The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA will be available to order soon, with mild-hybrid variants available from $66,500 before on-road costs and electric power available from $72,200 before on-roads.
Mercedes-Benz says the new-generation CLA, available with a choice of 48V mild-hybrid or pure electric power for the first time, will be available to order in the coming weeks.
Customer deliveries of mild-hybrid variants will commence in June, with electric variants to follow in July.
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The base price has dropped from $73,200 before on-roads in the previous CLA200.
The CLA rides on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) with steel-sprung ‘comfort’ suspension incorporating newly developed three-link front and multi-link rear axles.
The new-generation small premium sedan has grown in size, with its wheelbase stretched by more than 60mm and overall length rising by 35mm.
Mild-hybrid versions use a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.3kWh lithium-ion battery.
Power and torque vary across the mild-hybrid range, from the modest 100kW/200Nm outputs of the front-wheel drive CLA180 up to the 140kW/300Nm figures of the all-wheel drive CLA220.
For context, the previous CLA200 produced 120kW/270Nm from its 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, while the CLA250 4Matic used a larger 2.0-litre turbo-four with outputs of 165kW and 350Nm.
Mercedes-Benz says the new CLA’s mild-hybrid system provides torque assistance across the rev range, and can recuperate energy to improve efficiency.
The electric motor and inverter is integrated into a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
At urban speeds or when less than 20kW is needed, mild-hybrid CLAs can run on electric power exclusively.
The ‘CLA200 electric’ combines a 200kW electric motor with a two-speed transmission at the rear, and an 800V electrical system supporting DC fast-charging of the 85kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery at up to 320kW. A DC converter is standard so 400V chargers can be used.
The CLA350 4Matic adds an 80kW front electric motor for all-wheel drive. The electric motor will decouple under low load to optimise range.
| CLA180 | CLA200 | CLA220 4Matic | CLA200 electric | CLA350 4Matic electric | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 100kW | 120kW | 140kW | 165kW | 260kW |
| Torque | 200Nm | 250Nm | 300Nm | 335Nm | 515Nm |
| 0-100 km/h time | 8.8 seconds | 8.0 seconds | 7.1 seconds | 7.5 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Combined fuel/energy consumption | 5.4L/100km | 5.4L/100km | 5.8L/100km | 14.4kWh/100km | 14.9kWh/100km |
| Electric range (WLTP) | — | — | — | 470km | 663km |
All CLAs ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, apart from all-wheel drive variants which ride on 19s.
Electric variants are distinguished by a fully illuminated grille with 142 individual LED star elements, instead of an LED-framed chrome unit. The drag coefficient, regardless of powertrain, is a slippery 0.21Cd.
The CLA range comes standard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system running the new-generation Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). There’s an AI-powered voice assistant integrating ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
A 14-inch passenger display is optional, allowing occupants to watch Netflix and Disney+.
Standard equipment on the CLA180 includes:
- Panoramic fixed glass roof
- Heated front seats
- Ambient lighting
- Wireless phone charger
- Surround-view camera
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
CLA200, CLA220 and CLA350 variants feature AMG styling elements inside and out, including sports seats, a sports steering wheel, and light carbon-grain aluminium interior trim – plus a “sporty engine sound”.
A premium package is a $1800 option on the CLA200 and CLA200 electric, on which you can also add high-gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass for $1200.
The premium package is a $2340 option on the CLA350 electric.
Included in the package are multi-beam LED headlights with adaptive high-beam, a head-up display, Keyless-Go Package with hands-free access, illuminated side sills, and a 16-speaker 850W Burmester sound system. These features are standard on the CLA220.
Pricing
| Model | Price before on-road costs |
|---|---|
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA180 | $66,500 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA200 | $68,100 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA200 electric | $72,200 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA220 4Matic | $84,300 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA350 4Matic electric | $91,300 |