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Brand New Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric to Hit the Market in 2026

The new electric CLA is the first in a family of Mercedes-Benz vehicles to hit the market next year.

A 2026 electric Mercedes-Benz CLA sits in front of a tan building.

Mercedes' new electric CLA includes more range and longer charging times in 2026.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

3 min to read


The new electric CLA is the first in a family of Mercedes-Benz vehicles hitting the market in 2026. The compact sedan offers intuitive technologies, new designs, upgraded comfort features, and 374 miles (EPA) of electric range. Starting at $47,2501, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA will launch its U.S. press in December, with the first vehicles hitting U.S. roads shortly after, and volume progressively ramping up through the first quarter of 2026.

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Powered by an 800-volt electric architecture, the new CLA can significantly reduce charging times. With DC fast charging up to 320 kW, it is possible to add 100 miles of range in around 5 minutes and up to 202 miles in as little as 10 minutes.

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The new CLA is sporty, with a grille at the front and 142 individually illuminated stars. A central illuminated Mercedes-Benz star is the standard. Also standard are High Performance LED headlights with their star reflector design or the optional LED Intelligent Light System, featuring a star daytime running light signature. There are also optional flush-fitting power exterior door handles, included in the exclusive and pinnacle trims.

Customers can personalize the exterior of the CLA with eight paint colors, including two new colors – Liquid Crystal Green and Sky Blue Metallic - an optional Night Package, and a variety of aerodynamic 17-, 18-, and 19-inch wheel designs.

Numerous opportunities for personalization continue in the interior of the CLA. MB-Tex and Microfiber, as well as MB-Tex and leather upholstery, are available in a range of styles, as are open-pore wood, aluminum, and natural-fiber trim finishes. The optional MBUX Superscreen features a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central display, and an additional 14-inch display for the front passenger, all behind a large glass surface. The optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound System (16 speakers, 850 watts) includes Dolby Atmos technology and sound personalization.

The new CLA comes standard with driver assistance systems for the compact model series to date, including Digital Extra: Distance Assist DISTRONIC3, Blind Spot Assist Plus with Exit Warning, Evasive Steering function, and Lane Keeping function. The optional Digital Extra: MB. DRIVE ASSIST3 package complements the standard systems with Digital Extras: Steering Assist and Lane Change Assist.

CLA Standard Features and Trim Levels

Features include: 

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  • Next generation MBUX infotainment: powered by MB. OS

  • MBUX profile identification via facial recognition

  • Heated front seats with four-way power lumbar support and memory

  • Digital Extras:

    • Distance Assist DISTRONIC

    • MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence (7 yrs)

    • Wireless Smartphone Integration

  • Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof

  • High Performance LED Headlights

  • Blind Spot Assist Plus with Exit Warning

  • Lane Keeping Function

  • PRE-SAFE

  • PRE-SAFE Sound

Trim features: 

  • Standard features

  • Power door handles

  • KEYLESS-GO

  • MB. DRIVE parking assist

  • Climate control

  • 64-Color lighting

  • Wireless smartphone charging

  • Rear seat armrest with cupholders

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with EQ Technology / 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Tech

MSRP

$47,2501

$49,8001

Powertrain

Rear Permanently Excited Synchronous Electric Motor

Dual Permanently Excited Synchronous Electric Motors with Front Disconnect Unit

Drive config.

Rear-Wheel Drive

4MATIC All-Wheel Drive

Output

268 hp

349 hp

Torque

247 lb-ft

380 lb-ft

Battery capacity

85 kWh (usable)

85 kWh (usable)

Charging capacity

DC: 320 kW / AC: 9.6 kW

DC: 320 kW / AC: 9.6 kW

DC charging time

22 min (10-80% SOC)

22 min (10-80% SOC)

Electric range (EPA)

Up to 374 mi

312 mi

0-60 mph

6.6 sec (est.)

4.8 sec (est.)

Top speed

130 mph (electronically limited)

130 mph 

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