SHERIDAN, WYOMING – December 8, 2025 – With the all-new electric 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA, U.S. drivers are getting a sleek compact sedan that blends long-range electric performance, eye-catching design and intuitive tech into one everyday-friendly package. As the first model in a completely new family of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the electric CLA is designed to feel smart, stylish and surprisingly practical for real-world commuting and weekend escapes.
A Stylish Electric Sedan Built for Daily Life
Instead of looking like a science project on wheels, the electric CLA leans into a sporty fastback silhouette and GT-inspired rear design that feels instantly familiar to Mercedes-Benz fans. At the front, a stunning grille with 142 individually illuminated stars and a central illuminated star comes standard, giving the car a distinctive signature at night and in low light.
Depending on taste, drivers can choose from eight exterior paints, including Liquid Crystal Green and Sky Blue Metallic, plus an optional Night Package for a darker, more dramatic look. Aerodynamic 17-, 18- and 19-inch wheel options, as well as AMG Line and AMG Line Plus with Night Package, let you tune the CLA’s character from elegant to seriously sporty. Even small touches like flush-fitting power door handles on higher trims help the car slice through the air while adding to its premium feel.
Electric Range and Charging That Fit a Busy Schedule
Underneath the sculpted body sits an advanced 800-volt electric architecture focused on both efficiency and convenience. With up to 374 miles of EPA-rated range, the CLA aims at drivers who want to use an EV as their main car, not just for short city hops. For those who rack up highway miles, that range can mean fewer charging stops and more spontaneous trips.
On days when you do need to top up quickly, DC fast charging up to 320 kW can add about 100 miles of range in just five minutes, or up to 202 miles in around 10 minutes, when conditions are right. The battery’s usable capacity is 85 kWh on both variants, with DC charging from 10–80% taking around 22 minutes, making it easier to fit charging into coffee breaks or grocery runs.
Two Power Levels, One Clear Mission
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA launches in the U.S. with two versions, both featuring EQ Technology:
- CLA 250+
- Rear-wheel drive with a permanently excited synchronous motor
- 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque
- Estimated 0–60 mph in 6.6 seconds
- Top speed electronically limited to 130 mph
- EPA electric range up to 374 miles
- CLA 350 4MATIC
- Dual motors with a front disconnect unit for all-wheel drive confidence
- 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque
- Estimated 0–60 mph in 4.8 seconds
- Top speed electronically limited to 130 mph
- EPA electric range up to 312 miles
With starting MSRPs of $47,250 for the CLA 250+ and $49,800 for the CLA 350 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz is clearly positioning the electric CLA as a gateway into premium EV ownership for U.S. drivers who want both performance and refinement.
High-Tech Cabin with Room to Personalize
Inside, the electric CLA feels more like a boutique lounge than a traditional compact sedan. Customers can choose between MB-Tex/Microfiber, MB-Tex and leather upholstery in diverse styles, combined with open-pore wood, aluminum or natural fiber trim finishes. In higher trims, the optional MBUX Superscreen spans the dashboard with a 10.25-inch driver display, 14-inch central display and an additional 14-inch passenger display behind a single glass surface.
Audio fans can elevate the mood further with the optional Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System, offering 16 speakers, 850 watts of power, Dolby Atmos® technology and individualized sound personalization. Add in a fixed panoramic glass roof and 64-color ambient lighting (Exclusive Trim and above), and the CLA’s cabin can shift from calming to energetic at the touch of a button.
Trim Levels: From Well-Equipped to Fully Loaded
Even the standard electric CLA arrives well equipped for everyday comfort and safety, featuring:
- Next Generation MBUX infotainment powered by MB.OS
- MBUX profile identification via facial recognition
- Heated power front seats with four-way lumbar and memory
- MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence (7 years)
- Wireless smartphone integration
- Fixed panoramic glass roof
- High Performance LED headlights
Advanced driver assistance systems are also a core part of the package. Standard Digital Extras include Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Blind Spot Assist Plus with Exit Warning, an Evasive Steering function, Lane Keeping function, PRE-SAFE and PRE-SAFE Sound.
Moving up to the Exclusive Trim adds features like:
- Flush-fitting power door handles
- KEYLESS-GO
- Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 64-color ambient lighting
- Wireless smartphone charging and rear seat armrest
The Pinnacle Trim builds on this with:
- Full MBUX Superscreen
- Digital Extras such as MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 and Digital Vehicle Key
- MBUX Entertainment Package (1 year)
- LED Intelligent Light System and head-up display
- HANDS-FREE ACCESS, KEYLESS-GO Convenience Package
- Power closing trunk and illuminated door sills
3 Ways the Electric CLA Makes Everyday Life Easier
- Less range anxiety: With up to 374 miles of range on the CLA 250+, many drivers can cover several days of commuting and errands before thinking about a charger.
- Fast top-ups on busy days: The ability to add substantial range in 5–10 minutes at a DC fast charger fits naturally into tight schedules.
- Smart tech that feels intuitive: From facial recognition profiles to intelligent navigation and driver assistance, the CLA’s systems aim to quietly remove friction from daily driving rather than overwhelm you with menus.
With U.S. press drives starting in December and the first vehicles arriving on American roads shortly after, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is set to become a compelling choice for drivers who want a stylish, intelligent and genuinely usable electric car. Learn more and explore the full model range at https://www.mbusa.com.