This is the All-New 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The compact luxury sedan enters a new phase with the arrival of the all-new 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA. This vehicle is a major step forward, meticulously designed for the current electric and digital age.

It offers advancements across every dimension – intelligence, efficiency, space, comfort, and refinement. The CLA establishes itself as a leader, built firmly on the pillars of intuitive technology and sustainable performance, achieving a high standard for its class.

The all-new 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the first vehicle to feature the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). It also debuts the fourth-generation MBUX, making it the most intelligent Mercedes-Benz developed to date.

Choose the extended range of the all-electric models or the flexibility of the upcoming high-tech hybrid. Either way, the CLA delivers an experience defined by effortless integration and strong design appeal.

A New Era of Intelligence

At the core of the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA lies MB.OS. This proprietary system transforms the car into a hyper-personalized digital companion, managing infotainment, driver assistance, comfort, and driving functions.

This advanced chip-to-cloud architecture powers the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). For the first time in a production car, it integrates artificial intelligence (AI) from both Google and Microsoft seamlessly into one system. Interacting with your CLA is more intuitive than ever.

The new MBUX Virtual Assistant, activated simply by saying "Hey Mercedes," showcases this intelligence. It enables complex, multi-turn conversations, understands context, remembers recent topics, and even recognizes user emotions expressed during dialogue.

The system responds empathetically via its animated star avatar display on the MBUX Zero Layer. This virtual assistant uses Google Gemini and Maps for detailed navigation insights and answers complex questions using ChatGPT4o and Microsoft Bing search capabilities.

The optional MBUX Superscreen presents a striking visual interface. It stretches across the dashboard, housing a 10.25-inch driver display, 14-inch centre display, and a 14-inch passenger display behind a single glass surface, powered by high-performance chips.

Furthermore, MB.OS enables comprehensive over-the-air updates. This keeps not just infotainment features fresh, but also crucial vehicle functions like MB.DRIVE driver assistance systems current, ensuring your CLA continuously improves over time.

Electric Performance Redefined

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA launches with two capable all-electric variants. Choose the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology delivering 268 hp, or the performance-oriented CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology providing 349 hp and all-wheel drive.

Built on an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture developed from the VISION EQXX program, these models offer new levels of electric driving capability. This system maximizes efficiency and notably reduces charging times compared to conventional 400-volt systems.

The CLA 250+ provides an exceptional WLTP range estimated up to 792 kilometres, enabling long-distance travel with fewer stops. When charging is required, the 800V system supports DC fast charging up to 320 kW. This allows adding up to 325 kilometres of range in approximately ten minutes.

Supporting this performance is a new-generation lithium-ion battery pack providing 85 kWh of usable capacity. Its innovative Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) cells feature silicon-oxide anodes, increasing gravimetric energy density by up to 20 percent compared to previous graphite anode designs.

Efficiency is further enhanced by a unique two-speed transmission integrated into the rear axle drive unit. The first gear optimizes acceleration from standstill, while the second gear improves efficiency during highway cruising. This contributes to an impressive 93 percent battery-to-wheel efficiency.

The CLA 350 4MATIC model adds a 107 hp front-axle motor. A Disconnect Unit (DCU) decouples this motor under low load, reducing drag and improving overall range during relaxed driving conditions.

Also standard is a multi-source heat pump that uses waste heat from the drivetrain and battery, plus ambient air, for efficient cabin pre-conditioning. This practical system reduces the energy needed for heating.

For customers seeking different solutions, a modern hybrid variant with 48-volt technology will follow. This ensures the CLA family offers maximum powertrain flexibility to suit diverse needs and preferences. It will feature a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

Design That Captivates

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA immediately draws attention with its athletic proportions and expressive design language. It features a long 2789 mm wheelbase, short overhangs, and a powerful GT rear end treatment.

Its sleek fastback silhouette is not just visually attractive but also highly aerodynamic. An excellent drag coefficient, starting at just 0.21, enhances efficiency and range, aided by features like optimized wheel spoilers and a smooth underbody.

The front end showcases a sporty shark-nose profile. A main highlight is the innovative seamless star panel grille, optionally available with full illumination – a production first for Mercedes-Benz, featuring 142 individual LED stars.

Distinctive star-shaped elements grace the optional MULTIBEAM LED daytime running lights and the standard LED taillights. These are connected by light bands, creating an easily recognizable signature day or night, reinforcing the brand identity.

Inside, the minimalist design philosophy creates a new luxury experience for this segment. The focus is on floating high-tech elements like the optional MBUX Superscreen and the split-level, high-positioned centre console enhancing the sporty feel.

Passengers benefit from increased spaciousness, particularly headroom (Front: 1039 mm / Rear: 935 mm). This improved sense of space is aided by the higher roofline and the standard fixed panoramic glass roof, which fills the cabin with light.

In a practical touch, the all-electric CLA models feature a frunk (front trunk). This offers approximately 71 litres of convenient storage space under the hood, useful for charging cables or smaller bags. Sustainable materials are also used extensively throughout the interior.

The all-new 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA marks a major advancement. It integrates advanced intelligence with capable electric performance and a design that appeals strongly. It offers a hyper-personalized, intuitive driving experience designed to stay current.

With extensive range figures, rapid charging capabilities, increased spaciousness, and the promise of powertrain flexibility, the CLA is set to influence the compact luxury segment for a new phase of mobility. It provides advanced technology with the lasting appeal of Mercedes-Benz.

To explore this future of driving, connect with our team at Mercedes-Benz Blainville and learn how you can be among the first to experience the all-new CLA.