Mercedes-Benz unveils the third-generation CLA sedan, confirming it offers a maximum range of up to 492 miles (792 km) in its most efficient rear-wheel-drive CLA250+ form on the WLTP test cycle.
The Tesla Model 3 rival is the first model built on the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, a hybrid structure capable of supporting both electric and internal-combustion propulsion systems.
Set for North American sales from early 2026, the sedan version of the CLA heads a future four-strong compact-car lineup under development by Mercedes-Benz, including successors to the CLA Shooting Brake, GLA and GLB. Each will be sold with the choice of either electric or gasoline power, signaling a shift from Mercedes-Benz’s original electrification strategy.
Earlier electric models from the German automaker featured distinct styling and EQ sub-branding. The latter remains, but Mercedes-Benz has begun aligning its newer electric offerings more closely with their ICE counterparts in terms of design. This strategy, first seen in the electric G-Class launched in 2024, is now carried forward with the CLA sedan.
The styling of the new sedan is an evolutionary progression of its predecessor’s sleek lines. Previewed at the 2023 Munich Auto Show as the Vision CLA Class, key elements include a redesigned grille positioned lower than before and featuring 142 individual LED star emblems surrounding a large central star on the electric model. It also receives new LED headlamps with star-shaped graphics, connected by a full-width light bar (pictured, below).
Further back, the CLA adopts flush-fitting door handles and more pronounced feature lines along its flanks. The roofline retains the distinctive coupe-like appeal of previous CLA models, while the rear is dominated by a high-set trunk featuring a full-width taillamp mirroring the design of the headlamps. At 186 ins. (4,723 mm) long, 73 ins. (1,855 mm) wide and 79.6 ins. (2,021mm) tall, the new model is 1.4 ins. (35 mm) longer, 1 in. (25 mm) wider and 0.9 ins. (22 mm) taller than its predecessor in electric guise, with its own individual ride height setting. The wheelbase has grown by 2.4 ins. (61 mm) to 109.8 ins. (2,790 mm) to accommodate the floor-mounted battery.
The sedan is claimed to be Mercedes-Benz’s most aerodynamically efficient production model to date, with a drag coefficient of 0.21 contributing to its impressive efficiency and range.
Inside, the new CLA features a redesigned MBUX digital cockpit with a 53.3-in. (135-cm) -wide and 9.0-in. (22.9-cm) -high digital panel integrated into the dashboard. It houses a 10.3-in. (26-cm) display for the instrument cluster and 14.0-in. (36-cm) displays for the infotainment system and front passenger.
The new digital panel runs on the newly developed MB.OS operating system, featuring a CPU capable of processing 800,000 million instructions per second, a GPU delivering 15 trillion operations per second and 1,200 GB of storage. As well as supporting over-the-air software updates, Google Maps-based navigation and a “Hey Mercedes” conversational command prompt powered by ChatGPT, it is claimed to be the first system to integrate AI from both Microsoft and Google in a single unit.
The larger dimensions and space-saving properties of the MMA platform result in increased cabin space (pictured, below). Headroom grows 0.6 in. (16 mm) in the front and 1.1 ins. (28 mm) in the rear. Mercedes-Benz also quotes a 0.4-in. (11 mm) increase in front seat legroom though, despite the longer wheelbase, rear legroom is 0.3 in. (7 mm) shorter than the previous generation. Trunk capacity is 1.9 cu.-ft. (55 L) less than before, now 14.3 cu.-ft. (405 L). However, the inclusion of a 3.6 cu.-ft. (101-L) frunk offsets this, providing an overall increase in cargo space.
Provisional technical specifications position the electric version of the CLA sedan as a clear rival to the Tesla Model 3. Two electric models will be available from launch: the rear-wheel-drive CLA250+ producing 268 hp and 247 lb.-ft. (335 Nm) of torque, and the all-wheel-drive CLA350 4Matic with 349 hp and 380 lb.-ft. (515 Nm) of torque.
Both models use a two-speed gearbox with an 11:1 first gear ratio and 5:1 second gear ratio. The CLA250+ at 5,530 lbs. (2,510 kg) accelerates from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.7 seconds, while the CLA350 4Matic at 5,677 lbs. (2,575 kg) does it in 4.9 seconds, with both models featuring a limited top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h).
Both electric-powered CLA models come with an 85-kWh lithium-ion battery featuring cells with anodes that contain a new chemical mix of silicon oxide and graphite, providing a 20% increase in overall energy density.
The CLA250+ boasts average consumption of up to 4.4 miles/kWh (14.1 kW/h/100km) on the WLTP test cycle, giving it an official range of up to 492 miles (792 km). The CLA350 4Matic is rated at up to 4.2 miles/kWh (14.7 kWh/100km), for a range of up to 479 miles (771 km).
The adoption of an 800V electric architecture – the first for a Mercedes-Benz production model, in combination with a newly developed SiC (silicon carbide) inverter – permits charging at up to 320 kW on a DC system. This in turn allows a 201-mile (325-km) top-up in energy reserves in just 10 minutes, according to Mercedes-Benz. Maximum charging power on an AC system is put at 11 kW. It also supports V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) functions. Although not available at the start of sales, Mercedes-Benz confirms bi-directional charging will be offered through an over-the-air update shortly after market introduction.
The CLA is the first model to feature Mercedes-Benz’s new one-box braking system aimed at significantly improving brake energy recuperation. The driver is offered four recuperation modes: D Auto, D+, D, and D-. To further boost efficiency, the CLA has a new air-to-air heat pump that draws on waste heat from the drivetrain, battery and air. It is claimed to require only a third of the electrical energy of a comparable heater used in other, older Mercedes-Benz models.
Some six months after its launch in Europe, the CLA will also be sold with a new turbocharged 1.5L mild-hybrid gasoline 4-cyl. (pictured, above) engineered by Mercedes-Benz but produced in China by HORSE, a joint venture run by Chinese carmaker Geely and Renault.
The 48V unit operates in combination with an electric motor mounted outside its 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a 1.3-kWh lithium-ion battery, providing electric driving for short distances in situations requiring a power output of no more than 27 hp. Mercedes-Benz confirms the new engine can recuperate energy up to a rate of 25 kW in each of its eight gears.
While Mercedes-Benz has revealed no official data about the CLA’s new ICE, officials tell WardsAuto it is planned in three different states of tune – 134 hp in the front-wheel-drive CLA180, 161 hp in the front-wheel-drive CLA200 and 187 hp in the CLA220 4Matic – each benefiting from a 24-hp boost from the electric motor.
The sedan has a wide range of driver assistance systems supported by eight cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors. New functions include a MB Drive Assist Pro system design for urban driving to Level 2++ certification launching on Chinese versions of the CLA and planned for introduction on North American models in 2026.
The CLA will be produced at Mercedes-Benz’s Rastatt factory in Germany and at its manufacturing facility run in partnership with BAIC in Beijing, China. The Chinese version of the new model will feature a 2.4-in. (60-mm) longer wheelbase in line with previous versions of the CLA.
