Yikes: The Electric Mercedes CLA Weighs More Than a Base S-Class
Electric vehicles are known to be heavy, but a recent comparison has raised eyebrows: the new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV weighs more than a base S-Class sedan.
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology, in its European configuration, tips the scales at 2,135 kilograms, or 4,706 pounds. This is 143 pounds (65 kilograms) heavier than the standard-wheelbase, six-cylinder S450 4Matic sold in Europe. It’s also 100 pounds (45 kilograms) heavier than the equivalent long-wheelbase model.
This disparity is particularly striking given the size difference. The stretched S-Class is a significant 22.2 inches (56.6 centimeters) longer than the CLA. While it might invite the question of cherry-picking comparison cars, the fact remains that it’s uncommon for a manufacturer’s smallest car to outweigh its largest.
Of course, the new CLA isn’t necessarily ‘small’. At 185.9 inches (4.72 meters) long, it’s only 1.1 inches shorter than a C-Class. With Mercedes discontinuing the A-Class Sedan, which was shorter than the CLA, the new swoopy sedan effectively becomes the entry-level model.
Published weight figures include a driver weighing 150 pounds (68 kilograms) and 15 pounds (7 kilograms) of luggage. For the S-Class, the measurements also factor in a fuel tank filled to 90 percent capacity.
Mercedes will still sell a CLA model with a combustion engine, but its weight specifications haven’t been released yet. However, with a smaller 1.3-kilowatt-hour battery rather than the EV’s 85.0-kilowatt-hour pack, the mild-hybrid version, featuring a 1.5-liter turbo gas engine, should be considerably lighter.
Despite its weight, the CLA EV boasts an impressive range. The dual-motor version promises a claimed 479 miles (771 kilometers) on a single charge under the WLTP cycle, positioning it among the longest-range EVs currently available. Mercedes plans to introduce a smaller battery option in certain markets – a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) unit with a usable energy content of 58 kWh. This is expected to be available near the end of the year, though its maximum range hasn’t been disclosed.
For those seeking practicality, Mercedes plans to release another CLA Shooting Brake. The availability of this compact wagon in the US remains uncertain.
