Introducing the 2026 Mercedes CLA: A Groundbreaking Design with a Front Trunk
Revamped Design and Dimensions
The 2026 Mercedes CLA marks a significant transformation for the entry-level model, showcasing extensive updates beneath its recognizable exterior. Competing directly with the BMW 2 Gran Coupe, the new CLA debuts as a fully electric vehicle (EV). More affordable trims are equipped with a mild-hybrid system centered around a compact, turbocharged gasoline engine. Diesel options have been discontinued globally, including outside the US.
In line with generational changes, the new CLA has been enlarged by 1.3 inches in length, reaching 185.9 inches, which makes it marginally longer than the previous-generation C-Class. The sedan now boasts a width of 73 inches, an inch more than its predecessor, and stands taller at 57.8 inches. Additionally, the wheelbase has been extended by 2.4 inches to 109.8 inches.
Interior Enhancements and Space Considerations
Despite its increased size, the new CLA offers reduced leg and elbow room for rear passengers, although headroom has slightly improved thanks to the redesigned roofline. Mercedes attributes the compromised rear space to design adjustments necessary for accommodating the EV variants. On a positive note, the driver and front passenger enjoy more spacious seating.
The cargo area has seen a minor reduction of 1.9 cubic feet, totaling 14.3 cubic feet. This decrease is offset in the electric models by the addition of a front trunk, a first for Mercedes in 90 years, providing an extra 2.5 cubic feet of storage beneath the hood.
Exterior Styling and Aerodynamics
The exterior presents an evolutionary update rather than a complete overhaul. The front and rear lighting elements reflect current design trends, featuring numerous illuminated stars. The vehicle's silhouette has been streamlined with flush door handles, aligning its look with larger Mercedes sedans. Despite a more dynamic roofline, the CLA maintains its identity as a sedan with a traditional trunk, achieving a notable drag coefficient of 0.21 in its most aerodynamic form.
Advanced Cabin Technology
Inside, the cabin receives a modern facelift with an upright dashboard supporting up to three screens, surrounded by sleek black surfaces. Standard features include a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment display, with an optional 14-inch screen for the passenger. The MBUX Superscreen provides a seamless glass interface, reminiscent of higher-end models with extensive screen setups. Additional options include a 12.2-inch head-up display and a premium Burmester sound system with 16 speakers.
Climate control has been streamlined, removing separate controls in favor of touchscreen adjustments. The central console offers practical features such as cupholders, a wireless charging pad, and ample storage space below.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The new CLA introduces a multi-link rear suspension derived from Mercedes' larger models, enhancing ride comfort across various wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches. A panoramic sunroof is standard, utilizing heat-insulating laminated glass to minimize glare without the need for a roller blind.
Engine choices include a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a Miller cycle, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and 48-volt technology. This setup is available in two power outputs and offers both front- and all-wheel-drive options.
For those opting for electric, the CLA 250+ EQ and CLA 350 4Matic EQ models are available. The CLA 250+ features a single motor with 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the CLA 350 4Matic EQ boasts dual motors producing 349 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. Both EV variants support a two-speed rear transmission optimized for city and highway driving.
Acceleration times range from 6.6 seconds for the base electric model to 4.8 seconds for the dual-motor version, with electronic speed limits set at 130 mph. The 4Matic model intelligently manages power distribution for efficiency, engaging all-wheel drive only when necessary.
The dual-motor EV weighs approximately 4,707 pounds in the European version, reflecting the added weight of the battery pack. The electric models share an 85 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, delivering up to 492 miles on the WLTP cycle for the rear-wheel-drive variant and 479 miles for the all-wheel-drive version. Advanced 800-volt architecture enables rapid DC fast charging at rates up to 325 kW, allowing for a 202-mile range boost in just 10 minutes.
Future Developments and Availability
Later this year, Mercedes plans to introduce an electric CLA variant equipped with a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery offering 58 kWh of usable energy. While the A-Class Sedan is excluded from the CLA lineup, Mercedes continues to expand its compact offerings with the CLA Shooting Brake and next-generation GLA and GLB crossovers, all expected to feature electric versions. The new "Little G" model is anticipated to share mechanical components with these compact electric vehicles.
The electric CLA will become available at dealerships in the United States by the end of the year, followed by the introduction of the mild-hybrid gasoline model.