Key Points
- The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA With EQ Technology compact sedan features two variants with three trims each and will go on sale in the first quarter of 2026.
- Up to 349 horsepower and range up to 374 miles
- Pricing starts at $48,500 (all prices include $1,250 destination fee)
Mercedes-Benz is launching the third generation of its smallest car for 2026 — and the CLA will initially only be available as an electric vehicle. (A hybrid powertrain will be available later.) For its new compact, Mercedes is adopting the clunky naming convention it debuted with the electric G-Class SUV: [model name] With EQ Technology.
Related: Mercedes-Benz Debuts All-Electric 2026 CLA With EQ Technology
Release Date and Pricing
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA With EQ Technology will go on sale in the first quarter of 2026 in two versions. The rear-drive CLA250+ With EQ Technology has a base price of $48,500, and the all-wheel-drive CLA350 4Matic With EQ Technology starts at $51,050.
Trim Levels and Safety Features
Mercedes-Benz says the 2026 CLA’s standard suite of safety technologies is the most comprehensive it has ever equipped in a compact car. The roster includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure steering assist, blind spot intervention, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, emergency steering assist and automatic high beams.
In standard equipment, the 250+ and 350 4Matic differ only in their wheel fitment: The 250+ rides on 17-inch wheels and the 350 on 18s. Otherwise, both include LED head- and taillights, a fixed panoramic moonroof and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Inside are synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14-inch touchscreen with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Two trim-level packages are available for the CLA. The Exclusive upgrades the compact EV with flush door handles, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging and automated parking. To that, the Pinnacle adds upgraded LED headlights with unique signature daytime running lights, a 14-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, a hands-free power trunk, Digital Key capability that allows the owner to use their smartphone as a vehicle key, a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display.
A pair of packages also offer additional safety tech. Digital Extra: MB.Drive Assist includes semi-autonomous highway driving with automated lane changes, while Digital Extra: MB.Drive Assist Pro adds road-sign and traffic-light recognition.
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Powertrain Specs and MPG
The 2026 CLA250+ With EQ Technology is powered by a single electric motor driving the rear wheels with 268 hp and 247 pounds-feet of torque. The CLA350 4Matic boasts two motors, one driving each axle for all-wheel drive and a combined output of 349 hp and 380 pounds-feet. With the CLA, Mercedes joins the small cadre of EV manufacturers fitting their electric motors with two-speed transmissions, enabling a more favorable balance of efficiency and performance. Mercedes claims the 350 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds versus 6.6 seconds for the 250+.
Both versions of the 2026 CLA draw juice from an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The cars’ 800-volt architecture allows them to charge at up to 320 kilowatts on a DC fast charger, adding 100 miles of range in just five minutes and up to 202 miles in as few as 10 minutes. The 250+ has an estimated range of 374 miles on a charge, while the 350 4Matic’s more powerful motors will drain the battery in 312 miles.
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