All-new 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA debuts with electric power
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is now available in EV form thanks to EQ Technology
After countless reports and teasers, Mercedes-Benz has finally taken the covers off the all-new CLA. Now on its third generation, the four-door coupe gets a sleek new look, more high-tech gizmos, and is now available with an electric powertrain that supports an 800V architecture. That doesn’t mean, however, that Mercedes-Benz has abandoned ICE power but we’ll get to that later.
Starting with the most obvious first, the all-new CLA gets an EQ-inspired design. Looking a lot more like a baby EQE or EQS sedan, the 2026 CLA comes with sweptback LED headlights, a closed-off grille complete with 142 individually-lit mini three-pointed stars, and a sporty front bumper with side intakes. Like its predecessors, the all-new CLA features a coupe-like profile which is one of its most standout features. But for the 2026 model, the automaker was able to make it more aerodynamic as it now has a drag coefficient of 0.21 cd.
Elsewhere on the vehicle, the all-new CLA can come with 17 to 19-inch alloy wheels which further enhance the sedan’s sporty looks. The sloping roofline, combined with the massive rear glass highlights the coupe-inspired design of the 2026 CLA. Last but not least are the eye-catching LED taillights complete with a light strip that runs the entire width of the vehicle. For those who want their CLA to look even snazzier, there’s the option of fitting it with the AMG Line, AMG Line Plus, and Night appearance packages.
Open the doors and technophiles will be happy to see a fully decked-out interior with the latest gizmos and gadgets. Combining a minimalist design with an avant-garde approach, the 2026 CLA’s cabin is festooned with a plethora of screens. The driver gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel while the center touchscreen features a 14-inch media system that’s powered by the latest MBUX system. Those who are willing to shell out extra cash can spec their CLA to come with an additional 14-inch front passenger media display.
The new MBUX system is now in its fourth generation and supports artificial intelligence (AI) features. With help from both Microsoft and Google, the MBUX Virtual Assistant can easily adjust vehicle settings on the fly and check for traffic/weather in a cinch. The AI system makes use of ChatGPT4, Microsoft Bing, as well as Google Gemini.
Other key highlights present inside the 2026 CLA include LED ambient lighting with selectable colors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a panoramic glass roof, automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, brushed aluminum trim pieces, contrast stitching, and heated front seats.
As mentioned earlier, the 2026 CLA will first be offered with electric powertrains. The EV range starts with the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology which gets a rear electric motor that puts out 272 PS with 335 Nm of torque and allows the CLA 250+ to sprint from 0 - 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. Meanwhile, the more powerful CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology comes with dual electric motors which produce a combined 354 PS and 515 Nm of torque. From a standstill, Mercedes-Benz claims this particular CLA can go from 0 - 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
Both variants are powered by an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which gives the CLA 250+ a range of up to 790 km. Meanwhile, the CLA 350 4MATIC is capable of covering up to 770 km on a single charge. The electric CLAs also come with an 800V architecture and supports 320V DC fast charging. This means the CLA can recharge for just 10 minutes and it will have up to 325 km of range.
Aside from EVs, the CLA will also come with ICE and electrified powertrains. The hybrid versions will get a 1.5L turbocharged engine that will be assisted by a 1.3 kWh battery, an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and 48V technology. Output figures have yet to be revealed by Mercedes-Benz, however. There will also be a 2.0L turbocharged engine developed by the Geely-Renault joint venture dubbed Horse Powertrain Limited.
With the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA set to be available in Europe soon, perhaps we might expect the next-generation coupe sedan to make its way here sometime next year. The only question now is, can we expect the 2026 CLA to come in ICE, hybrid, and EV versions?
