2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA breaks cover

The new-generation 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has made its long-awaited global debut and will arrive Down Under in the second half of next year.

Officially the first model to use the Mercedes’ new MMA platform, the second-gen CLA will be offered globally in both battery-electric and mild hybrid forms, though the former is set to hit showrooms first.

Thus far, only a couple of variants have been detailed, both wearing the now signature ‘with EQ Technology’ suffix to reflect their electric identities.

The entry-level CLA 250+ with EQ Technology features an 85kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery pack and a 200kW/335Nm motor on the rear axle, a combination supposedly good for up to 792km of WLTP range and 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds.

Upping the ante with an e-motor on the front axle as well as the rear is the CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology, which pumps out a combined 260kW/515Nm for a 4.9-second dash to 100km/h and will cover up to 771km on a full charge.

Both versions utilise a two-speed transmission and can be recharged at up to 320kW on DC power and 11kW on AC seeing as they share the same battery pack.

A more affordable variant fitted with a 58kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery is due to be revealed and detailed later this year, whereas the mild hybrid versions will all be fitted with turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines and a 20kW e-motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Where AMG fits into all this remains to be seen.

On a design front, the new CLA predictably looks like a toned-down version of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA with a lot of soft edges, full-width lighting signatures, illuminated solid grille, flush door handles, heaps of tri-pointed star motifs and subtly aerodynamically optimised wheels.

The new model retains its predecessor’s four-door coupe silhouette but measures 35mm longer (4723mm), 22mm wider (2021mm), 29mm taller (1468mm) and sits on a 61mm longer wheelbase (2790mm).

Boot space has shrunk some 51 litres to 405 – partially offset by the 101L frunk.

Things inside the cabin are quite obviously tech-focused with an abundance of screens, displays and interfaces, especially when the optional MBUX Superscreen – housing a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 14-inch infotainment and 14-inch passenger display under a single pane of glass – is fitted.

Mercedes itself says the interior is minimalist and with next to no physical buttons anywhere to be found save for the doors and some shortcuts on the centre console, it seems all key vehicle controls are housed within the screens.

Australian pricing and specification details will be announced closer to the new CLA’s launch next year.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au