The Mercedes-Benz CLA EV is a compact vehicle introducing significant technological advancements.

      Mercedes-Benz is recognized for its top-down innovation strategy, debuting new technology in high-end models such as the S-Class before gradually incorporating it into more affordable vehicles. However, the approach is set to evolve.

      Anticipated to launch in the U.S. later this year, the reimagined 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will remain one of the automaker's entry-level offerings while unveiling the next-generation technology from Mercedes. It will feature a new operating system designed to enhance the prevalence and integration of software-based functionalities. Furthermore, the first-ever CLA EV (known formally as the CLA with EQ Technology) will significantly advance efficiency and charging performance, making this compact vehicle a crucial player in the future of one of the automotive industry's most distinguished brands.

      Design Overhaul

      Initially introduced in 2014, the CLA brought a more dynamic visual appeal to the Mercedes lineup. This trend continues with the 2026 model; however, the introduction of an electric powertrain did not lead to the same aerodynamics-focused design that characterized some of Mercedes’ EQ EVs. Since the electric CLA shares its platform with a combustion engine variant, it retains the recognizable form of the CLA. The compact sedan presents a sporty silhouette with a low roofline, although its dimensions have slightly altered. The new version measures 1.3 inches longer, 0.8 inch wider, and 1.1 inches taller than its predecessor. The elevated roof and an extended wheelbase of 2.4 inches should enhance passenger comfort, yet this traditionally styled sedan achieves a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.21, only marginally behind the more dramatically designed Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan.

      However, the integration of an electric powertrain necessitated some trade-offs. The electric CLA is slightly taller than its traditional counterpart because engineers had to create space underneath the passenger compartment for the battery pack. Designers addressed this by incorporating a lower, elongated grille and side creases, as well as bands connecting the headlights and taillights to mask some of the increased volume. Perhaps the most attention-drawing feature is the illuminated grille adorned with 142 Mercedes three-pointed stars. Enabled by the reduced cooling requirements of the EV, it is complemented by headlights and taillights that mimic the Mercedes logo without replicating it, adhering to German regulations regarding corporate logo displays.

      A Comprehensive Approach to EV Engineering

      Although its styling may not be as extreme as that of the EQ models, the CLA boasts numerous enhancements beneath the surface, optimizing range while keeping the battery size manageable. In the U.S., the battery will have an 85 kilowatt-hour capacity and utilize nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry, with a new formulation featuring less cobalt and more silicon to enhance energy density by 20%, according to Christoph Starzynski, Mercedes’ head of vehicle integration.

      Increased energy density translates to greater range from a given battery size, although Mercedes has yet to reveal specific range figures for U.S. models. Once the charge is depleted, the CLA will be among the first Mercedes EVs equipped with a built-in North American Charging Standard (NACS) port for DC fast charging. This allows owners to use Tesla Supercharger stations without needing an adapter. Additionally, there is a separate AC port for home charging, and the CLA comes with bidirectional charging capabilities, enabling it to function as a backup power source for homes.

      The CLA's Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) also features an 800-volt electrical system for faster charging. With the capability to DC fast charge at up to 320 kilowatts, Mercedes claims that the CLA can recover up to 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The automaker is striving to keep pace, as 800-volt charging is already a feature in Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, as well as Audi’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE).

      Another notable feature borrowed from competitors includes a two-speed transmission for the rear axle, previously seen in the Porsche Taycan. While the CLA is not positioned as a performance vehicle like the Taycan, Mercedes' engineers determined that an additional gear could enhance efficiency without compromising engine responsiveness. "You benefit in many ways, particularly at higher speeds," Starzynski stated. "However, the two-gear design also delivers advantages in urban settings," due to a lower first-gear ratio for smoother starts in traffic, while the higher second gear enhances efficiency on the highway.

      The base CLA 250 with EQ Technology employs a single motor linked to the gearbox, generating 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, enabling it to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in an estimated 6.6 seconds. The CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology adds a front motor, increasing output to 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds.

      Different Packaging Considerations

      The CLA will also be available