2026 Mercedes CLA-Class: The 500-Mile Electric Wonder with a Hybrid Twist

Mercedes is moving away from the oval-shaped design philosophy and incorporating hybrid options into its electric vehicles.

• The latest Mercedes CLA EV boasts an impressive WLTP range of up to 492 miles.
• It's slightly larger than its predecessor and will come with either hybrid or all-electric options.
• It needs to arrive at dealerships before the year ends.

Mercedes has been generating excitement for months with hints of the upcoming CLA, and now we can finally uncover what all the fuss was about. This third-generation CLA represents an entirely fresh design, constructed on a brand-new platform and offered with options for either electric or hybrid propulsion systems. This represents a complete overhaul of Mercedes' electric vehicle strategy, which initially faced significant challenges. .

It keeps much of the old design aesthetic but is larger with altered dimensions. Standing about one inch higher than its predecessor, this vehicle has a wheelbase extended by 2.4 inches and is roughly 1.3 inches longer overall. With a total length of 185.9 inches, it is practically the same size as a Tesla Model 3 , even though it is roughly 10% more massive.

The inside has been entirely revamped and now includes Mercedes' latest entertainment setup, capable of accommodating as many as three displays upfront. The CLA’s passenger compartment boasts premium materials designed for an enhanced experience; notably, one material derived from repurposed paper offers both aesthetic appeal and tactile comfort. As claimed by Mercedes, this particular surface resists staining even when exposed to spills like coffee.

We’ve discussed the MMA platform that underpins the new CLA sedan at length. It will also be used in a wagon version of the CLA, as well as eventual replacements for the current EQA and EQB crossovers (though with different names) The latter should provide a seating arrangement for seven people similar to the current model available now.

The Electric CLA

The electric variant of the CLA will come equipped with two different battery capacities: 58 kilowatt-hours or 85 kWh. The larger battery provides the single-engine CLA 250+ model with an advertised WLTP range of up to 492 miles (792 kilometers), based on the more lenient WLTP test cycle. Opting for the stronger dual-motor CLA 350 4Matic slightly reduces the maximum range to 479 miles (771 km).

At launch, the CLA 250+ will serve as the entry-level model, offering 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.6 seconds. In contrast, the CLA 350 4MATIC boosts power to 349 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, slashing the acceleration time down to just 4.8 seconds; however, both versions have their top speeds electronically capped at 130 mph.

Mercedes has not released any data regarding the smaller 58-kWh LFP battery, which will be installed in the most affordable electric variants. the new CLA Models equipped with that pack might experience reduced power output as well. They certainly won't recharge at the same 320 kilowatts as vehicles fitted with NMC batteries, which boast this impressive maximum charging rate thanks to the CLA's design. 800-volt architecture. North American buyers will also be able to charge natively at Tesla Superchargers, courtesy of the CLA's North American Charging System (NACS) port. For those who already have a J1772 plug at home at work (the slow charging component of CCS), note that the CLA gets one of those ports, too .

Another advantage of the 800-volt platform is its superior running efficiency, partly explaining why the CLA can stretch 85 kWh to travel almost 800 kilometers. Mercedes made sure to let us know that The CLA showed remarkable efficiency figures. during testing, posting a Lucid-Air-rivaling 5.17 miles per kilowatt-hour (12 kilometers per 100 megajoules).

The electric CLA stands out with its 2.5-cubic-foot front trunk, enhancing the vehicle’s storage capacity alongside the 14.3-cubic-foot rear compartment. The first generation of Mercedes-EQ vehicles did not include such a feature, indicating an enhancement in design efficiency from Mercedes-Benz. Although the updated CLA model boasts a more extended wheelbase compared to its predecessor—making it marginally bigger overall—the additional space does not significantly increase the internal cabin volume for passengers.

Mercedes notes that although the new model offers enhanced front and rear headroom, it has reduced rear legroom and shoulder space, with a trunk that is 1.9 cubic feet smaller as well. Standing at around six feet tall, I found the backseat of the CLA to be somewhat cramped. Similar to the EQA and EQB models, the floor sits unusually high, elevating your knees. This leaves insufficient space beneath the front seats for comfortably tucking your feet underneath them.

The Hybrid CLA

If you're interested in getting the new CLA with a hybrid powertrain, you'll find a vehicle that appears similar at first glance but has several notable distinctions. The most significant change is the entirely redesigned floorpan, as it no longer requires space for a battery pack. This alteration leads to increased depth in the rear footwell area, enhancing comfort compared to its fully electric counterpart.

The vehicle gives up its frunk, making way for a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of producing up to 190 horsepower. While Mercedes has not released details about the specifications for the CLA hybrid model, entry-level versions are expected to feature front-wheel drive, with an option to send power to the rear wheels as well. In contrast, the all-electric CLA comes equipped with a single motor driving the rear wheels and sits noticeably higher due to the placement of the battery within the floorpan.

The most straightforward way to distinguish between the two models is by viewing their frontal appearance, as each features distinct radiator grilles. While both incorporate a star motif, only the electric version boasts a fully enclosed grille with glowing stars. Additionally, Mercedes plans to include an illuminated emblem in the CLA; however, this feature may vary in brightness based on regional markets.

Mercedes created the 1.5-liter M252 four-cylinder engine tailored for their upcoming range of affordable vehicles, focusing on fuel economy. This engine operates using the Miller cycle and incorporates a 48-volt electrical setup designed to drive both the hybrid component of the drivetrain and ancillary features like air conditioning. Notably, this allows the climate control to function independently from the engine whenever the vehicle switches to electric-only mode. According to previous statements from Mercedes, the highest-output variant of this engine—which will exclusively debut in the United States—produces approximately 188 horsepower and delivers around 221 pound-feet of torque. When paired with an additional hybrid assistance system, these figures promise substantial performance benefits.

All CLA hybrid models will feature an identical eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, Mercedes claims it functions more like a three-clutch system due to the integration of the electric drive motor. This additional clutch enables the engine to disconnect entirely from the wheels, permitting the vehicle to glide smoothly at speeds up to 62 mph (100 km/h) without using the gasoline engine. Beyond this threshold, the engine remains active.

The electric CLA likewise features a transmission. a two-speed unit This operates with the rear motor. It’s akin to the Porsche Taycan, where the transmission is designed to boost acceleration without sacrificing high-speed cruising efficiency.

Toys

Mercedes states that none of its competitors match the CLA’s extensive list of standard features. Every car comes equipped with LED headlamps, power-folding side mirrors, a sports steering wheel, heated front seats, single-zone air conditioning, and four rapid-charging USB-C ports capable of delivering 100 watts each. In contrast, the Tesla Model 3 offers an even greater array of standard amenities such as ventilated front seats along with heated rear ones, a display specifically designed for passengers at the back seat, individual temperature controls for them, dual wireless smartphone chargers, and electronically adjustable components throughout.

Similar to the Model 3, the CLA comes with a full-sized panoramic glass roof as standard equipment. This extensive glass pane significantly enhances the comfort of sitting in the rear seats. Just like in the Model 3, there is no sunshade for this glass roof. Mercedes claims that their treatment of the glass eliminates the necessity for a shade. However, since Tesla has made similar assertions regarding the Model 3 and passengers can still feel the heat during hot weather, we're not entirely convinced by Mercedes' claim here.

If you're fond of displays, you'll enjoy the CLA, which makes its first appearance here. Mercedes A fresh approach to interior styling has been adopted. The dashboard consists of a singular, uninterrupted panel featuring two or three displays. The driver will have access to a 10.25-inch screen alongside a larger 14-inch center screen. Additionally, an optional feature allows for another 14-inch screen to be installed in front of the passenger seat, providing similar functionalities as the main central display.

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Mercedes says it’s upped the premium interior ambiance compared to the outgoing model, and it’s certainly achieved that through the use of pleasant-feeling materials and the overall design. However, the absence of any rear climate controls and only two buttons on the driver’s door to control all four side windows betrays the model’s entry-level positioning. There’s plenty of ambient lighting, though, which runs along the underside of the main dash panel, around the front door cards and in the center console storage space.

The inclusion of the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system paired with Dolby Atmos is truly standout and an essential feature for the latest CLA model.

With its EQXX -Driven design and technology make the CLA a significant advancement for the brand. However, its ultimate success hinges on its price tag. While Mercedes has not released specific prices as of now, they are expected to announce them within the coming months along with more information about the model. Should the vehicle be affordable enough, it could prove to be quite popular for the company.