2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shows the Brand Has Learned From Its Mistakes
Most people will agree that Mercedes-Benz’s first few attempts at selling fully electric vehicles have not been that successful as evidenced by timid demand for the EQE and EQS models, which have had their fair share of reliability issues so far. The German manufacturer itself has admitted that the plan to offer a range of EVs separate from its ICE-powered lineup was probably not the best idea. BMW has done the opposite, and it seems to be working a lot better.
The introduction of the all-new 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA—set to launch in Canada in late 2025—marks a turning point for the brand. The car is based on new modular architecture called MMA, which can accommodate all-electric, hybrid or conventional gasoline powertrains. It’s 60 mm longer than its predecessor, even dangerously close to the C-Class sedan in terms of size, and the first in a long series of vehicles to ride on this platform. More announcements and reveals will be made in the coming months.
- Also: Upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLC EV to Set New Benchmarks, Company Says
- Also: Mercedes-Benz Working on New, Electrified V8
Future MMA-based models will likely include the next-generation GLA, GLB and A-Class, not to mention the sleek CLA Shooting Break that stands no chance of being sold in North America. If you ask us, that’s a real shame because Mercedes-Benz could certainly use a highly attractive and versatile wagon having no equivalent at Audi or BMW. Incidentally, BMW is about to unveil the production version of the Vision Neue Klasse concept, a sedan that will rival the electrified CLA.
Boasting exterior dimensions similar to those of the Tesla Model 3, the new CLA will initially launch in Canada with an electric powertrain featuring an 85.5kWh battery and a WLTP-estimated range of 792 km. The actual number will be more like 615 km, which is still very impressive. That’s for the single-motor, RWD-equipped CLA 250+ EQ. Expect around 585 km of range with the dual-motor, AWD-equipped CLA 350 4Matic EQ.
The CLA’s 800V architecture will give you back 300 km of range in 10 minutes, Mercedes-Benz claims. As for performance, the CLA 250+ EQ delivers 268 horsepower and sprints from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, while the CLA 350 4Matic EQ produces 349 horsepower and reaches triple-digit speeds in just 4.8 seconds. All these numbers sound pretty great, don’t they? By the way, a drag coefficient of 0.21—among the best in the world—will contribute to extremely low energy consumption.
Mercedes-Benz will also offer a hybrid-powered variant in Canada, combining a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and 1.3kWh battery. Power (TBD) will be handled by an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Pure electric driving will be possible at speeds of up to 96 km/h, resulting in impressive fuel economy overall.
Starry Design
The design of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is highlighted by 142 illuminated stars adorning the black-panel grille up front. But that’s only one of many things that make this sedan—or four-door coupe, as the company prefers to call it—look so sophisticated and high-tech.
The interior is just as attractive in addition to offering more legroom in the rear than the outgoing CLA’s cabin. Total cargo room is now 506 litres including 101 litres in the front trunk under the hood (EV only). We also must emphasize the flat floor and standard glass roof, the latter increasing headroom.
At the same time, Mercedes-Benz offers a selection of exclusive colours. The limited Edition One model stands above the rest with a satin black finish and gold accents. Then there’s a wide array of interior trim options, from metal to cork to paper. The last one has a surprisingly refined look and feel, and a water-repellent treatment makes it as durable as wood or aluminum. The sumptuously designed seats further contribute to a rich environment where personalization is unprecedented among Mercedes-Benz compact cars.
The CLA is the first Mercedes-Benz car to feature the new MBUX system, the previous generation of which debuted in the A-Class. It’s said to be more intuitive to use and more ergonomic system, with even more functions. These include the “Hey Mercedes” virtual assistant, a star logo as avatar, artificial intelligence powered by Google and Microsoft, as well as advanced navigation taking into account the nearest charging stations.
The MBUX Superscreen covers the entire width of the dashboard and incorporates a passenger display for watching movies or playing video games.
The Future Looks Bright
With barely 2,000 units sold in the country last year, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is no longer a high-volume model. It still fares better than the Audi A3 (1,318 units), but is outsold by the Tesla Model 3 almost 10 to 1. With hybrid and electric variants in the mix, the next generation is bound to enjoy a lot more success, perhaps stealing a few customers from Elon Musk's company. We don’t have to tell you why.
One thing's for sure, the future looks bright for the CLA. It should also help people forgive Mercedes-Benz for abandoning the affordable A-Class in Canada years ago. We just wish the CLA Shooting Break could come, as well—it’s more handsome and more practical (almost crossover-like) than the sedan. Or four-door coupe, if you prefer.
