Our Opinion - 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Review Mercedes-Benz’s base sedan has been in the CLA class for more than a decade. It is now in its third generation, which comes with new looks and a hybrid engine. After the two new electric CLA models that we look at separately, there will be updated 48-volt hybrid models as part of a growing lineup. We know that the hybrid CLA will come in at least two trim levels, most likely a front-wheel-drive model and a more powerful all-wheel-drive model. Mercedes hasn’t given us all the information yet, but we do know that they exist. The all-new CLA-class can fight with subcompact cars like the Audi A3 and the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe thanks to its new fastback shape and innovative hybrid setup. What's New? The CLA class has moved into its third generation, which brings some big changes for the better. For the upcoming CLA, Mercedes-Benz has made a whole new base that will be used for three vehicles: a CLA station wagon, two small SUVs, and the CLA. The CLA still has its egg-shaped fastback shape, but it has new front and rear styling with the Mercedes-Benz star design in the headlights and taillights. It features a newly introduced 48-volt hybrid system paired with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, which together form its hybrid powertrain. Two more fully electric CLA models will be added to the hybrid CLA range. These models are set to come out before the hybrids. Pros and Cons Pros Available now as an electric or hybrid model, Advanced EV charging capabilities, Sleek fastback design. Cons A hybrid model will be introduced at a later date. There will be no plug-in hybrid version available. Engine, Transmission, and Performance There will be a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 48-volt hybrid drivetrain in the 2026 Mercedes CLA. Mercedes has said that the CLA hybrid will come with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, but we don’t know all the details of the engine yet. A new Benz eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will operate in conjunction with a 1.3-kWh battery and a 27-hp electric motor to power the system. When the electrical transmission is separated from the engine, the car can run on electricity alone for short lengths. We recently tested a pre-production version of the hybrid. We found that its innovative electronic braking system stopped the car quickly and smoothly and that it could switch between gas and electric power without any problems. We will add more driving impressions to this area as soon as we get the chance to test a production vehicle. Safety The CLA comes with a lot of tools that help the driver, like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. Some important safety features could be: Most automatic emergency braking systems are capable of distinguishing between a cyclist and a pedestrian. Includes standard lane departure warning and assistance for maintaining your lane. You can get adaptive speed control and lane-centering. Internal and External Cargo Capacity Inside the CLA, high-end parts are mixed with ultramodern design. A huge infotainment screen and a digital instrument panel overshadow the front cockpit. However, the interior looks classy thanks to brushed metal accents and high-quality leather seats. Because it is bigger on the outside, the new CLA has a little more space and legroom than the old one. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The EPA has yet to release the new CLA-class hybrid’s fuel consumption. We will update this story as soon as we have EPA data and can test the CLA’s highway fuel economy at 75 mph. Infotainment and Connectivity The panel is mostly for digital real estate, which shows that the new CLA put a lot of thought into interior technology. A 14-inch tablet for entertainment and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display come as standard. An optional display that goes across the whole car called the MBUX Superscreen, adds a 14-inch screen for the passenger to Mercedes’ already huge entertainment system. The CLA’s entertainment, navigation, and driving assistance systems are all run by Mercedes’ new MB.OS operating system. This system has features like software updates over the air and a new virtual assistant based on AI. Range, Charging, and Battery Life Mercedes hasn’t said how long it takes the CLA hybrid to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour, but they say the most powerful electric version can do it in 4.8 seconds. Since the hybrid CLA is anticipated to consume significantly less electricity than the electric version, it wouldn’t be surprising if it reached 60 mph in approximately 6 seconds. Price and How to Choose The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is expected to be priced between $47,000 and $58,000, depending on the selected options and specifications. Mercedes hasn’t said how much the CLA class will cost yet, but we do know that it will come in at least two different versions: one with front-wheel drive and one with all-wheel drive. New CLAs all come with LED headlights, heated and power-folding outside mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and heated front seats that can be adjusted in four different ways. We will make changes to this post as we learn more about CLA-class prices.
