There’s been endless talk about AI taking over our lives. From language models on laptops to voice assistants on phones, artificial intelligence has slipped quietly into everyday routines. In cars, though, genuine AI integration has largely remained theoretical — something promised rather than experienced.

After spending time with the new Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ in Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, it finally seems to be changing. This is the first car I’ve driven that genuinely feels built around the AI future we’ve been hearing about.

Bengaluru is an appropriate setting for the launch. The CLA is effectively a rolling technology platform wrapped in a sleek coupe-like body. Before we get into range, performance or ride comfort, the conversation has to start with computing power.

The CLA is the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature Nvidia’s Orin system-on-chip, capable of delivering up to 508 trillion operations per second. That’s supercomputer territory. And it’s sitting inside what appears, at first glance, to be a stylish compact luxury sedan.

This processing backbone runs everything from driver-assistance systems and battery management to AI assistants and the car’s connected digital ecosystem. The CLA also marks the beginning of Mercedes’ next technological phase. It’s the first of 40 upcoming models built on the brand’s new-generation modular electric architecture.

The centrepiece of the cabin is a 14-inch touchscreen running Mercedes’ latest operating system. It integrates services like ChatGPT, Gemini and Microsoft Bing, and the interface feels quick and fluid rather than overcomplicated. Mercedes is clearly positioning the CLA as a mobile productivity hub. There’s a dedicated productivity menu that includes Microsoft Teams and other conferencing platforms. You can review documents, browse the web or even attend a video meeting using the integrated dashboard camera. Yes, selfies are possible too, though realistically this setup will prove most useful while parked or charging.

Downtime can also be used for entertainment. During charging stops you can play games — even connect a wireless controller for proper gaming sessions. We tried a racing title and it was surprisingly engaging. Other games such as Angry Birds are available, turning the cabin into a small digital lounge while the battery tops up.

Step inside and the CLA feels unmistakably modern. Alongside the central display sits a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, creating a high-tech cockpit layout. The front seats are electrically adjustable and well bolstered, striking a good balance between comfort and sportiness.

A fixed panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with light, although Indian summers will inevitably make the interior warm if the car is parked outside for long. The coupe-style roofline trims rear headroom slightly, but the generous 2,790 mm wheelbase ensures there’s enough legroom. Interestingly, the CLA is nearly as long as a C-Class, a reminder of how efficiently EV platforms package space.

Boot capacity stands at 405 litres, while a 101-litre frunk provides additional storage — a useful bonus for airport runs or weekend trips. Design has always been a strong point for the CLA, and Mercedes hasn’t strayed far from that formula. The new car features an illuminated grille incorporating 142 star elements, flanked by connected LED daytime running lights and sleek headlamps. Flush door handles and frameless doors maintain the coupe aesthetic.

At 4.7 metres in length, the CLA has real road presence without feeling oversized. Our test car came in Clear Blue, a shade that drew plenty of curious glances in Bengaluru traffic. Beneath the tech-heavy surface lies serious hardware. The CLA 250+ uses an 85.5 kWh battery pack paired with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 268 bhp. Acceleration from 0–100 kph takes 6.7 seconds.

Interestingly, Mercedes has fitted a two-speed transmission, something rarely seen in EVs. The setup improves efficiency at higher speeds while maintaining strong acceleration at lower ones.

The headline figure, however, is range. Mercedes claims a WLTP range of up to 792 km.

During our drive we covered roughly 150 kilometres, split between city traffic and open highways. At the end of it, the battery still showed 82 percent charge remaining, with over 580 kilometres of range indicated.

That level of efficiency fundamentally changes the EV conversation. Mercedes attributes it to a combination of aerodynamics, advanced battery management and software-driven energy optimisation.

Fortunately, the CLA isn’t all about software. It drives properly well.

In Comfort mode, the suspension deals neatly with Bengaluru’s uneven patches and expansion joints. The ride is composed and suitably plush for a luxury sedan. Switch to Sport, and the character sharpens. Throttle response becomes more immediate, steering weight increases and the car feels noticeably more alert. The rear-wheel-drive layout adds welcome balance, particularly through faster corners. Body control is tidy, and high-speed stability is excellent. Even at triple-digit speeds the CLA feels planted. Cabin insulation is impressive too, with very little wind or road noise filtering through.

Despite the technology stack, the CLA remains easy to drive in daily conditions. Steering is light at low speeds, making parking simple. Visibility is reasonable, and the cameras and sensors take most of the stress out of manoeuvring.

Regenerative braking is smooth and progressive. Unlike many EVs, the regen levels aren’t controlled via paddle shifters. Instead, they’re integrated into the drive selector stalk behind the steering wheel. Pushing the stalk forward cycles through the different regeneration settings, feeding energy back into the battery during deceleration.

Even the interface proves easy to use. Voice commands respond quickly and naturally. At one point we asked the onboard assistant to recommend biryani spots for lunch — the suggestions were surprisingly good.

Electric drivetrains and luxury make a natural pairing. Silent acceleration, instant torque and smooth power delivery suit the premium brief perfectly.

The CLA 250+ delivers all of that while adding serious computing capability to the mix.

Mercedes-Benz India will position the CLA as its most accessible electric model. Bookings open on 10 March, with the launch expected in April. The car will be offered exclusively as an EV.

At present, it has no direct rival in India’s compact luxury electric sedan space, particularly one offering this kind of range.

After spending time with it, the biggest takeaway is simple: the range alone removes the most common EV objection. Add the AI integration, strong performance, refined ride quality and everyday usability, and the CLA 250+ begins to feel like a preview of where luxury mobility is headed. A very advanced computer, then — that just happens to be a car.