Mercedes-Benz has released pricing and technical details for the 2026 CLA, an all-electric compact sedan positioned as the first entry in a new generation of models. The vehicle will begin reaching the U.S. market in late 2025, with broader availability expected during the first quarter of 2026. It serves as a compact four-door intended to expand the company’s electric lineup while introducing updated software, new driver-assistance capabilities, and higher-voltage charging architecture.
The starting price for the CLA 250+ is $47,250, excluding the mandatory $1,250 destination charge, bringing the total to $48,500. The CLA 350 4MATIC starts at $49,800 before destination. Both versions share the same 85-kWh usable battery capacity, fast-charging hardware, and overall dimensions, but differ in power output, driven wheels, estimated range, and acceleration.
The electric CLA is built on an 800-volt electrical system designed to reduce charging times and improve overall efficiency. When connected to a compatible DC fast charger capable of supplying up to 500 amps, the sedan can accept up to 320 kW of charging power under optimal conditions. According to manufacturer estimates, the vehicle can add about 100 miles of driving range in approximately five minutes, or up to 202 miles in roughly ten minutes. A 10-to-80-percent charge is estimated at about 22 minutes. These times are variables dependent on charger capability, ambient conditions, battery temperature, and state of charge.
Two variants will be offered at launch. The CLA 250+ uses a single permanently excited synchronous motor powering the rear wheels. Output is rated at 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The estimated EPA range for this model is up to 374 miles. The CLA 350 4MATIC adds a second motor and a front disconnect unit, enabling all-wheel drive. Combined output increases to 349 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with an estimated range of 312 miles. Both versions share a limited top speed of 130 mph, while 0-to-60-mph acceleration is estimated at 6.6 seconds for the 250+ and 4.8 seconds for the 350 4Matic.
The exterior design incorporates a fastback-style profile with a long, sloping roofline and a cab-rearward stance. The front fascia includes an illuminated grille containing 142 individual LED elements arranged in a star pattern surrounding an illuminated central emblem. Standard LED headlights feature a star-shaped reflector design, while an optional LED Intelligent Light System provides an alternate signature and enhanced functionality. Flush-fitting power door handles, included on upper trims, help smooth the body sides and reduce aerodynamic drag.
Buyers can select from eight exterior paint colors, including Liquid Crystal Green and Sky Blue Metallic. Three wheel sizes are available—17-, 18-, and 19-inch designs—with an emphasis on aerodynamic efficiency. AMG Line and AMG Line Plus packages modify the appearance with revised bumpers, unique side sills, and blacked-out exterior elements, depending on configuration.
Interior materials include MB-Tex, MB-Tex/Microfiber blends, and optional leather. Trim elements range from open-pore wood to brushed aluminum and natural-fiber composites. The cabin can be configured with the optional MBUX Superscreen, which spans much of the dashboard and integrates a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central display, and an additional 14-inch passenger display behind a continuous glass surface. The interface is powered by the MB.OS software platform, supporting updated graphics, voice controls, and over-the-air feature updates. An optional 16-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound System provides 850 watts of output and integrates Dolby Atmos processing.
The CLA includes standard driver-assistance technologies such as Distronic, Blind Spot Assist Plus with exit warning, Evasive Steering Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and other features bundled within its digital systems. Additional capabilities are available through MB.Drive Assist, which adds Lane Change Assist and Steering Assist functions. These features require the user to activate connected services through a Mercedes me account.
Three trim levels will be offered: Standard, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. The Standard configuration includes MB.OS-based MBUX, facial-recognition profile identification, heated power front seats with four-way lumbar support and memory, wireless smartphone integration, a fixed panoramic glass roof, LED headlights, Blind Spot Assist Plus, Lane Keeping Assist, and both Pre-Safe and Pre-Safe Sound. All models also include basic digital extras such as navigation with electric-intelligence routing for seven years.
The Exclusive trim adds flush-fitting power door handles, Keyless-Go, dual-zone automatic climate control, MB.Drive Parking Assist, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, and a rear-seat armrest with cupholders. These additions represent convenience and comfort updates that expand on the equipment found in the base configuration.
The Pinnacle trim includes all features from the lower trims and adds the MBUX Superscreen, MB.Drive Parking Assist 360, a digital vehicle key, a one-year MBUX Entertainment Package trial, the LED Intelligent Light System, Hands-Free Access for automatic trunk operation, a Keyless-Go convenience package, a power-closing trunk, and illuminated door sills. This configuration positions the Pinnacle as the most feature-complete version of the CLA, combining more advanced technology with additional convenience features.
Mercedes-Benz continues to expand its electric-vehicle offerings in the United States, where it currently sells 18 model lines across passenger cars, SUVs, and vans. The CLA joins the company’s broader electrification strategy by offering a compact sedan with long-range capability, higher-voltage charging hardware, and updated driver-assistance technologies packaged within familiar sedan proportions.
The vehicle’s connected features, including navigation, driver-assistance enhancements, remote services, and digital keys, require a linked user account and acceptance of applicable terms of use. Charging estimates are subject to variation, and manufacturer-provided performance targets remain preliminary until official certification becomes available.
The 2026 CLA represents a continuation of Mercedes-Benz’s effort to expand its presence in the EV market by combining higher-voltage battery systems with familiar brand technology such as Pre-Safe, Distronic, and MB.Drive Assist. With a starting price under $50,000 before destination and multiple trim levels targeting different levels of equipment, the CLA offers a compact sedan alternative to the company’s electric SUVs while maintaining traditional sedan packaging.
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