The new Mercedes CLA: when the star reinvents everything
There are cars that define an era. And then there are those that outright shape an entirely new one. The third generation of the CLA is clearly cut from that cloth. Crowned Car of the Year 2026 by the Car of the Year jury, this compact luxury coupe sedan born in Stuttgart is no longer simply playing in the court of premium rivals — it intends to rewrite the rules of the game entirely. Electric range of up to 792 km, 800-volt architecture, embedded artificial intelligence, an unprecedented frunk for Mercedes… the list is staggering. Buckle up.
Stylish origins: the CLA, the rebellious child of the star
Back to 2012. Mercedes presents the Concept Style Coupe in Beijing, and automotive enthusiasts immediately understand that something new is brewing in Stuttgart. On January 25, 2013, the C117, the first coupe sedan in the CLA family, is officially launched — and the automotive world is blown away.
The CLA first sold in Europe in April 2013, before arriving in the United States in September of the same year. Mercedes celebrated 100,000 units sold in its first year, hailing this launch as "the best in 20 years." The first generation would ultimately reach approximately 750,000 units worldwide.
The original idea? To democratize the look of the larger CLS in a compact and accessible format. With its sleek roofline, frameless windows and a drag coefficient of 0.23 — better than the Tesla Model S at the time — the C117 proved that a compact car could be elegant, high-performing and surprising all at once. And affordable: at its U.S. launch, it carried a base price of $29,900.
Three generations, constant evolution
The C117 (2013–2019): style above all
Derived from the Class A Type 176, the first CLA laid the groundwork for a new three-box coupe sedan body, complemented in 2015 by a Shooting Brake variant. The formula worked beautifully, even if critics pointed out a rear bench seat somewhat sacrificed at the altar of design.
The C118 (2019–2024): maturity assured
The second generation, unveiled at CES Las Vegas in January 2019, addressed the criticisms with improved interior space, the introduction of the first-generation MBUX system and versatile engines. The CLA 45 AMG topped out at 421 hp in its S version. In short, a seriously muscular CLA.
The third generation (2025): complete technological breakthrough
And now the third generation breaks all conventions. The new CLA marks the beginning of a generation of fully electric compact vehicles at Mercedes, built on an unprecedented modular architecture called MMA — Mercedes Modular Architecture. A platform designed natively for electric power, yet flexible enough to accommodate hybrid petrol powertrains scheduled for mid-2026.
The numbers that turn heads
Let's start with the most spectacular. The CLA 250+ features a permanent magnet synchronous motor of 200 kW delivering 335 Nm, coupled to a two-speed transmission on the rear axle — a first gear tailored for city driving, a second that engages from 110 km/h onwards to preserve highway range.
The CLA 350 4MATIC version adds a second motor up front for combined power of 260 kW and 515 Nm, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds. In both cases, top speed is limited to 210 km/h.
But the real shock is the range. The 85 kWh net lithium-ion battery delivers up to 792 km in WLTP cycle for the CLA 250+, and up to 771 km for the 4MATIC. For a compact car, that's simply stratospheric. And charging? Thanks to the 800-volt architecture, rapid charging power can reach 320 kW, allowing you to recover 325 km of range in just ten minutes.
This 800-volt architecture is directly derived from the VISION EQXX concept, a research vehicle designed to maximize efficiency and performance. A lineage that says much about the brand's ambitions.
On the aerodynamic front, the drag coefficient of 0.21 is simply a record for a production compact sedan — and goes a long way toward explaining these exceptional ranges.
Onboard tech straight out of science fiction
The new CLA is the first Mercedes to feature the MB.OS system, enabling OTA updates for all vehicle software. Imagine your car evolving like a smartphone, receiving new features over time.
The new MBUX Superscreen spans the entire width of the dashboard, framing a fourth-generation interface powered by artificial intelligence, in partnership with Google Maps for navigation and charging stop planning.
And to top it off: the new CLA is the first Mercedes in 90 years to offer a frunk, this front trunk that takes advantage of the space freed up by the compact electric powertrain. Handy for charging cables, clever for small packages. A symbolic detail that says everything about the depth of the technological shift underway.
A star that shines as brightly as ever
Three generations, one consistent philosophy: deliver the thrill of a premium coupe sedan in an accessible footprint, never sacrificing elegance or ingenuity. The new electric CLA may be the most accomplished realization of this promise. It combines unprecedented range in its category, ultra-rapid charging straight from the Formula E world, connectivity worthy of a traveling tech lab — all in a body that rivals the brand's finest GTs.
In 2013, the first-generation CLA had redefined what a compact Mercedes could be. In 2025, the third generation redefines what a premium electric car can be. The circle is complete, and what a circle it is.
Official brochures for the Mercedes-Benz CLA are available for free download in our catalog.
