2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The CLA-class has served as Mercedes-Benz’s starter sedan for over a decade, and it’s about to enter its third generation with updated styling and a new hybrid powertrain. As part of an expanding lineup, the reworked 48-volt hybrid variants will enter the picture after the release of two new electric CLA models, which we review separately. While Mercedes has yet to divulge all the details, we know that the hybrid CLA will be offered in at least two trims that will likely include a front-wheel-drive model and an all-wheel-drive variant with more horsepower. With its modernized fastback styling and fresh hybrid setup, the new CLA-class is poised to take the fight to its subcompact competition including the Audi A3 and the BMW 2-Series Gran Coupe.
What’s New for 2026?
The CLA-class enters its third generation with some major updates. Mercedes-Benz has developed an entirely new platform for the forthcoming CLA, which will also provide the basis for a pair of small SUVs, as well as a station-wagon CLA variant. The CLA retains its egglike fastback silhouette, but with contemporary front- and rear-end styling that incorporates the Mercedes-Benz star motif into the headlights and taillights. Its hybrid powertrain is entirely new, combining a freshly developed turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with a redesigned 48-volt hybrid system. The hybrid CLA variants will also be joined by two new fully-electric CLA models, which are scheduled to arrive before the hybrids.
The price of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class is expected to start around $47,000 and go up to $58,000 depending on the trim and options.
While Mercedes has yet to announce CLA-class pricing, we do know that it will be offered in at least two different configurations, one with front-wheel drive and one with all-wheel drive. All new CLAs come standard with LED headlights, power folding and heated exterior mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and 4-way adjustable heated front seats. We’ll update this story once we have additional details about CLA-class pricing.
The 2026 Mercedes CLA will use a new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt hybrid system. While we don’t have all the powertrain details yet, Mercedes has confirmed that the CLA hybrid will be offered with two different power outputs and in both front- and all-wheel drive. The system will feature a 1.3-kWh battery and a 27-hp electric motor that is incorporated into a new version of Benz’s eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The electrified transmission can be decoupled from the engine, allowing the car to run on electric power alone for very short distances. During our recent test of the hybrid’s pre-production prototype, we noted that the handoff between gas and electric propulsion happened seamlessly and that its new electronic braking system delivered strong and linear stopping power. We’ll update this section with more driving impressions once we have a chance to test a production model.
Mercedes hasn’t yet given a zero-to-60 mph estimate for CLA hybrid, but they say that the most powerful electric version can reach the mile-a-minute mark in 4.8 seconds. The hybrid CLA will likely have far less power than the electric variant, so we wouldn’t be surprised if it takes closer to 6.0 seconds.
