2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe

Performance

All CLA Coupe models are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with three performance levels. The engine in the CLA 250 models produces 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of peak torque. The system features a mild-hybrid starter-generator that assists with acceleration and enables a smooth automatic start-stop function. The engine is paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, ensuring lightning-fast gear changes with minimal efficiency loss between shifts. From there, power can be routed to the front wheels or all four with the available 4MATIC® AWD system. Mercedes-Benz estimates a 0-60 acceleration time of 6.3 seconds. When pulled by the front wheels, the CLA 250 earns 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway for a combined figure of 30. With the 4MATIC® drivetrain, the mpg figures are 25 city, 34 highway, and 29 combined.

Both AMG® models come standard with an AMG® Performance version of the 4MATIC® drivetrain. The AMG® CLA 35 Coupe uses a liquid-to-air intercooled twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The brand estimates a 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.8 seconds.

It is paired with an AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® version of the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic. The fuel economy drops from the CLA 250, but not as much as you would think: 22 city / 29 highway/235 combined.

The AMG® CLA 45 Coupe also features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, but it is now handcrafted by an AMG® master engine builder and features increased turbo boost. The result is 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Using the AMG® SPEEDSHIFT® 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, this top-performing CLA has been tested to reach 60 mph in four seconds flat. Fuel economy for the top-performing CLA is 20 city/28 highway and 23 combined.

All CLA models ride on a four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts, and lower wishbones on each side up front, and a multi-link arrangement in the rear. Steering is rack-and-pinion with electromechanical power assist. AMG® models have a sport-tuned version of the same with lighter-weight components. The available AMG® RIDE CONTROL can adapt the damping rate at each wheel in milliseconds to provide a smooth ride and then firm up immediately when performance dynamics are called upon. Across the model line, the Dynamic Select system lets you tailor your CLA’s driving characteristics to your taste or mood by adjusting shift points, throttle response, and steering feel, among other responses.

The AMG® CLA 35’s brakes are upgraded to four-piston calipers that clamp onto 13.8-inch perforated discs. The AMG® CLA 45’s front brakes are upgraded again to red six-piston calipers that grasp 12.2-inch perforated front discs.

Exterior

The CLA Coupe cuts a sleek profile from its shark nose intake grille – a descendant of the brand’s sports cars, to its smooth contouring from the front of the hood to the tip of the rear deck. Sleek LED headlamps with a distinctive daytime running light signature signal that something special is approaching. The wheels can enhance the car’s appearance, ranging from sophisticated 18-inch 20-fine-spoke wheels to aggressive 18-inch black and machine-finish five-spoke designs. A new for 2026 AMG® Line package adds much of the AMG® exterior appearance, including 18-AMG® wheels, while maintaining the CLA 250’s efficiency.

The AMG® CLA 35 comes standard with thin-10-spoke wheels, while the AMG® CLA 45 sports black 19-inch 5—split spoke wheels. Other wheel choices are available.

The CLA Coupe is available in eight different standard and available colors, with an additional color available on AMG® models:

• Polar White
• Night Black
• Cosmos Black metallic
• Mountain Gray metallic
• Cirrus Silver metallic
• Starling Blue metallic
• MANUFAKTUR® Hyper Blue metallic
• MANUFAKTUR® Patagonia Red metallic
• MANUFAKTUR® Mountain Gray Magno (AMG® only)

Interior

The CLA 250’s pricing may make it the least expensive Mercedes-Benz, but the interior makes it clear you are in the real deal. In most cars, the standard digital gauge cluster and 10.5-inch center touchscreen, sharing a single long housing, would be the highlight. Still, in the CLA, they take a back seat to the intricately designed, ambient-lit climate-control vents and the elegantly finished physical controls.

You will find quality materials everywhere you look, and each control delivers a distinct, muted click that confirms your request. Seats can be fully animal-free with MB-Tex® seating and interior trim, made primarily from recycled materials and feeling like leather. An AMG® Sport steering wheel with twin horizontal spokes on each side is standard on AMG® models and available on the CLA 250.

Luxuries such as power-adjustable seats with the brand’s distinctive door-mounted controls and three-position driver memory are standard, as are other amenities, including the 64-color LED ambient interior lighting system. The cabin accommodates the split between sedan and coupe, with plenty of room for two up front and additional room for three in the rear, which is only slightly compromised for tall passengers by the sloping roofline. There is 11.6 cubic feet of space in the trunk. The 40/20/40 configuration enables you to maximize cargo space and passenger combinations, including extending something long from the trunk, like skis, between two rear passengers on either side.

The CLA Coupe is available in no less than seven interior colors and material combinations, including:

• Black MB-Tex
• Macchiato Beige MB-Tex
• Black MB-Tex/microfiber w/Red stitching
• Brown MB-Tex/microfiber w/Grey stitching
• Black Leather
• Classic Red/Black leather
• Titanium Grey/Black leather

To add to that, there are four different dash and interior trims from which to choose, including:

• Brushed aluminum
• Carbon Structure
• Natural Grain Black Linden wood
• Natural Grain Brown Linden wood
• The two AMG® models feature their own seat designs and interior trim.

Technology

Standard on all CLA models is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster display with an adjacent 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. The driver display is configurable, including “Classic”, which provides all relevant driver information; “Sporty” impresses with the dynamic tachometer; and “Discreet” is a minimalist display with essential information.

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) includes wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® compatibility and a voice control system that understands everyday language. Starting with a greeting of “Hey Mercedes,” you could say something as simple as “I’m cold,” and the climate control system will respond appropriately.

Available options include an upgraded sound system and the Burmester® Surround Sound System** with Dolby Atmos® sound shaping. Other options include online streaming and a very useful Head-Up Display.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Advanced Safety has always been part of the Mercedes-Benz value proposition, with pioneering innovations such as the first crumple zones, the driver’s airbag, electronic stability control, and more. Thus, it is no surprise that the CLE model line’s safety package goes beyond industry norms with innovations such as Crosswind Assist and Attention Assist®. A brief and incomplete rundown of standard safety and driver-assist features includes:

• Active Brake Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
• Adaptive Braking Technology
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Adaptive High Beam Assist
• Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call service
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)
• Anti-theft alarm system with remote panic feature
• Plenty more

Optional features include Active LED Headlamps, a Surround View System, DISCTRONIC® adaptive cruise control, and heated windshield wipers.