Motor Trend Samples the Coming CLA 220 Hybrid

It turns out that not everyone is ready for the advanced planning required to take an EV on a long trip and ensure it can be recharged with minimal interruption. There are also plenty of people whose homes do not support home charging, a big plus for EV ownership. Fortunately, Mercedes was thinking ahead when it redesigned the CLA model line, making it compatible with both electric and gasoline drivetrains, or, in the case of the CLA 220 Hybrid, both. Though not yet for sale in the U.S., it will be in the fall. Unable to wait, Motor Trend hopped over to Germany to get driving impressions of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 Hybrid, and this Mercedes-Benz of Plano blog takes you along for the ride.

At the core of the hybrid drivetrain is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. It is connected to a new 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission containing a 30-hp, 148-lb-ft electric motor. The motor features a third clutch that can disconnect the engine for EV-only use, primarily for backing out of the driveway and navigating parking lots. The total system produces 208 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, there is no answer yet to the most-asked question about any hybrid: its fuel mileage, as that has not been established in the U.S. UK figures are 50 to 58, which will likely translate to well within the forties combined on this side of the pond. Motor Trend points to the Civic Hybrid with a similarly sized hybrid drivetrain that gets 49 mpg combined and suggests that the CLA’s 0.21 drag coefficient may give it an edge.

To improve efficiency, the CLA always gives the electric motor priority, with the engine kicking in when more power is required. Motor Trend notes this results in a slight delay in the throttle response, though the Sport driving mode eliminates the gap by keeping the engine running at all times.

They also found, “the car corners confidently and feels planted and stable at freeway speeds. Extensive sound insulation, including acoustic pads on the engine, help keep the interior nearly EV quiet.”

Visual differences between the hybrid and EV CLA are minimal, aside from the hybrid having an actual grille opening. Inside, it is the same, with the same elegant combination of a 10.3-inch digital gauge display, a 14-inch center touchscreen, and an available passenger-side 14-inch display, all housed in a single full-width panel. The center console is also elegantly minimalist.

The CLA 220 Hybrid is expected to arrive in the fall of 2026, leaving plenty of time for its US mpg and pricing to be established. If you are interested, we encourage you to contact one of our Mercedes-Benz of Plano sales professionals so we can inform you when the first models arrive in our inventory.