The 2026 Mercedes CLA EV: Luxury, Tech and 400+ Miles of Range

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has arrived with a bold shift in strategy – electric first. Initially launching only as an EV, the new CLA offers two flavors: a 268-hp rear-wheel-drive CLA250 and a punchier 349-hp all-wheel-drive CLA350 4Matic. Built on the latest Mercedes Modular Architecture platform (which will also underpin the upcoming GLA and GLB), the 2026 CLA EV hits showrooms this fall, with a hybrid version following in early 2026.

This isn’t just another model refresh – it represents a fundamental pivot for Mercedes’ entry-level lineup.

A Long-Awaited Return

If you’re experiencing déjà vu, there’s good reason. Mercedes teased us back in September 2023 with the Concept CLA-Class, and thankfully, they’ve stayed remarkably true to that vision. The production model keeps the sleek four-door coupe silhouette we’ve come to love, though it’s grown a bit – mostly to make room for that underfloor battery pack.

The wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer, it stands 1.1 inches taller, and the overall length stretches an additional 1.3 inches. The greenhouse has been elongated with new rear quarter windows that refine its coupe-like profile.

Striking Design and Illuminated Details

The CLA leans slightly forward up front, giving it a wind-cutting stance. The grille features a constellation of lit Mercedes stars with a prominent central emblem that illuminates – subtle yet unmistakably Mercedes.

Spring for the optional Multibeam LED headlights; you’ll get star-shaped daytime running lights connected by a light bar. The rear matches this visual drama with 40 illuminated louvers linking the taillights – making the CLA just as head-turning from behind as it is from the front.

A Futuristic Interior That Doesn’t Hold Back

Step inside, and traditional gauges are nowhere to be found. Instead, the dash is dominated by what Mercedes calls their “Super” MBUX system – essentially a toned-down version of the Hyperscreen found in pricier models. The setup includes a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.0-inch central touchscreen, and an optional 14.0-inch passenger display.

The system runs Google Maps navigation and integrates Google’s Gemini AI to enhance search capabilities. In a quirky twist, it even claims to detect your emotional state through voice recognition, adjusting ambient lighting to match your mood.

Rear passengers get a panoramic glass roof without a traditional sunshade – it’s UV-coated instead to reduce glare while keeping the cabin feeling open. The sloping roofline does eat into the rear headroom a bit, though legroom has improved. One compromise: the battery-raised floor means you won’t slide your feet far under the front seats.

Make It Your Own

Mercedes isn’t skimping on customization options. Interior trim choices range from striped or mesh-patterned aluminum to two different kinds of wood and even a unique coated paper option.

For upholstery, go classic with black or brown, or spice things up with black seats featuring neon green accents. Two-tone combinations in black-and-red or black-and-white are also on the menu. Early adopters can snag a special launch edition sporting gold-tone trim, Tartufo Brown seats with gold piping, and a matte-black exterior with gold-accented wheels.

Electrified Heart, Cutting-Edge Tech

While it doesn’t quite match the ultra-efficiency of the EQXX concept, this is still Mercedes’ most advanced EV to date.

Built on an 800-volt architecture, the CLA supports charging speeds up to a blistering 320 kW. Its 85.0-kWh battery pack powers a 268-hp rear motor in the base model. Step up to the CLA350 4Matic, and you’ll get an additional 107-hp front motor that kicks in when you need extra grip or acceleration but disconnects when cruising to save energy.

The dual-motor CLA350 sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the single-motor CLA250 takes a still-respectable 6.6 seconds.

Range figures look promising. European WLTP estimates put the CLA250 at 367-418 miles and the CLA350 4Matic at 354-407 miles. Real-world U.S. figures will be lower but should remain competitive.

Clever Braking and Energy Recovery

One of the CLA’s neatest tricks is its fully brake-by-wire system – no physical connection between your foot and the brakes. Instead, smart software determines the perfect blend of regenerative and friction braking based on how hard you press.

One-pedal driving is available, too, with adjustable regen settings controlled via the gear stalk. The system can recover up to 200 kW of energy, helping squeeze every mile from the battery.

Other Mercedes EV firsts include a multi-source heat pump for better efficiency, a two-speed transmission for improved range, and a useful front trunk big enough for a carry-on bag.

The Hybrid Option: Coming Soon

Not ready to go fully electric? The hybrid CLA will feature a new 1.5-liter turbocharged Miller-cycle four-cylinder engine built by Geely. This pairs an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a 27-hp electric motor and inverter.

A small 1.3-kWh 48-volt battery powers the motor, enabling limited all-electric driving around town. Though Mercedes isn’t planning a plug-in hybrid variant, both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions will be offered. More details will come closer to its early 2026 launch.

When Can You Get One?

The all-electric CLA should reach U.S. dealerships this fall. While Mercedes hasn’t revealed pricing yet, as their entry-level EV, it’s likely to start below $60,000 – putting it squarely against the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4.

With its blend of cutting-edge tech, head-turning design, and electrified powertrains, the 2026 CLA opens a new chapter for Mercedes. Whether you choose the zero-emissions EV or wait for the efficient hybrid, this next-gen CLA aims to deliver a premium Mercedes experience at a more approachable price point.

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