The new Mercedes CLA: when the star reinvents everything
There are cars that define an era. And then there are those that completely reshape an entire age. The third generation of the CLA is clearly of that caliber. Crowned Car of the Year 2026 by the Car of the Year jury, this compact sedan coupe born in Stuttgart is no longer simply competing in the premium rivals' arena — it intends to rewrite the rules of the game entirely. Electric range up to 792 km, 800-volt architecture, embedded artificial intelligence, an unprecedented frunk at Mercedes… the list is dizzying. Buckle up.
Stylish origins: the CLA, the rebellious child of the star
Rewind 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 sedan coupe in the CLA family, is officially launched — and the automotive world is blown away.
The CLA first went on sale in Europe in April 2013, before arriving in the United States in September of that 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? Democratize the look of the grand 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, performant, and surprising all at once. And affordable: at its US launch, it displayed a starting price of $29,900.
Three generations, constant evolution
The C117 (2013–2019): style above all
Derived from the A-Class Type 176, the first CLA laid the foundation for a new three-box sedan coupe body, completed in 2015 by a Shooting Brake variant. The formula worked beautifully, even if critics pointed out that the rear bench seat was somewhat sacrificed on the altar of design.
The C118 (2019–2024): assured maturity
The second generation, unveiled at CES Las Vegas in January 2019, addressed those criticisms with improved interior space, the introduction of the first-generation MBUX system, and versatile engines. The CLA 45 AMG peaked at 421 hp in its S version. In short, a seriously muscular CLA.
Third generation (2025): total technological rupture
And here comes the third generation breaking all conventions. The new CLA marks the beginning of a generation of 100% electric compact vehicles at Mercedes, built on an unprecedented modular architecture called MMA — Mercedes Modular Architecture. A platform designed natively for electric powertrains, yet flexible enough to accommodate hybrid thermal engines planned for mid-2026.
The figures that turn heads
Let's start with the most spectacular. The CLA 250+ is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor of 200 kW delivering 335 Nm, coupled with a two-speed transmission on the rear axle — a first gear designed for city driving, a second that engages from 110 km/h onward 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 0 to 100 km/h in 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 allows reaching 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, fast 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 speaks volumes about the brand's ambitions.
On the aerodynamic front, the drag coefficient of 0.21 is simply a record for a series-production compact sedan — and largely explains these exceptional ranges.
Sci-fi embedded technology
The new CLA is the first Mercedes model to feature the MB.OS system, enabling OTA updates of 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 cap it all off: the new CLA is the first Mercedes in 90 years to offer a frunk, that front trunk that takes advantage of the space freed up by the compactness of the electric powertrain. Handy for charging cables, clever for small packages. A symbolic detail that says everything about the depth of the technological transformation accomplished.
A star that shines as brightly as ever
Three generations, one constant philosophy: deliver the thrill of a premium sedan coupe in an accessible footprint, never sacrificing elegance or ingenuity. The new electric CLA is perhaps the most accomplished realization of this promise. It combines unprecedented range in its class, ultra-fast charging drawn from the Formula E world, connectivity worthy of a mobile technology laboratory — all wrapped 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.
