The entry-level Mercedes is all new for 2026, bringing substantial modifications beneath the acquainted pores and skin in comparison with its predecessor. The BMW 2 Gran Coupe competitor might be out there for the primary time as a pure EV. Alternatively, the cheaper variations characteristic a mild-hybrid setup based mostly round a small, turbocharged fuel engine. Whereas diesels exterior the US additionally powered earlier generations, the swoopy sedan ditches the oil-burner.
As we have come to count on from a automobile that switches generations, the revamped CLA is greater. Mercedes has stretched the newborn Benz’s physique by 1.3 inches to 185.9 inches, making it barely longer than a previous-generation C-Class. The not-so-compact luxurious sedan can be a full inch wider than the outdated CLA, now at 73 inches. The engineers raised the automobile by 1.1 inches to 57.8 inches and elongated the wheelbase by 2.4 inches to 109.8 inches.
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Though bigger than the mannequin it replaces, it’s barely extra cramped for rear passengers. Individuals sitting within the again have much less legroom and elbow room however a bit extra headroom, regardless of the sloping roofline. Mercedes does not clarify why rear consolation has suffered a downgrade, however logic tells us it is as a result of packaging compromises related to the launch of EV variations. It is not all unhealthy for the reason that driver and entrance passenger do get a bit extra room than earlier than.
Cargo capability has additionally decreased by 1.9 cubic toes to 14.3 cubic toes. That is not a major loss for those who get the electrical mannequin since Mercedes has fitted the zero-emission CLA with a entrance trunk. It’s truly the corporate’s first automobile in 90 years to supply a entrance baggage space. The brand new mannequin can maintain 2.5 cubic toes of cargo area beneath the hood.
Exterior styling is an evolution relatively than a revolution. Some could be tempted to say it’s a facelift relatively than a next-generation mannequin. Entrance and rear gentle bars echo the design developments of the 2020s, and there are extra illuminated stars than we will depend. Mercedes made the profile smoother with flush door handles to echo a few of the larger Benz sedans. Regardless of the rakish roof, it’s nonetheless a sedan with a trunk as a substitute of a extra sensible tailgate. The smooth physique has a drag coefficient of solely 0.21 within the automobile’s most aerodynamic model.
Picture by: Mercedes-Benz
Though it seems to be acquainted on the surface, the cabin has been revamped. An upright dashboard hosts as much as three screens surrounded by a sea of shiny black plastic. The instrument cluster measures 10.25 inches and sits subsequent to a 14-inch infotainment display screen, each supplied as commonplace throughout the vary. The brand new CLA may be configured with a 14-inch passenger display screen at an extra value.
Dubbed MBUX Superscreen, the triple-display setup options a big glass floor, mimicking the dearer fashions with their screen-heavy dashboards. Clients can spend additional on a head-up show exhibiting a 12.2-inch picture within the driver’s line of sight. The lengthy checklist of choices additionally features a Burmester sound system with 16 audio system all through the cabin.
The turbine-style aspect air vents are paying homage to the earlier era, however a relatively basic-looking flat vent has changed the triple round middle vents. We’ve additionally observed that the separate local weather controls have been deleted, so that you’ll have to make use of the touchscreen to regulate the temperature and different settings. On the flip aspect, the “floating” middle console provides cupholders and a wi-fi charging pad above, together with an honest cargo space beneath.
Picture by: Mercedes-Benz
Picture by: Mercedes-Benz
A brand new multi-link rear suspension derived from the bigger and fancier fashions is claimed to enhance experience high quality. That’ll additionally rely on the scale of the wheels, which differ from 17 to 19 inches. Elsewhere, the panoramic sunroof is commonplace. It does not have a curler blind as a result of Mercedes mentions it does not want one because it makes use of heat-insulating laminated glass with an ultra-thin infrared movie to dam radiation and cut back glare.
As for energy, the bottom CLA contains a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that runs on the Miller cycle and works with an eight-speed, dual-clutch automated transmission. The transversally mounted “M252” will get an all-aluminum crankcase and 48-volt know-how with an electrical motor constructed into that DCT. Mercedes says the 1.5-liter unit might be supplied in two outputs with out revealing energy numbers and with a alternative between front- and all-wheel drive.
For those who’re prepared to go electrical, there are two fashions to select from: CLA 250+ with EQ Expertise and CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Expertise. The previous has a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup with 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The latter adopts a beefier dual-motor, all-wheel-drive structure with 349 hp and 380 lb-ft. Each characteristic a rear-mounted two-speed transmission, the place the primary is tailor-made for metropolis use whereas the second is for freeway driving.
Picture by: Mercedes-Benz
Picture by: Mercedes-Benz
Keep on with the bottom electrical CLA, and it’ll do 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Its beefier counterpart does the job in 4.8 seconds. Each are electronically ruled at 130 mph (210 km/h). It is price noting that the 4Matic mannequin will function in all-wheel-drive mode solely when additional energy and traction are required. The entrance motor might be decoupled within the different eventualities for higher effectivity.
For those who’re questioning how a lot it weighs, the dual-motor mannequin suggestions the scales at a whopping 4,707 kilos (2,135 kilograms) in European specification. Such is life with electrical vehicles. The fuel mannequin needs to be considerably lighter with out the chunky battery pack. Talking of which, the EVs share a nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack with a usable capability of 85 kWh.
Mercedes claims a most vary within the WLTP cycle of 492 miles (792 kilometers) for the RWD mannequin and as much as 479 miles (771 kilometers) for its AWD counterpart. Since 800-volt tech is on board, DC quick charging at a powerful 325 kW is supported. In a great situation, you may add 202 miles (325 kilometers) of vary after solely 10 minutes at a DC charging station.
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Mercedes-Benz
Close to the tip of the yr, Mercedes intends to roll out a special taste of the electrical CLA outfitted with a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery with a usable vitality content material of 58 kWh.
An A-Class Sedan gained’t be part of the brand new CLA. Mercedes is slimming down its small automobile choices however continues to be giving wagon-loving Europeans a CLA Taking pictures Brake. Moreover, the GLA and GLB crossovers are getting next-generation fashions. We’re anticipating all 4 to spawn absolutely electrical derivatives. It hasn’t been introduced but, however the incoming “Little G” will doubtless be mechanically associated to those compact automobiles.
Mercedes can have the electrical CLA at sellers in the US later this yr, with the mild-hybrid fuel mannequin to comply with.
