2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Sedan

Performance

At the core of both all-electric models is an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery that features an all-new anode design, blending silicon oxide with graphite, which boosts gravimetric energy density by up to 20%. On the CLA 250+, it supplies energy to a rear-mounted electric motor that delivers 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Most electric vehicles have little more than a reduction gear for a transmission, but Mercedes-Benz has achieved increased efficiency with a two-speed transmission. The first gear offers strong acceleration from a standstill and excellent efficiency for city driving. The second gear is designed for power at higher speeds and better efficiency on the highway, enhancing long-distance comfort and range. 

The 350 4MATIC®® uses the same advanced battery but adds a front motor for a total system output of 349 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both models feature an 800-volt electrical architecture that boosts efficiency and shortens charge time. The CLA models can accept up to a 320-kW charge rate, allowing them to add approximately 202 miles in ten minutes. 

Mercedes-Benz posted the CLA 250+ with an estimated 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds. The EPA has not tested the new CLA yet, but on the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle used in Europe, the CLA 250+ has an estimated range of 431–492 miles. EPA range estimates are roughly 15–20% lower. The 350 4MATIC® shows an estimated 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds and a WLTP range estimate of 417–479 miles. Both models have an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. 

The CLA suspension features a newly developed three-link front axle. The lower control arm consists of the transverse and thrust arms, both made from forged aluminum. The third link, the tie rod, is part of the rack-and-pinion steering. Besides lightweight construction, high camber stiffness was emphasized for the steering knuckle, helping ensure precise steering response and minimal noise. The rear axle features a newly designed multi-link suspension similar to the systems used in the E-Class and S-Class. 

Exterior

With a fastback silhouette, the CLA body demonstrates excellent aerodynamics and efficiency. The long 109.8-inch wheelbase, short overhangs, long hood, and sleek greenhouse create an emotional sense of athletic power as it achieves a class-leading 0.21 drag coefficient. The car’s muscular shoulders start at the front wheel arches and flow to the sculpted rear.   

The shark-nose front features an LED light band connecting the two headlights, and each headlight cluster contains a reflector forming the Mercedes three-point star. An optional LED Intelligent Light System illuminates the three-point star on each side. Additionally, 142 LED three-point stars light up within the grille space, marking a first for the brand, along with the illuminated badge logo. The design repeats at the rear with a segmented LED light band connecting the two taillight clusters, with the outer lights illuminating the full Mercedes-Benz logo. 

All models come equipped with a panoramic glass roof that extends smoothly from the windshield frame to the rear. It features heat-insulating laminated safety glass with infrared film and a low-emissivity coating that eliminates the need for a cover shade. 

Interior

The interior has a new design concept that follows the principle of reduction to the essentials. It emphasizes a few iconic high-tech elements and has an overall avant-garde style. The optional floating MBUX Superscreen extends across the entire width of the interior, combining a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and an additional 14-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, all behind a single glass surface. Models without the Superscreen replace the passenger screen with a star pattern graphic that continues the sleek look of the glass surface. Potentially illuminated turbine-style round climate vents are positioned at the ends of the dash. 

The center features a bridge-like console finished in silver with a distinctive, uncluttered design around the dual cupholders. Dual spokes on either side of the steering wheel ensure that all controls are easily accessible. Standard equipment includes heated, power front comfort seats with 4-way lumbar support and memory, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a single-zone climate control system with air vents for the second row, and four 100-watt USB-C charging ports. 

The EV CLAs are the first Mercedes-Benz models equipped standard with an air-side heat pump. It can use three energy sources, including waste heat from the electric drive, the battery, and ambient air. The air-to-air heat pump helps the high efficiency of the CLA by using this “free” heat. It uses about one-third of the energy of a comparable auxiliary heater for the same output. 

Two types of seats are available in the new CLA: the standard-fit comfort seats are generously sized with a layered shoulder area design similar to higher model classes. The sports seat also follows this concept, where the layered design connects the seat surface and side bolsters into a single unit. The layer tapers upward into the backrest and features a slim headrest for a clean, integrated look. It also appears to float and is height-adjustable. 

Recycled materials are found throughout the seat construction. Seating surfaces include MB-Tex, a sustainably produced and processed leather, and a microfiber upholstery made from 100-percent recycled material.  

Technology

The new CLA introduces the all-new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). The updated AI-powered system allows each vehicle to be equipped with a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. This setup enables regular over-the-air updates for essential vehicle functions, including driver assistance systems for the first time, ensuring the CLA remains current.  

With MB.OS, Mercedes-Benz introduces the fourth-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. It is the first in-car system to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google. The familiar Mercedes interface for drivers remains, but now includes a “Zero Layer” that displays the most important information, suggestions, and, for the first time, the most recently used apps, which can always be accessed via the dedicated “Home” button. The standard navigation system is based on Google Maps. It can be easily controlled using the new MBUX Virtual Assistant, which understands natural language and is well-versed in navigation questions.  

The navigation system has been upgraded with Electric Intelligence, which can plan the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, based on a variety of dynamic parameters. The system offers a 3D view of the vehicle’s surroundings and provides route guidance in real-time on the driver display. Drivers gain better situational awareness and insight into how the driver assistance systems work.  

A Burmester®* 3D Surround Sound System is offered. The 16-speaker, 850-watt setup includes Dolby Atmos® technology for an exceptional multidimensional music experience. Silver chrome covers for the tweeters and midrange speakers further improve the interior’s visual appeal. 

Safety

The new CLA comes equipped with several standard driver assistance technologies, including Digital Extra: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC2®. The vehicle includes 10 cameras, 5 radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled supercomputer with enough processing power for future functions and regular over-the-air updates. Optional driver assistance technologies include: 

• MB.DRIVE ASSIST elevates the standard Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC® with even more features. Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist and Automatic Lane Change Assist are also digital extras that supplement Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC® in this package. 

• MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST can better and more quickly identify parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle, as well as angled parking. It is also now possible to leave a parking space automatically even after the car was parked manually. 

• MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 adds the new and improved Surround View System, Memory Parking Assist and Visual Rim Protection as digital extra enhancements. 

• MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO / PLUS will be available at a later date. These packages will offer market-specific enhanced assistance functions, including the further developed Digital Extra: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC Plus®. This will also include  

• • Active Steering Assist Plus 

• • Active Lane Change Assist Plus 

• • Active Stop Sign 

• • Traffic Light Assist