Mercedez Benz News Mercedes Gets a Fresh Start with the 2026 CLA EV - 374 Miles of Range Starting at $47,250

[G. David Felt]

Where a couple auto companies have delivered EVs that have surpassed the current industry leader, Mercedes has struggled from the beginning. Their 400V EV start to equal Tesla has not delivered what they thought would be a gold standard for the luxury maker. This has left Mercedes with ending the current EV product line and rebooting their EV dreams that is now a true 800V electrical system, all new EV Platform and a considerable lower starting point for price along with going back to their heritage of current ICE named autos taking a page from Genesis that started with keeping their EVs, ICE and Hybrids all under the same luxury name.

Welcome to the all new 2026 CLA EV.

• Up to 374 miles of range
• Starting price of $47,250
• 800-volt electrical architecture
• 320 kW fast charging
  • 100 miles in 5 minutes
  • 202 miles in 10 minutes

The 2026 CLA EV comes in two trim levels and starts with a bevy of standard features.

Standard Features:

• Next Generation MBUX Infotainment: Powered by MB.OS
• MBUX Profile Identification via Facial Recognition
• Heated Power Front Seats with Four-Way Power Lumbar Support and Memory
• Digital Extras3:
  • Distance Assist DISTRONIC
  • MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence (7 yrs)
  • Wireless Smartphone Integration
• Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof
• High Performance LED Headlights
• Blind Spot Assist Plus with Exit Warning
• Lane Keeping Function
• PRE-SAFE
• PRE-SAFE Sound

Exclusive Trim:

• All Standard Features
• Flush-Fitting Power Door Handles
• KEYLESS-GO
• Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST3
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• 64-Color Ambient Lighting
• Wireless Smartphone Charging in Front Console
• Rear Seat Armrest w/ Cupholders

Pinnacle Trim:

• All Standard and Exclusive Trim Features
• MBUX Superscreen
• Digital Extras3:
• MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360
• Digital Vehicle Key
• MBUX Entertainment Package (1 yr)
• LED Intelligent Light System
• Head-Up Display
• HANDS-FREE ACCESS
• KEYLESS-GO Convenience Package
• Power Closing Trunk
• Illuminated Door Sills

Technical Specifications:

The CLA features what Mercedes calls a sporty fastback silhouette that can be enhanced with various options such as flush-mount power door handles or traditional ones. various LED lighting elements. The customer can personalize the exterior with eight exterior colors, optional night package and a variety of 17, 18 and 19 inch wheel designs. There is also the available AMG Line and AMG Line Plus with Night Package, more details to come as release date gets closer.

The CLA Interior also has the same personalization available, via MB-Tex/Microfiber to leather upholsteries, an extensive choice of available open-pore wood, aluminum and natural fiber trim finishes. MBUX Superscreen and an optional Burmester 3D surround sound system with 16 speakers and 850 watts with Dolby Atmos Technology that allows for personalization of sound per profile.

Does this reboot of the Mercedes EV product line deliver over their first attempt?

Further Details will become available at Mercedes December press release of the 2026 CLA that will update this early Mercedes Sneak Peek.

 

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[Drew Dowdell]

Great range, hate the face though. Still too jellybean

[G. David Felt]

3 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Great range, hate the face though. Still too jellybean

Will give them props for moving forward with 800V system and faster charging compared to the old stuff on the lots right now.

[smk4565]

The front light bar is dumb, that trend is already overdone, Hundyia and Kia, VW, F150 Lightning, etc.   Too many cars do it and it doesn't look good on any of them really.  Other than that I think this car looks pretty good.

The range, charge times and EV specs are great.

I think if the Exclusive trim options were standard at the base price this would be a home run.  For $50k people are going to expect ambient light, rear arm rest, dual zone climate and keyless go.  With options these become $55-60k which is right in C300 4Matic territory, which is more luxurious, bigger and better looking car.  If the CLA EV was in the $50-55k with options and the gas version in the mid 40s I think it would be a strong seller.  

They publicly stated they want to sell over 400k units in the North America by 2030 and take back the sales crown.  Maybe tariffs are part of the problem, that without them this car drops $3k in price and looks like a winner. 

[Drew Dowdell]

6 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

The front light bar is dumb, that trend is already overdone, Hundyia and Kia, VW, F150 Lightning, etc

OMG this! Everyone is doing it now. Tesla too. 

It's like 1986 Mercury Sable all over again.

[smk4565]

1 minute ago, Drew Dowdell said:

OMG this! Everyone is doing it now. Tesla too. 

It's like 1986 Mercury Sable all over again.

Yep overdone gimmick.  And Mercedes is a bit too gimmick heavy on the CLA/GLB unless this is a plan to attract people that never bought a Mercedes and leave the C and E-class as classic, clean styling.

But the CLA some years barely outsells the S-class, so I don't know if they feel like they need to take a gamble and go off script.  

[oldshurst442]

Just now, Drew Dowdell said:

OMG this! Everyone is doing it now. Tesla too. 

It's like 1986 Mercury Sable all over again.

Except on the Mercury Sable, it ACTUALLY looked good. 

Imagine that light bar with LEDs...

I also like the Pontiac Grand Prix too.

 

But modern cars though, I think Lucid does it best. Because you cannot tell its there.

The stainless trim camouflages it.

But its there alright!!! And even at night, its subtle.

 And I like how LUCID lights up

 

But its overplayed, I agree.