The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has been revealed, launching first globally as an electrical car (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 can help future inner combustion engine- and electric-based powertrains.
The brand new CLA is anticipated in Australia through 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 reasonably priced battery-powered mannequin (with a 58kWh lithium-iron-phosphate pack) later this 12 months.
Tons of of recent automotive offers can be found by way of CarExpert proper now. Get the consultants in your facet and rating an awesome deal. Browse now.
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 sort | Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) | Nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) |
| Energy | 200kW | 260kW |
| Torque | 335Nm | 515Nm |
| Drive sort | 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 charge | 11kW | 11kW |
| Max DC cost charge | 320kW | 320kW |
The carmaker has beforehand introduced the petrol CLA will likely be powered by a brand new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automated 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 provide 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 might 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 previous CLA200, and the CLA350 to the outgoing CLA250.
Whereas many of the weight achieve 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 general 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 house has additionally been diminished 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 certainly one of its manufacturing automobiles for the reason that W23-generation 130 of the Thirties, claimed to be the debut of such a entrance storage space.
Count on much more house to be obtainable within the CLA Taking pictures 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 likely be an choice in some markets.
All CLAs will likely be fitted as commonplace 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 phase.
Wheels vary from 17 to 19 inches relying on spec and market, whereas there’s additionally a selection of normal, AMG Line and Evening Package deal exterior seems to be.
Inside, the cabin adopts Mercedes-Benz’s newest design language and know-how.
An elective MBUX Superscreen brings collectively a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 14-inch infotainment display, and 14-inch passenger show in a single housing.
The passenger display can be utilized to observe media from streaming providers corresponding to 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, with a star sample graphic instead of the passenger display.
The outboard air vents bookend the pillar-to-pillar display, whereas the central vents are not any lengthy a trio of round retailers, as a substitute 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 house for an elective wi-fi charger.
Relying in the marketplace, inside upholstery starting from microfibre and Artico to leather-based may be ordered.
Additionally elective is a Burmester 3D Encompass Sound System, that includes 16 audio system, an 850-watt amplifier and Dolby Atmos.
Out there security gear contains autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, lane-keep and lane-change help (a primary for the CLA), a surround-view digital camera and parking help.
Mercedes-Benz claims the brand new CLA may even be the primary car in its phase to supply a centre airbag as commonplace, decreasing the danger 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.
MORE: The whole lot Mercedes-Benz CLA
MORE: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA: Native timing firming for smooth Mannequin 3 rival
MORE: 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV to supply as much as 750km of vary, petrol energy will stay on
