Mercedes reveals gorgeous new CLA as each an EV and a hybrid

There isn’t any mistaking the CLA for something apart from a Mercedes

Mercedes-Benz simply revealed the third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA, the German automaker’s entry-level mannequin that can double as its most superior EV.

The CLA was first revealed as an idea in 2023, and those that do not forget that might be happy to be taught that its engaging curves made it into manufacturing. Up entrance, the 2 headlights are linked by a lightbar that spans the width of the automobile, with a faux-grille made up of illuminated stars resembling the Mercedes-Benz emblem, which itself is illuminated. The optionally available Multibeam LED headlights sport three-pointed-star-shaped DRLs, making certain that anybody who sees the entrance finish of the CLA will know what model it got here from.

The rear finish echoes related design parts, with two taillights linked by a lightbar crammed with LEDs. Even the taillights home three-pointed star-shaped parts. There isn’t any mistaking this automobile for something apart from a Mercedes-Benz. Two new paint colours will even be accessible unique to the brand new CLA: Liquid Crystal Inexperienced and Sky Blue Metallic.

The brand new CLA is 185.9 inches lengthy, roughly 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor. The rear trunk takes benefit of that measurement, with 14.3 cubic ft of cargo house that’s amplified by the welcome return of the frunk. It could maintain 2.5 cubic ft of things, bigger than the Nineteen Thirties Mercedes-Benz 130 (W 23), which was the model’s first car with a frunk.

Mercedes-Benz brings three trim ranges to the brand new CLA

The CLA might be accessible in two trim ranges: Progressive Line and AMG Line. Even in its “base” model, normal tools is aplenty. Each CLA Progressive Line will embody LED headlights, energy folding and heated exterior mirrors, auto-dimming rear view mirror, leather-based sports activities steering wheel, energy consolation
seats in MB-Tex with seat heating and 4-way lumbar assist, and THERMATIC single-zone local weather management with air vents for the second row. 4 100-watt USB-C charging ports are additionally fitted normal.

The AMG Line is the sportier variant, with 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, a singular entrance bumper with air intakes and chrome splitter, and a particular rear bumper. The cabin of the AMG Line swaps the common leather-based steering wheel for a leather-based “super-sports” steering wheel with a flattened backside, crimson distinction stitching on the door panels, sports activities seats with MB-Tex/microfiber upholstery, and AMG sports activities pedals in brushed stainless-steel with black rubber studs.

Nonetheless not sporty sufficient? Attempt the AMG Line Plus, which brings AMG Efficiency Parts to the desk like a high-gloss black rear spoiler, illuminated high-gloss black door sills, 19-inch alloy wheels, Purple MANUFAKTUR seat belts, and the Evening Package deal, which blacks out exterior trim parts.

The German luxurious continues inside

The inside is the fantastic mixture of opulence and expertise you’d anticipate from a brand new Mercedes-Benz. The CLA dashboard can home as much as three screens that collectively make up what Mercedes calls a “Superscreen.” Not solely do they span the width of the automobile, however the CLA is the primary to completely use MB.OS, the automaker’s personal working system, and real-time graphics from the Unity Sport Engine.

The motive force will get a ten.3-inch instrument show and a 14-inch heart touchscreen, whereas the passenger can keep entertained with a 14-inch display of their very own. Mercedes-Benz will supply streaming from Disney+ and Sony’s RIDEVU, which supplies motion pictures in addition to video video games. The latter is made doable by cloud-gaming supplier Boosteroid, with both a Bluetooth gaming controller or smartphone ready for use. Video games will be displayed on the middle display if the automobile is parked, or on the passenger display whereas in movement.

All of this may be heard by way of the 16-speaker Burmester 3D Encompass Sound System with Dolby Atmos expertise and an 850-watt amplifier.

Intuitive controls are, sadly, not current on the brand new CLA

After all, being a contemporary touch-screen powered luxurious automobile, frequent sense gadgets like buttons for regularly-used capabilities have been eradicated. For instance, mute has been faraway from the quantity slider, and is now a wholly separate perform on the high of the suitable change panel. The amount also can solely be adjusted with a contact slider or a touch-sensitive button on the steering wheel.

After all, AI has to seek out its manner into the CLA and it does so through the MBUX Digital Assistant. This AI companion relies on ChatGTP4o, makes use of Google Gemini for navigation questions and cost planning, however weirdly depends on Microsoft Bing for searches. Mercedes-Benz additionally claims that the MBUX Digital Assistant can acknowledge the speaker’s feelings throughout dialog and “reply accordingly.” That may’t be cheaper than remedy.

Mercedes-Benz will supply a plethora of inside customization choices

Within the center is a floating heart console cut up between a double cup holder and an optionally available wi-fi charger. Overhead is a panoramic glass roof coated to dam UV rays from the California solar, good for stargazing and different associated actions. House owners can select from quite a lot of trim supplies and fabric colours, as is customary in higher-end luxurious barges. The trim will be completed in pure grain wooden, brushed aluminum, anodized aluminum, and a brand new paper-based materials referred to as “Pure Fiber Zen,” composed of cellulose and hemp fibers.

Seat colours embody black, brown, black with lime inexperienced accents, two-tone black and white, and two-tone black and crimson. Relying in your most popular shade scheme, the seats might be completed in both MB-Tex/microfiber or leather-based.

The brand new CLA isn’t any slouch with regards to energy and vary

Energy-wise, the brand new CLA makes use of an 800-volt structure able to charging velocity as much as 320 kW. The 85.0-kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery incorporates graphite alongside silicon oxide for a 20 p.c increased density and 30 p.c decrease carbon footprint. Energy output is dependent upon whether or not you go for the CLA 250+ with EQ Expertise or the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Expertise. The previous can output as much as 268 hp whereas the latter takes issues to the subsequent stage with 349 hp by way of a two-speed transmission. The CLA 250+ can reportedly get 792 km (492 miles) of vary.

For those who go for the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Expertise, its get together trick is a 107 hp entrance motor that solely prompts when additional energy is required. The corresponding Disconnect Unit (DCU) can decouple the entrance motor when not in use to scale back parasitic drag by as much as 90 p.c. That model also can attain 60 mph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds.

A hybrid CLA is on the best way

For those who desire a hybrid, Mercedes-Benz has you lined there too. An upcoming hybrid CLA is within the works, powered by a transverse turbocharged 1.5-liter Miller-cycle four-cylinder engine that is designed by the automaker however equipped by Geely. That engine might be paired to a 27-hp electrical motor with an inverter and a 1.3-kWh 48-volt battery, and can ship energy by way of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Entrance- and all-wheel-drive powertrains will even be accessible. The hybrid CLA will reportedly be able to recuperating as much as 25 kW of vitality in all 4 gears and as much as 60 mph of solely electrical coasting.

Last ideas

It is clear that Mercedes-Benz just isn’t pussyfooting round with regards to the id of their new fashions. Not solely are they distinctively Mercedes, however the model’s heritage of luxurious and energy has not been misplaced, particularly on the brand new CLA.

Sure, it has extra screens and fewer buttons, however that’s sort of the best way trendy luxurious vehicles are typically, whether or not that is factor or not. Arguably the most effective information right here is the inclusion of a hybrid, making certain that the CLA can enchantment to as broad of an viewers as doable.

The all-electric 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with EQ Expertise and CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Expertise ought to arrive at U.S. dealerships later this yr.