Summary
- 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA will be available as an EV and hybrid
- The electric CLA can add 186 miles of range in 10 minutes
- It may be the first EV to feature both CCS and NACS charge ports
- The CLA will have an 800-volt electrical architecture with fast-charging capabilities
- Mercedes will focus on electric vehicles with the launch of the new CLA on the MMA EV platform.
Article
Mercedes-Benz is planning to release the 2026 CLA model as an electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid option. The electric CLA is set to feature both CCS and NACS charge ports, allowing for fast charging capabilities and a more advanced electrical architecture. The vehicle will be equipped with an 800-volt electrical system that can recover 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes when fast-charged, making it a convenient and efficient option for drivers. Additionally, home charging will utilize an 11.0-kw onboard charger, providing an eight-hour overnight charge with the U.S.-specific model’s 85.0-kwh usable capacity.
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA will be the first model on the next-gen MMA EV-dedicated platform, with two charge ports, high-power fast charging capabilities, and a hybrid powertrain option. The vehicle will feature a new in-house designed 800-volt electrical architecture, two charging ports under a single door, and will be the first Mercedes EV to include a 2-speed transmission. The electric drive unit, or EDU 2.0, will debut with the CLA, offering scalable motor options and silicon carbide inverters. The regenerative braking system on the CLA will allow for up to 200 kw of recuperation, with one-pedal driving enabled through different regen settings.
The U.S.-specific CLA will be equipped with an 85.0-kwh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery pack, with an 88.5 kwh gross capacity. The new battery pack utilizes prismatic cells and silicon anode materials to increase energy density. The CLA will be capable of bi-directional charging for home and grid applications, and future AMG models will have their own distinct battery pack. The MMA platform is a scalable base for future Mercedes EV models, with a heat pump included on all vehicles. The front electric motor will sit higher than necessary due to the platform accommodating a hybrid powertrain, limiting the space in the frunk.
The hybrid option for the 2026 CLA will feature a new 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic and a 27-hp electric motor. The system will have a total output of 187 hp and be capable of driving on electric power or sailing at speeds up to 62 mph. Regenerative braking will allow for energy recovery into a 1.3-kwh lithium-ion battery pack. The hybrid models will be front-wheel drive, with the option for all-wheel drive with a driveshaft and electronically-disconnecting clutch. The new engine design aims for improved efficiency and lower fuel consumption.
Details regarding pricing, range, equipment, and final specifications for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV and Hybrid have not yet been announced. More information is expected to be released closer to the official reveal and launch of the vehicle. Mercedes-Benz is focused on transitioning to electric vehicles and viewing the future as electric, with the CLA being the first of four new models on the MMA platform to demonstrate the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility. The new CLA will feature innovative technologies and design elements, setting a standard for future Mercedes EVs.
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