2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Revealed

Mercedes-Benz has lifted the curtain on the 2026 CLA, but does it live up to the hype? This is the first CLA to embrace a fully electric option alongside a hybrid variant. Certainly, Mercedes is all-in for an electric future. Let’s find out what’s new.

Design

The 2026 CLA is undeniably sleek, with its coupe-like silhouette and extended dimensions giving it a sporty presence. It offers more interior space at 4,723MM long and with a stretched wheelbase of 2,790MM — something the previous model sorely lacked.
The styling feels somewhat predictable. The multi-beam LED headlights and connected light bars front and rear are eye-catching but are the same as we’ve seen in other Mercedes models. Mercedes seems to be playing it safe here, relying on tried and tested design elements from previous cars.

Interior

Inside, Mercedes has gone all-out with its tech-heavy approach. The MBUX Superscreen dominates the dashboard with three separate displays—one for the driver and two infotainment screens for passengers. This initially debuted on the all-new W214 E-Class and received mixed reviews; customers seem to prefer physical buttons rather than a large, distracting screen.
ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance are standard, as on every other luxury car nowadays.

Technical Details & Powertrain

Mercedes has packed the CLA with options: an all-electric version with an 85 kWh battery and a hybrid variant featuring a petrol engine paired with mild-hybrid technology. The single-motor electric CLA 250+ claims up to 791 KM of range, while the dual-motor CLA 350 4MATIC offers slightly less at 770 KM. The real-world range in various driving conditions will, as always, vary. Performance is where things get interesting— both models offer good performance (268 BHP for the single motor; 349 BHP for the dual motor). Mercedes claims its new 800V electric architecture makes charging almost as fast as refuelling.

The aforementioned models are equipped with lithium-ion batteries that provide a usable energy capacity of 85 kWh. The CLA incorporates a two-speed gearbox at the rear axle. The first gear facilitates acceleration from a standstill, has good towing capacity, and improves efficiency in urban driving conditions. Meanwhile, the second gear is optimised for power delivery at higher speeds, particularly on the highway.

For those preferring traditional powertrains, a hybrid option combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for improved efficiency. The hybrid version is powered by a new 1.5L, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, linked to an 8-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission with an integrated electric motor. There’s a 48V battery with a capacity of up-to 1.3 kWh.