Mercedes - Benz is known for innovating from the top down , introducing new technical school on high - remnant models like theS - Classand letting it gradually trickle down to less - expensive models . Now it ’s convert things up .
Expected to go on sale in the United States later this class , the redesign 2026 Mercedes - Benz CLA - Class will remain one of the auto maker ’s entry - degree models while present Mercedes ’ next - generation technical school .
A new operating organization that aims to make software - based lineament more common and more seamless , while the first - ever CLA EV ( formally known as the CLA with EQ Technology ) will take a big step fore in efficiency and charging performance . So this is a small auto that ’s a big deal for the futurity of one of the auto manufacture ’s most storied brand .
Design rethink
Launched in 2014 , the CLA brought a more expressive aesthetic to the Mercedes brand . That continues with the 2026 model , although the addition of an electric powertrain did n’t top designers down the same aerodynamically - center path that led to the controversial design choices of Mercedes ’ EQ EVs .
Because it must divvy up its political platform with an interior - burning role model , the electric CLA still looks like a CLA . It ’s a small sedan with a low roofline that aims for a sporty appearance , although dimensions have changed slightly . The Modern model is 1.3 inches longer than the old - generationMercedes CLA , 0.8 in wide of the mark , and 1.1 inches marvelous . The raised roof , along with a 2.4 - inch wheelbase reach , should increase passenger blank space , but this passably conventional looking sedan ’s 0.21 coefficient of drag ( Cd ) is only a check mark behind the more dramatically styledMercedes - Benz EQSsedan .
Sharing its platform with a gasoline model , the CLA EV still attend like a CLA .
Integrating an electrical powertrain did contribute to compromise , though . The electric CLA stands a bit magniloquent than its internal - combustion counterpart because engineers had to make way under the rider - compartment floor for the battery ingroup . house decorator compensated by give the CLA a low , stretch out grille , sheet metal creases along the sides , and band connecting the headlights and rear lamp to hide some of that extra girth .
Probably more effective in disport tending , though , is the illuminated grill that features a firmament of 142 Mercedes three - pointed hotshot . Made potential by the EV ’s lower cooling needs , it ’s accompanied by headlight and taillights that also resemble the Mercedes logotype without copy it , as that would ladder afoul of German regulations about the showing of bodied logos .
A holistic approach to EV engineering
Its styling may not be as extremist as the EQ models , but the CLA feature more advance under the pelt , helping to maximise kitchen range while keeping the sizing of the barrage pack in checkout . In the United States , that pack will have a capacity of 85 kilowatt - hours and nickel - manganese - cobalt ( NMC ) alchemy , but with a new formula using less cobalt and more Si , which should help oneself hike get-up-and-go density by 20 % , Christoph Starzynski , Mercedes ’ head of fomite integration , told Digital Trends in a medium roundtable .
Greater Department of Energy concentration means more compass from a given battery volume , although Mercedes is n’t saying how far U.S.-spec models will go on a charge just yet . When that care execute out , the CLA will be among the first Mercedes EVs that can DC fast charge from a ramp up - in North American Charging Standard ( NACS ) port , allowing owners toplug into Tesla Supercharger stationswithout an arranger . A separate AC port for home charging sit alongside the NACS port , and bidirectional charging capability is built in as well , allowing the CLA to serve as an emergency home backup power source .
The CLA ’s Mercedes Modular Architecture ( MMA ) also incorporate an 800 - volt electric system for warm charging . open of DC fast charging at up to 320 kilowatt , the CLA can recoup up to 186 miles of range in 10 minutes , Mercedes claim . The automaker is playing catchup here ; 800 - V charging is already a feature of Hyundai ’s E - GMP platform , and the novel Premium Platform Electric ( PPE ) used by theAudi A6 e - tron , Audi Q6 e - tron , and Porsche Macan EV .
The CLA features more melioration under the skin , helping to maximize range .
Another bit of hardware Mercedes is copying from its crosstown contender is a two - speed transmission for the rearward axle , antecedently seen on thePorsche Taycan . The CLA is n’t a execution gondola like the Taycan , but Mercedes ’ engineers felt an extra train could assist benefit efficiency without sacrificing powertrain responsiveness .
“ You have a band of advantages , specially at high speeds , ” Starzynski said . “ But the estimate behind the two - geartrain was also to give you the same advantage in the urban center . ” That ’s thanks to a lower first - gear proportion for stand commencement in dealings , while the higher 2d gear help preserve efficiency at main road speeds .
The base CLA 250 with EQ Technology uses a single motor attach to that gear box , get 268 HP and 247 pound - feet of torsion , to scud from zero to 60 mph in a Mercedes - calculate 6.6 seconds . The CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology add a front motor for all - bike drive , 349 H.P. , 380 lb - ft of torque , and a 4.8 2nd zero to 60 mph time .
Different packaging parameters
The CLA will also be sold with a mild - hybrid powertrain consist of a 1.5 - liter turbocharged four - cylinder engine and eight - speed dual - clutch transmission , wait on by an electric motor and 1.3 - kWh battery pack . applied scientist also had to find way for those element , but that ’s partially why Mercedes chose the dual - powertrain strategy for this particular model and not one of its bigger cars .
“ In this typesetter’s case , it ’s a chip of a unlike story because the engine is basically smaller , ” Starzynski said , adding that in compact cars like the CLA , Mercedes employ a more outer space - efficient transverse arranging with the locomotive engine come out parallel to the axle , like in typical economy cars . “ Of naturally you have to have more space for the powertrain for the Graeco-Roman one , but it ’s not as extensive . ”
Mercedes wo n’t be offer a CLA plug - in hybrid because it does n’t prognosticate need
juggle powertrain components , interior blank , and crash tribute with the longitudinally - climb on powertrains Mercedes uses in its large cable car required too many compromises , Starzynski tell . That ’s why , for example , Mercedes sells the similar - sized all - electricEQE sedanand the internal - combustion E - Class , rather than building one car with both powertrains . Deleting the large HEPA filter used in more expensive models like the EQE also leave elbow room for a front bole — the first on a Mercedes since the rear - locomotive engine 130 , 150 , and 170 henry of the 1930s .
Packaging flexibility only goes so far , though . Mercedes wo n’t be tender a CLA plug - in hybrid because it just does n’t anticipate that many multitude raise their hands for one , Starzynski said , adding that the calculation is different for Mercedes ’ bigger , dear cable car .
Fresh display and OS
The CLA debut the fourth - generation Mercedes - Benz User Experience ( MBUX ) infotainment system . For the first time in one of the automaker ’s compact models , Mercedes is provide a consecrated rider screen , slot next to a primal touchscreen and digital tool cluster to create a wall of screens spanning the entire fascia .
Also novel is the in - house developed Mercedes - Benz Operating System ( MBOS ) . The interface has n’t change much , but the new OS allows for deep integration between infotainment features and a motorcar ’s core organization , Mercedes claims , enabling newfangled features like face ID and climate - sensitive ambient lighting . It also helps the motorcar juggle various third - political party apps and datum sets .
For good example , Mercedes is using Google Maps data point for its own navigation organisation rather than plainly buy into Google Built - in apps likeGeneral MotorsorVolvo . Mercedes claim it can offer just desegregation with its own fomite information for route planning this means , which is of import for preparation charging stay . When using the built - in navigation system , you also still get an augmented - world show that highlights where to turn . But now warnings from the driver - assist tech are integrate as well .
Apps aplenty
Apple CarPlayandAndroid Autoreturn , but a square amount of content can be accessed by built - in apps , including : Audible , Tidal , Spotify , Amazon Music , Apple Music , and YouTube . Videos , along with play , can be access while park or on the optional front - rider screen while driving . As usual with passenger screenland , polarization prevents the number one wood from fancy what ’s on the screen .
ChatGPTandGoogle Geminiintegration are include as well , handling general knowledge question and spot of interest , severally . So if you require a trivia doubt , ChatGPT will generate the answer , while Google will pluck up restaurant recommendations and the like . But both chatbots wreak in the backdrop , so you do n’t want to select them individually . Just say “ Hey Mercedes , ” as in the automaker ’s other recent models .
My experience with the CLA was limited to a few minutes sit down in a studio , so it was hard to confirm much other than the vocalisation recognition system ’s technique at delivering groan - induce jape ( “ What elbow room has no walls ? A mushroom cloud ) and that the number of third - party apps could trip up the infotainment system .
When the CLA launch , you ’ll be able to open apps with the build - in voice recognition , but not control any routine within them . Mercedes hopes to add that capability with a future computer software update , but in a demonstration of the in - car picture streaming capabilities , even the Mercedes expert on script seemed to lose rail of which compounding of touchscreen control and voice commands to use for playing medium and adjusting audio intensity .
Small car, big change
The CLA EV show that Mercedes has discover from its earlier electric vehicles . While it still has some dramatic styling element — like it ’s starry - night grillwork — the CLA is box like a ceremonious car , and looks like it will improve on previous dedicated galvanising models in efficiency and rouse performance despite sharing a political platform with burning models .
Mercedes is also keep up to date on package , but real - world enjoyment will be necessitate to square off if the CLA ’s elaborate intertwining of in - car systems and third - party apps is really worthwhile .
And while the CLA will be the placard child for all of this raw tech , Mercedes has n’t forget about SUV - know Americans . Expect new versions of the GLA - Class andGLB - Classmini Ute sharing the CLA ’s MMA political platform and electric powertrains to reach showrooms finally as well . Together , these compact poser will contribute a bottom - up reimagining of Mercedes ’ lineup .
