There is no mistaking the CLA for anything other than a Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz just revealed the third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA, the German automaker’s entry-level model that will double as its most advanced EV.
The CLA was first revealed as a concept in 2023, and those who remember that will be pleased to learn that its attractive curves made it into production. Up front, the two headlights are connected by a lightbar that spans the width of the car, with a faux-grille made up of illuminated stars resembling the Mercedes-Benz logo, which itself is illuminated. The optional Multibeam LED headlights sport three-pointed-star-shaped DRLs, ensuring that anyone who sees the front end of the CLA will know what brand it came from.
The rear end echoes similar design elements, with two taillights connected by a lightbar filled with LEDs. Even the taillights house three-pointed star-shaped elements. There is no mistaking this car for anything other than a Mercedes-Benz. Two new paint colors will also be available exclusive to the new CLA: Liquid Crystal Green and Sky Blue Metallic.
The new CLA is 185.9 inches long, approximately 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor. The rear trunk takes advantage of that size, with 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space that is amplified by the welcome return of the frunk. It can hold 2.5 cubic feet of items, larger than the 1930s Mercedes-Benz 130 (W 23), which was the brand’s first vehicle with a frunk.
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Mercedes-Benz brings three trim levels to the new CLA
The CLA will be available in two trim levels: Progressive Line and AMG Line. Even in its “base” version, standard equipment is aplenty. Every CLA Progressive Line will include LED headlights, power folding and heated exterior mirrors, auto-dimming rear view mirror, leather sports steering wheel, power comfort
seats in MB-Tex with seat heating and 4-way lumbar support, and THERMATIC single-zone climate control with air vents for the second row. Four 100-watt USB-C charging ports are also fitted standard.
The AMG Line is the sportier variant, with 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, a unique front bumper with air intakes and chrome splitter, and a special rear bumper. The cabin of the AMG Line swaps the regular leather steering wheel for a leather “super-sports” steering wheel with a flattened bottom, red contrast stitching on the door panels, sports seats with MB-Tex/microfiber upholstery, and AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with black rubber studs.
Still not sporty enough? Try the AMG Line Plus, which brings AMG Performance Elements to the table like a high-gloss black rear spoiler, illuminated high-gloss black door sills, 19-inch alloy wheels, Red MANUFAKTUR seat belts, and the Night Package, which blacks out exterior trim elements.
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The German luxury continues inside
The interior is the glorious mix of opulence and technology you would expect from a new Mercedes-Benz. The CLA dashboard can house up to three screens that together make up what Mercedes calls a “Superscreen.” Not only do they span the width of the car, but the CLA is the first to fully use MB.OS, the automaker’s own operating system, and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine.
The driver gets a 10.3-inch instrument display and a 14-inch center touchscreen, while the passenger can stay entertained with a 14-inch screen of their own. Mercedes-Benz will offer streaming from Disney+ and Sony’s RIDEVU, which provides movies as well as video games. The latter is made possible by cloud-gaming provider Boosteroid, with either a Bluetooth gaming controller or smartphone able to be used. Games can be displayed on the center screen if the car is parked, or on the passenger screen while in motion.
All of this can be heard through the 16-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos technology and an 850-watt amplifier.
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Intuitive controls are, unfortunately, not present on the new CLA
Of course, being a modern touch-screen powered luxury car, common sense items like buttons for regularly-used functions have been eliminated. For example, mute has been removed from the volume slider, and is now an entirely separate function at the top of the right switch panel. The volume can also only be adjusted with a touch slider or a touch-sensitive button on the steering wheel.
Of course, AI has to find its way into the CLA and it does so via the MBUX Virtual Assistant. This AI companion is based on ChatGTP4o, uses Google Gemini for navigation questions and charge planning, but weirdly relies on Microsoft Bing for searches. Mercedes-Benz also claims that the MBUX Virtual Assistant can recognize the speaker’s emotions during conversation and “respond accordingly.” That can’t be cheaper than therapy.
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Mercedes-Benz will offer a plethora of interior customization options
In the middle is a floating center console split between a double cup holder and an optional wireless charger. Overhead is a panoramic glass roof coated to block UV rays from the California sun, perfect for stargazing and other related activities. Owners can choose from a variety of trim materials and upholstery colors, as is customary in higher-end luxury barges. The trim can be finished in natural grain wood, brushed aluminum, anodized aluminum, and a new paper-based material called “Natural Fiber Zen,” composed of cellulose and hemp fibers.
Seat colors include black, brown, black with lime green accents, two-tone black and white, and two-tone black and red. Depending on your preferred color scheme, the seats will be finished in either MB-Tex/microfiber or leather.
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The new CLA is no slouch when it comes to power and range
Power-wise, the new CLA uses an 800-volt architecture capable of charging speed up to 320 kW. The 85.0-kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery incorporates graphite alongside silicon oxide for a 20 percent higher density and 30 percent lower carbon footprint. Power output depends on whether you opt for the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology or the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology. The former can output up to 268 hp while the latter takes things to the next level with 349 hp through a two-speed transmission. The CLA 250+ can reportedly get 792 km (492 miles) of range.
If you opt for the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology, its party trick is a 107 hp front motor that only activates when extra power is needed. The corresponding Disconnect Unit (DCU) can decouple the front motor when not in use to reduce parasitic drag by up to 90 percent. That version can also reach 60 mph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds.
A hybrid CLA is on the way
If you prefer a hybrid, Mercedes-Benz has you covered there too. An upcoming hybrid CLA is in the works, powered by a transverse turbocharged 1.5-liter Miller-cycle four-cylinder engine that’s designed by the automaker but supplied by Geely. That engine will be paired to a 27-hp electric motor with an inverter and a 1.3-kWh 48-volt battery, and will send power through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Front- and all-wheel-drive powertrains will also be available. The hybrid CLA will reportedly be capable of recuperating up to 25 kW of energy in all four gears and up to 60 mph of solely electric coasting.
Final thoughts
It’s clear that Mercedes-Benz is not pussyfooting around when it comes to the identity of their new models. Not only are they distinctively Mercedes, but the brand’s heritage of luxury and power has not been lost, especially on the new CLA.
Yes, it has more screens and fewer buttons, but that is kind of the way modern luxury cars tend to be, whether that’s a good thing or not. Arguably the best news here is the inclusion of a hybrid, ensuring that the CLA can appeal to as broad of an audience as possible.
The all-electric 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology should arrive at U.S. dealerships later this year.
