Mercedes-Benz Redefines the Entry-Level Luxury EV: The 2026 CLA
Mercedes-Benz is charging into the future with the third-generation CLA, a compact four-door coupe designed from the ground up as a high-efficiency electric vehicle. While a gas-powered hybrid version will also be available, the electric CLA takes center stage, aiming to be one of the longest-range, fastest-charging, and most efficient EVs on the market.
This all-new CLA incorporates lessons learned from the Vision EQXX concept car. Its platform, battery pack, electric motors, and electrical systems were all previewed and tested by the EQXX. It also debuts Mercedes’ new MB.OS operating system and an overhauled infotainment system, also showcased by the EQXX.
“The CLA resets the company’s clock,” said Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius. He emphasized that while internal combustion engines will continue into the early 2030s, the future of Mercedes is undoubtedly electric.
Designed for Electric from the Ground Up
The new CLA rides on Mercedes’ new modular MMA platform, which can accommodate both all-electric and hybridized internal combustion powertrains. However, the MMA platform was designed with the electric versions in mind, giving the EV a distinct advantage over vehicles retrofitted with electric powertrains.
One key benefit of the MMA platform is that the electric CLA is rear-wheel drive (with all-wheel drive as an option). The gas-powered CLA will be front-wheel drive to optimize space. Furthermore, the electric CLA features a useful frunk under the hood.
In the U.S., the electric CLA will be available in rear-wheel-drive CLA250+ and all-wheel-drive CLA350 4Matic guises. Both trims get the “with EQ Technology” moniker to designate the electric powertrain.
The single-motor CLA250+ boasts 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The dual-motor CLA350 delivers 349 hp and 380 lb-ft, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Top speed for both models is 130 mph.
The hybrid CLA will feature a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine, a 27-hp electric motor, and a 1.3-kWh battery pack. It’s capable of electric-only driving at up to 60 mph and can recuperate up to 25 kW of energy while braking.
Efficiency and Performance
Källenius describes the electric CLA as being “orders of magnitude” more efficient than the gas-powered version, comparing it to a one-liter car equivalent.
Both electric CLA models use an 85 kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery pack and an 800-volt architecture that supports DC fast charging. With a charging rate of up to 320 kW, 202 miles of range can be added in just 10 minutes. A charge from 10 to 80 percent takes only 22 minutes. The CLA also supports AC charging at rates up to 11 kW.
The CLA EV will come standard with the Tesla-style NACS and J1772 ports in the U.S., with an adapter for CCS fast chargers. Moreover, bidirectional charging for vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid applications will be supported.
A key contributor to the CLA’s efficiency is its 0.21 drag coefficient, which is lower than nearly every other production car. The CLA’s rear motor features a two-speed transmission, similar to the Porsche Taycan, which is optimized for quick city acceleration and efficient highway cruising. All-wheel-drive models can disconnect the front motor when it’s not needed, and the rear motor achieves 93 percent efficiency over long distances.
The CLA also has a multi-source heat pump which uses ambient air, battery, and waste heat from the drive system to power the climate control system and improve battery pre-conditioning.
These features contribute to impressive range figures. The dual-motor CLA350 has a range of 479 miles on the European WLTP cycle, while the single-motor CLA250+ can achieve up to 492 miles. The EPA rating for the U.S. market is expected to be around 375 miles. Mercedes projects an average energy consumption figure of 5.2 miles per kWh, outperforming the Lucid Air and Hyundai Ioniq 6.
Striking Design and Advanced Technology
The CLA’s design is a major upgrade. Key features include a stretched wheelbase, shorter overhangs, and crisply-defined body lines. The electric version further distinguishes itself with a black “grille” panel featuring a large central star surrounded by 142 illuminated individual stars that animate when the car is unlocked or charging.
The interior has undergone a design overhaul, featuring a pillar-to-pillar Superscreen that merges the gauge cluster, central touchscreen, and an optional passenger touchscreen into a single unit, and the interior design is inspired by zen gardens.
Mercedes has redesigned its door-mounted seat controls for improved aesthetics and functionality. While there is a reduction in physical switches, the CLA’s central console provides useful storage including wireless charging. The design team offers a variety of upholstery schemes and trim options, including materials such as real aluminum, wood trim, and a finish made from recycled paper.
Despite the sleek design, the CLA still provides a comfortable and spacious cabin. Even with the standard panoramic sunroof, the front and rear passengers get more headroom. The CLA’s trunk has 16.2 cubic feet of space as well as a 2.5-cubic-foot frunk.
The CLA’s most significant technological advancement lies in its new MB.OS operating system. Developed in-house, the new OS includes a new supercomputer, improved software, and better cloud connectivity. It can handle over-the-air updates for all vehicle systems, including driver-assist features.
The next-generation MBUX infotainment system features slicker graphics powered by the Unity Game Engine and designed for intuitive use. The navigation system utilizes Google Maps data and provides real-time views of the car’s surroundings.
For passenger entertainment, the optional passenger screen allows streaming of videos using apps like Disney+ or YouTube, watching IMAX movies on Ridevu, or playing cloud-based video games. A 16-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos is also available.
One of the most exciting technology features is MBUX Virtual Assistant, which incorporates AI from Google and Microsoft. The assistant enables natural multi-turn dialog and has a “short-term memory.” It can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as adjusting climate control and changing the radio station. The assistant even recognizes the driver’s emotions.
The Future of Mercedes-Benz
The CLA strategy will become a blueprint for the brand’s mass EV expansion. Classic Mercedes model lines such as the C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class will gain next-generation all-electric variants.
Following the CLA will be a Shooting Brake wagon, the GLA and GLB crossovers, as well as AMG-tuned versions of the electric CLA. The 2026 CLA EV is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. this fall, with the hybrid model to follow approximately six months later. The starting price is expected to be in the low $50,000 range.
