Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the new CLA, and it lives up to the hype. We expected the 2026 model to be quick, versatile, and stylish, and it delivers on all fronts. Bigger, faster, and better than ever, it features a high-tech hybrid drive and a fully electric option, catering to all needs.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Is Built on a Modular Architecture
While the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has just debuted, it marks the beginning of a new era for the German automaker. Every new model, starting with the CLA, will feature both electric and high-tech hybrid drives.
The CLA’s launch also kicks off Mercedes’ largest-ever product and tech rollout. Powered by the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), the CLA is the brand’s smartest vehicle yet, and with Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud, the vehicle can receive over-the-air updates, ensuring it stays at its best for years to come.
Mercedes aimed to make the CLA as versatile as possible, catering to a wide range of buyers. The new CLA will offer a hybrid option with 48-volt technology and an electric motor integrated into the transmission.
There will be three power levels available, along with the choice of front-wheel drive or 4MATIC. While Mercedes is keeping the exact power figures under wraps, we know the 48-volt lithium-ion battery provides up to 1.3 kWh of energy.
The new CLA’s combustion engine is a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder unit known as the M 252. It’s part of the Modular Engine Family (FAME) and is designed for a range of vehicle applications.
While full power specs are still under wraps, we expect those details to be released soon. The hybrid CLA will be produced alongside all-electric models at Mercedes’ Rastatt plant.
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The All-Electric CLA Drive System Delivers 93 Percent Efficiency
Mercedes positioned the main drive on the rear axle for optimal traction, a setup typically found in higher-end vehicles, now making its way into the entry-level segment for a more refined ride. The 200 kW electric drive unit, featuring a Permanently excited Synchronous Motor (PSM) on the rear axle, was developed in-house and directly derived from the VISION EQXX, an innovation that allows for an impressive 93 percent battery-to-wheel efficiency over long distances.
On the CLA 350 4MATIC with all-wheel drive, Mercedes has added an 80 kW drive unit to the front axle. This front electric motor acts as a ‘boost’ drive, engaging when extra power or traction is required, with the Disconnect Unit (DCU), a first for this segment, controlling this process.
The DCU can quickly decouple the front motor under low load to enhance efficiency, causing the motor and transmission components to remain idle. This setup reduces front axle losses by up to 90 percent, improving overall range.
Speaking of range, the CLA 250+ is expected to cover between 431 and 492 miles, while the CLA 350 will offer a range of approximately 416–478 miles. The CLA 250 delivers 335 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the CLA 350 boosts output to 348 horsepower and 379 lb-ft of torque.
|
Spec |
CLA 250+ with EQ Technology |
CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology |
|
Power (Peak) |
335 hp |
348 hp |
|
Torque (Peak) |
247 lb-ft |
379 lb-ft |
|
Battery Cell Chemistry |
Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt |
|
|
Battery: Usable Energy Content |
85.5 kW |
|
|
Max. AC Charging Power |
11 kW |
|
|
Max. DC Charging Power |
320 kW |
|
|
0-62 MPH |
6.7 seconds |
4.9 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
130 mph |
|
|
Estimated Range |
431–492 miles |
416–478 miles |
The new CLA features an advanced air-side heat pump that helps bring the high-voltage battery to the optimal temperature range before fast charging. This preconditioning process seamlessly integrates into the navigation system, ensuring the battery is prepared during the drive when needed.
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The New CLA Features Intelligent Recuperation for Enhanced Range
Braking plays a key role in the 2026 CLA, which features a new one-box brake system that optimizes braking energy recovery, boosting range. The system offers four levels of recuperation:
- D Auto: Intelligent recuperation
- D+: No recuperation (coasting)
- D: Standard recuperation up to 1 m/s²
- D-: Enhanced recuperation up to 3 m/s²
This system helps optimize driving behavior for the situation, minimizing energy consumption and maximizing recovery. Along with all the other features on the 2026 CLA, the braking simply adds to the whole package.
The CLA will also get the fourth-generation MBUX Virtual Assistant, the newest version of Google Maps in the navigation system, and the new MB.DRIVE driving assistance and parking systems. For now, the CLA lives up to and exceeds pretty much all the expectations set out for it, and we can’t wait to see it on the road.
