The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has been revealed, launching first globally as an electrical automobile (EV) earlier than later adopting a petroleum engine with mild-hybrid energy.
Mercedes-Benz’s four-door ‘coupe’ is its first mannequin to be based mostly on the brand new Mercedes-Benz Modular Structure (MMA), which is able to assist future inside combustion engine- and electric-based powertrains.
The brand new CLA is predicted in Australia in the course of the second half of 2026.
Whereas Mercedes-Benz has solely detailed two of the CLA’s electrical variants for now, it’ll reveal a extra inexpensive battery-powered mannequin (with a 58kWh lithium-iron-phosphate pack) later this 12 months.
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As with the electrical G-Wagen, the battery-powered CLAs have adopted the ‘EQ Know-how’ suffix, as Mercedes-Benz transitions away from distinctive EV-specific mannequin names.
Under are the important thing specs of every mannequin.
| Specs | Mercedes-Benz CLA250+ with EQ Know-how | Mercedes-Benz CLA350 4MATIC with EQ Know-how |
|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Two-speed, single-motor | Two-speed, dual-motor |
| Battery capability | 85kWh | 85kWh |
| Battery kind | Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) | Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) |
| Energy | 200kW | 260kW |
| Torque | 335Nm | 515Nm |
| Drive kind | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 2055kg | 2135kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 6.7 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Claimed vary (WLTP) | 694-792km | 672-771km |
| Max AC cost fee | 11kW | 11kW |
| Max DC cost fee | 320kW | 320kW |
The carmaker has beforehand introduced the petrol CLA will probably be powered by a brand new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission which options an built-in 20kW electrical motor.
A 1.3kWh, 48-volt lithium-ion battery provides energy to the electrical motor, which dietary supplements the petrol engine’s outputs.
Mercedes-Benz says it’ll supply three output ranges initially, with 100kW/200Nm, 120kW/250Nm and 140kW/300Nm choices, throughout front- and all-wheel drive layouts.
For context, the front-wheel drive CLA200 at present on sale in Australia produces 120kW/270Nm from its turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, whereas the CLA250 is all-wheel drive and may make as much as 165kW/350Nm from a 2.0-litre powerplant.
Regardless of a circa-500kg weight improve, the electrical CLA options a greater power-to-weight ratio than its predecessor, not less than when evaluating the brand new CLA250 to the outdated CLA200, and the CLA350 to the outgoing CLA250.
Whereas a lot of the weight acquire may be put all the way down to the electrical motors and battery, the CLA has additionally grown in dimension, with its wheelbase stretched by greater than 60mm and total size rising by 35mm.
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA | |
|---|---|
| Size | 4723mm (+35mm) |
| Width (inc. mirrors) | 2021mm (+22mm) |
| Top | 1468mm (+29mm) |
| Wheelbase | 2790mm (+61mm) |
| Boot capability | 405L (-55L) |
| Entrance storage space | 101L |
Nevertheless, regardless of the longer wheelbase, there’s much less rear shoulder, elbow and legroom, whereas the boot area has additionally been decreased by a not-insignificant 55L.
That is with out counting the 101L ‘frunk’ which Mercedes-Benz tenuously says is its first to be fitted to one among its manufacturing autos for the reason that W23-generation 130 of the Nineteen Thirties, claimed to be the debut of such a entrance storage space.
Count on much more area to be accessible within the CLA Capturing Brake, not too long ago spied present process testing in Europe.
Design smart, the CLA is – unsurprisingly – a toned-down model of what was previewed by the Idea CLA Class from the 2023 Munich motor present.
This implies an illuminated grille (with 142 individually animated LED chrome-effect stars), and full-width LED lights on the entrance and rear, each incorporating the three-pointed star of their signature. Multibeam LED headlights will probably be an choice in some markets.
All CLAs will probably be fitted as customary with a panoramic roof, stretching from the A- to C-pillars and that includes infrared movie and a low-emissivity coating to guard occupants in opposition to daylight and warmth.
Importantly, Mercedes-Benz claims the CLA has a drag coefficient as little as 0.21cd, making it a pacesetter within the section.
Wheels vary from 17 to 19 inches relying on spec and market, whereas there’s additionally a selection of ordinary, AMG Line and Evening Package deal exterior seems to be.
Inside, the cabin adopts Mercedes-Benz’s newest design language and know-how.
An optionally available MBUX Superscreen brings collectively a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 14-inch infotainment display screen, and 14-inch passenger show in a single housing.
The passenger display screen can be utilized to observe media from streaming providers reminiscent of Disney+ and Ridevu (owned by Sony), and even to play video video games.
It’s understood CLAs ordered with out the Superscreen nonetheless retain the motive force show and infotainment display screen, with a star sample graphic rather than the passenger display screen.
The outboard air vents bookend the pillar-to-pillar display screen, whereas the central vents aren’t any lengthy a trio of round retailers, as an alternative now being a single rectangular unit with two adjusters for occupants on either side.
It seems the bodily local weather controls have additionally been ditched, with heating and cooling now managed through the touchscreen.
An built-in cup holder sits on the floating centre console, above area for an optionally available wi-fi charger.
Relying available on the market, inside upholstery starting from microfibre and Artico to leather-based may be ordered.
Additionally optionally available is a Burmester 3D Encompass Sound System, that includes 16 audio system, an 850-watt amplifier and Dolby Atmos.
Accessible security tools consists of autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, lane-keep and lane-change help (a primary for the CLA), a surround-view digicam and parking help.
Mercedes-Benz claims the brand new CLA may also be the primary automobile in its section to supply a centre airbag as customary, lowering the chance of a head conflict between front-seat occupants.
Australian pricing for the electrical CLA is because of be introduced nearer to its second-half 2026 arrival, although count on a rise in regards to the circa-$75,000 drive-away worth of the present base mannequin.
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