Mercedes-Benz has unveiled an updated version of the CLA, inspired by the brand’s earlier concept design. However, the changes go beyond aesthetics, as the car has undergone significant mechanical updates. Notably, this marks the first time the C-Class is being introduced as a fully electric vehicle. The new model also offers an affordable alternative with a mild-hybrid system paired with a turbocharged petrol engine.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA: Design
The 2026 CLA retains its signature sloping roofline, enhancing the four-door coupe’s grander appearance. To accommodate the new battery pack, the car has grown in size, featuring a wheelbase of 2,790 mm, a length of 4,723 mm, a width of 1,855 mm, and a height of 1,468 mm. This expansion has also allowed the inclusion of rear quarter windows.
The front design echoes the brand’s earlier Concept car, with a grille area adorned with multiple lights that emphasize its forward-leaning face. The car also features multi-beam LED headlights with three-pointed-star-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs), connected by a light bar stretching across the vehicle’s width. A similar design is used for the taillights, which are linked by 40 illuminated louvers.
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2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA: Interior
Inside, the CLA boasts a futuristic dashboard with three screens: a 10.3-inch instrument cluster, a 14.0-inch central touchscreen, and a screen for the front passenger. The car retains touch-slider controls for volume and touch-swipe buttons on the steering wheel. It also introduces a new version of the MBUX system, which integrates Google Maps navigation and search powered by Gemini AI. Another standout feature is the mood ring, designed to recognize the driver’s emotional state.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA: Range and Powertrain
The 2026 CLA’s hybrid powertrain introduces an 800-volt architecture, a first for the brand, allowing charging speeds of up to 320 kW for an 85 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack. The CLA 250+ variant features a 268 hp rear motor, offering a range of up to 792 km on a single charge. The CLA 350 4MATIC variant, on the other hand, comes with an all-wheel-drive system, delivering 349 hp and a range of 771 km.
A petrol-hybrid version is set to launch later this year, featuring a 1.5-litre (M 252) petrol engine paired with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of up to 1.3 kWh. The electric motor and inverter are integrated into a newly designed compact eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. A notable feature of this motor is its ability to recuperate energy across all eight gears.
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