The all-new 2026 Mercedes CLA offers updates in space, intelligence, efficiency, and refinement compared to its predecessor.

According to a company statement, the new sedan is the most intelligent Mercedes-Benz model to date and the first in a completely new family of vehicles from the automaker. Each new model will be available with both all-electric and high-tech hybrid powertrains.

At launch, the CLA portfolio comprises the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology. The 268 hp CLA 250+ with EQ Technology has a range of up to 792 km (492 miles) based on the European cycle standard. The 800-volt system aims to reduce charging time with the new generation battery, gaining almost 200 miles of range in 10 minutes.

The CLA 250+ and the CLA 350 are the first in the electric line-up to feature a J1772 plug and NACS charging port for DC Fast Charging, opening the opportunity to plug in at thousands more public high-power stations across the US.

Next-Level Assistance: Smarter, Safer Driving with Advanced Tech

The new CLA comes standard with several driver assistance features, including Active Distance Assist Distronic. Additional optional driver assistance features are also available such as MB.DRIVE Assist, which enhances Active Distance Assist Distronic with Steering Assist, among other features.

Integrated visual communication has also been updated with MBUX Surround Navigation. It seamlessly integrates the driver assistance view with a 3D representation of the vehicle’s surroundings and route guidance in real-time on the driver display. Drivers benefit from improved situational awareness and insight into the operation of the driver assistance systems.

AI-Powered Intelligence and Seamless Updates to the New CLA

The new CLA is the first vehicle to fully operate on the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) developed in-house.

The new AI-enhanced system equips every vehicle with a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. This feature enables regular over-the-air updates for the most critical vehicle functions, including driver assistance systems for the first time, to ensure the CLA is always up-to-date.

MB.OS marks the start of the fourth generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system and integrates artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google. As a result, MB.OS offers a seamless integration of content from third-party providers.

With generative AI, the new MBUX Virtual Assistant transforms the relationship between vehicle and driver. Based on ChatGPT4o and searches with Microsoft Bing, it unites the collective knowledge of the internet.

The virtual assistant is also well-versed in navigation-related questions due to Google Gemini. It can access information from the Google Maps platform to provide users with detailed and personalized answers to questions about navigation, points of interest, and more.

The MBUX Virtual Assistant is always present on the Zero Layer as a “living” avatar in the form of the Mercedes-Benz star. The further developed MBUX Zero Layer on the central display shows the most important information, suggestions, and, for the first time, the most recently used apps.

Mercedes Packs the 2026 CLA With Amenities Inside and Out

Saving on space with its compact drivetrain, the CLA is the first Mercedes-Benz in 90 years to offer a “frunk” (front trunk). Other features include:

• Available Multibeam LED Headlights

• Standard fixed Panorama roof

• Available MBUX Superscreen

• Available Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with available Dolby Atmos

• Bi-directional charging including vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) energy sharing

This model range is set to expand with even more powertrain options becoming available, including a high-tech hybrid variant.

The all-new 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Sedan with EQ Technology and the CLA 350 4MATIC Sedan with EQ Technology are set to arrive later this year.