2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA: Electrifying the Future of Compact Luxury
Mercedes-Benz has pulled the wraps off its all-new, third-generation CLA, a compact four-door coupe that’s poised to become the brand’s new entry point. While a gas-powered hybrid version will be available, the new CLA prioritizes electric performance, promising impressive range, rapid charging, and class-leading efficiency. The electric variant is designed to be a leader in the EV market, showcasing Mercedes-Benz dedication to an all-electric future.
This new CLA represents a clean slate for Mercedes-Benz. The platform, battery technology, electric motors, and infotainment systems have all been completely overhauled. The Vision EQXX concept served as a testbed for many of these innovations, giving us a glimpse into this new model. The electric CLA is also the first to feature the brand’s latest MB.OS operating system and a redesigned infotainment system.
When Ola Källenius, Mercedes’ CEO, allowed me to see the car in Germany, he described the CLA as a “resetting the company’s clock”, marking a new era for the brand. While internal combustion engines will continue to be produced into the early 2030s, the focus is firmly on electric vehicles, with this CLA leading the electric charge. (Full disclosure: I was flown to Stuttgart by Mercedes-Benz for an embargoed preview and a deep dive into the car’s engineering and design.)
Performance and Engineering: Designed for Electric from the Ground Up
The CLA is built on Mercedes’ new modular MMA platform, engineered specifically for electric vehicles although it can also accommodate hybrid powertrains. This “EV-first” design strategy sets it apart from competitors who retrofit electric powertrains into existing platforms.
One of the key benefits to this platform is the rear-wheel-drive configuration for the electric models (all-wheel drive is optional), and a convenient front trunk (frunk). The U.S. market will get two electric CLA variants: the rear-wheel-drive CLA 250+ and the all-wheel-drive CLA 350 4Matic. Both will feature the “with EQ Technology” designation signifying their electric powertrains.
The single-motor CLA 250+ boasts 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-to-60 mph in 6.6 seconds—just a hair quicker than the outgoing gas-powered CLA. Step up to the dual-motor CLA 350, and output jumps to 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant increase compared to the existing CLA 35. The CLA 350 can hit 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, matching the CLA 35 model. Both electric models are governed to a top speed of 130 mph.
While specific details on the CLA hybrid remain limited, it will feature a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine, an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a 27-hp electric motor, and a 1.3-kWh battery pack. Mercedes anticipates the hybrid model will reach 60 miles per hour on electric power alone, and can recover nearly 25 kW of energy during braking.
Efficiency and Range: Setting New Benchmarks
According to Källenius, the electric CLA is “orders of magnitude” more efficient than the gas powered version. Both electric models are fitted with a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack with an 85 kWh usable capacity and an 800-volt architecture that enables ultra-fast charging. The CLA supports DC fast charging up to 320 kW, delivering up to 202 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Charging from 10 to 80 percent takes only 22 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging EVs available.
The CLA is also compatible with AC charging up to 11 kW. Unlike some other vehicles, the CLA has a standard Tesla-style NACS port, as well as a J1772 port for slower chargers, with an adapter for CCS fast-chargers. Moreover, it will be the first Mercedes EV to support bi-directional charging, allowing vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid functionality.
Aerodynamics are also a major focus. The electric CLA has a drag coefficient of just 0.21, surpassing the original CLA’s 0.24 and making it more aerodynamic than almost any other car on the market, save for the EQS. The pop-out door handles feature a mechanical release for enhanced ease of use and durability. The CLA’s door closing provides a satisfying thunk that calls to mind luxury vehicles throughout history. A two-speed transmission (like the Porsche Taycan) contributes to efficiency. The first gear provides brisk acceleration in the city, while second gear optimizes highway cruising. All-wheel-drive models can disconnect the front motor when not needed. The CLA also includes a standard multi-source heat pump that uses ambient air, the battery, and waste heat to power the climate control functions.
The result of these innovations? The dual-motor CLA 350 promises 479 miles of range based on the European WLTP cycle. Even the single-motor CLA 250 will achieve up to 492 miles on the WLTP cycle. The U.S. EPA cycle rating is predicted to be around 375 miles. Mercedes expects an average energy consumption figure of 5.2 miles per kWh, which is better than the Lucid Air and Hyundai Ioniq 6, which are currently the most efficient EVs on sale.
Design and Interior: A Harmonious Blend of Form and Function
Beyond its impressive performance metrics, the new CLA boasts a stunning design. It’s an evolution of the four-door coupe concept, featuring a stretched wheelbase (2.4 inches longer than the previous model) and overall dimensions that are slightly larger. The additional side quarter windows not only improve the occupants view, but also enhance the car’s premium appearance.
At the front, the all-electric CLA features a black panel grille with a central star and illuminated “chrome-effect” stars. The headlights incorporate three-pointed star elements, with the running lights remaining visible at all times. Taillights also feature three-pointed star elements.
The interior introduces Mercedes’ new design direction, inspired by zen gardens. The CLA incorporates a Superscreen, a pillar-to-pillar display that integrates a 10.3-inch gauge cluster, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and an optional 14-inch passenger touchscreen. The ambient lighting is well-placed, and the center console features touch-sensitive buttons along with illuminated climate-control vents. There are only two window switches, a choice made to declutter the interior.
Mercedes has redesigned its door-mounted seat controls, with steering wheel controls also simplified. The center console houses a cubby, an optional wireless charging pad, and cupholders. The trunk offers 16.2 cubic feet of space, with a 2.5-cubic-foot frunk, which helps maximize storage. Space for passengers is increased in the front, and the cabin feels more spacious than the outgoing model.
Upholstery schemes include bright brown leather and a cream interior with matching steering wheel. Other options include black with lime green accents, and a white and black design scheme. The CLA’s cabin features areas with recycled paper, aluminum, and wood trim.
Technology and Infotainment: The Future of the Mercedes-Benz Experience
The technological heart of the CLA is the new MB.OS operating system, developed entirely in-house. The system is powered by a new supercomputer and improved software, with over-the-air updates for every vehicle system. The CLA offers advanced Level 2 hands-free driver-assist systems. Mercedes is retaining the MBUX moniker for the infotainment system, which has been updated for greater intuitiveness and personalization. This includes dynamic graphics powered by the Unity Game Engine.
The navigation system uses Google Maps data and considers various data parameters to provide the most efficient routes. At Mercedes-Benz charging stations, the CLA can automatically reserve a charger 15 minutes before arrival. The passenger screen allows streaming video from apps such as Disney+ and YouTube, and can also be used to connect a gaming controller. The CLA employs the MBUX Virtual Assistant, which integrates AI technology from Google and Microsoft. This enhanced assistant can handle natural, multi-turn dialogue and even has a short-term memory. The assistant can handle multiple tasks at once. The voice assistant recognizes your emotions too, allowing it to adapt to your needs.
The Road Ahead for Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is using the CLA platform as a blueprint to accelerate mass EV adoption, with electric versions of the C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class planned. The company will introduce a new design language for its rear-wheel-drive cars. In development are AMG versions of the electric CLA, offering aggressive styling and increased power.
The 2026 CLA EV will be released this fall in the U.S., with the hybrid model following about six months later. The expected starting price is around $50,000.
