EC40 for city rides.
Also Read: Mercedes-Benz Cars in India
Mercedes CLA EV vs Volvo EC40: Features & Comfort
When it comes to comfort and features, both models offer luxury comfort and convenience. Here’s a detailed comparison of the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV and the Volvo EC40 in terms of features and comfort:
| Features & Comfort | Mercedes CLA EV | Volvo EC40 |
| Infotainment | 14” Touch-screen Display | 12.3” Touch-screen Display |
| Music System | Integrated (in-dash) Music System | Integrated (in-dash) Music System |
| Climate Control | Automatic Climate Control: Dual Zone | Automatic Climate Control: Dual Zone |
| Ventilated Seats | — | No |
| Adjustable Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Drive Modes | FWD | AWD |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital Instrument Cluster with Adjustable Cluster Brightness | Digital Instrument Cluster with Adjustable Cluster Brightness |
| Adjustable Seats (Manual or Electric) | Both Electric and Manual | Both Electric and Manual |
| Sunroof | Fixed Glass Panoramic | Panoramic |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Seat Split | 40:20:40 | 60:40 |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Adaptive |
Mercedes-Benz CLA EV offers a superior navigation and immersive entertainment experience with its 14″ touchscreen infotainment system. Though the Volvo EC40 also includes a notable infotainment system, it has a shorter display than the CLA EV.
With its adaptive cruise control, the EC40 maintains safe distances automatically, which is ideal for commuting on highways. Besides, its AWD driving modes offer enhanced traction on slippery roads, in contrast to the CLA EV’s FWD driving mode.
Amenities like panoramic sunroof, electric and manual seat options, powered steering, etc., are suitable for executive-level refinement. CLA EV offers practicality, while EC40 offers performance-oriented features for advanced driving needs.
Mercedes CLA EV vs Volvo EC40: Safety Features
Safety is the top priority when selecting a vehicle model for your personal or professional use. Here is a tabular representation of the safety features of the Mercedes-Benz CLA EV and the Volvo EC40:
| Safety Features | Mercedes CLA EV | Volvo EC40 |
| GNCAP Safety Rating | — | — |
| Airbags | 7 | 7 |
| ABS with EBD | — | Yes |
| ESC | — | Yes |
| Traction Control | — | Yes |
| Automatic Headlamps | — | Yes |
| Rain-sensing Wipers | — | Yes |
| Hill Hold Assist | — | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | — | Yes |
| Rear Sensors | Both Front and Rear | Both Front and Rear |
| Rear Parking Camera | 360 Degree Camera | 360 Degree Camera |
| ISOFIX Child Seat and Anchor Points | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | — | Yes |
Both CLA EV and EC40 include 7 airbags in front, side, knee, and curtain to provide necessary cushioning to the occupants during a collision. Moreover, the 360-degree cameras and front and rear sensors of both models ensure confident parking even on busy city roads.
EC40 offers a comprehensive safety coverage with its ABS with EBD, traction control, ESC, hill hold, hill descent assist, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, etc. These are crucial for steep slopes and slippery roads, which are prevalent in Indian monsoon conditions.
Besides, EC40’s ADAS suite helps avoid collisions proactively, offering highway semi-autonomy. Though CLA EV lacks some of the advanced safety features that are present in EC40, both models prioritise passive safety, which is necessary for daily driving needs.
Also Read: Best Volvo SUV Cars in India
Mercedes CLA EV vs Volvo EC40: Price Comparison
Mercedes-Benz CLA EV comes with a competitive pricing structure as compared to the Volvo EC40. However, it includes 3 different variants, while EC40 has a single variant only. Here is a tabular representation of the pricing comparison of CLA EV and EC40’s variants:
| Variant | Mercedes CLA EV | Volvo EC40 |
| Base | CLA Electric 200: ₹55 Lakh | EC40 E80: ₹59 Lakh |
| Mid | CLA Electric 250 Plus: ₹59 Lakh | – |
| Top | CLA 250 Plus Launch Edition: ₹64 Lakh | – |
The starting price of the CLA EV is ₹55 Lakh for its base variant, CLA Electric 200, offering accessible luxury EV features. However, EC40 has a single variant only, with a starting price of ₹59 Lakh.
The 3 variants of CLA EV offer standard and long-range options. The single, E80 variant of the Volvo EC40 limits the choice, but matches the CLA EV’s mid-range variant in pricing.
Though CLA EV offers savings at its base variant, it ensures flexibility of choice with its three different variants. On the other hand, EC40 justifies premium features and affordable pricing in a single variant only.
Summary
The Mercedes-Benz CLA EV and the Volvo EC40 are both luxury electric vehicles, but they are made for different types of buyers. The CLA EV is perfect for people who want a car with a long range, a modern look, and cutting-edge technology. It is good at being efficient and aerodynamic, and at delivering a high-end sedan experience.
On the other hand, the EC40 is a better choice for people who want an electric SUV that is useful, fast, and safe. It has more ground clearance, can go all-wheel drive, and is built to last, making it better for Indian conditions.
In the end, it all comes down to what you like to do. The CLA EV is the better choice if you want a sleek, efficient electric sedan. The EC40 is a better choice if you want a powerful, safe electric SUV.
Also Read: Complete Guide to Buying a Volvo XC4
FAQs about Mercedes-Benz CLA EV vs Volvo EC40
Q. Which model is more affordable between the Mercedes CLA EV and the Volvo EC40?
The starting price of CLA EV’s base variant is ₹55 Lakh, while EC40 has a single variant with a starting price of ₹59 Lakh. Comparing these two models, EC40 is affordable, but the mid and top models of CLA EV are priced at ₹59 Lakh and ₹64 Lakh, respectively.
Q. Which is superior, the Volvo EC40 or the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric and the Volvo EC40 are both powerful electric vehicles. Volvo EC40 is the least expensive, and CLA Electric has the greatest certified range.
Q. Which model has a longer range, CLA EV or EC40?
The Volvo EC40 offers about 530 kilometres, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric delivers about 792 kilometres. The weather, topography, and driving style all affect real-world range.
