- Mercedes CLA 2026: Bigger Size but Less Rear Legroom?
- Exterior Design: A Revolution
- Engine Power
Mercedes has revealed the new Mercedes CLA 2026, with radical changes under the familiar skin that we’ve been seeing lately on new Mercedes cars, especially the electric ones. For the first time ever, the BMW 2 Gran Coupe’s competitor will be available in an electric version, but hybrid versions that are less expensive than the electric ones are also available with a small, turbocharged engine. As expected from a car in its new generation, the CLA has grown in size.
Mercedes CLA 2026: Bigger Size but Less Rear Legroom?
Regarding its size, it's now approximately 1.3 inches longer, reaching 185.9 inches, and slightly wider, reaching 73 inches. The wheelbase has also been lengthened by 2.4 inches to 109.8 inches, and the car is raised by approximately 1.1 inches to 57.8 inches.
Since the car has grown in size, is the legroom more comfortable now? Well, some sources on the internet have revealed that the rear space hasn’t improved. Logically speaking, the reason behind making the car larger is the setup for the electric versions. However, it has become more comfortable for the driver and front passenger, which is important in a small, luxury, and sporty car of this size.
The 2026 Mercedes CLA is the first Mercedes in 90 years to offer front cargo space. There's 70 liters of storage space under the hood.
Exterior Design: A Revolution
The design is reminiscent of luxury Mercedes cars like the A-Class, C-Class, and the electric versions of the EQ range. This is evident in the LED strips at the front and rear, more illuminated stars on the front, and the streamlined shape, free of sharp lines. The sleek body boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.21 in the most aerodynamic version of the car.
While it looks a little familiar from the outside, the interior has been completely changed. The dashboard features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch center infotainment screen, both standard, and an optional 14-inch screen for the front passenger. The screens are surrounded by a generous amount of glossy black plastic.
The three-screen design reminds us of Mercedes' luxury electric vehicles, such as the EQS and EQE. Additional options include a 12.2-inch Head-Up Display and a 16-speaker Burmester speaker system. The design of the air conditioning vents remains the same, resembling a turbine, but the company removed the climate control buttons, so they’re now controlled through the screen. Below the latter, you'll find a wireless charger. A panoramic roof has also become standard, with heat-insulating glass that blocks out harmful radiation and reduces glare.
Engine Power
The base Mercedes CLA comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and 48-volt technology with an electric motor integrated into the transmission. Mercedes says the 1.5-liter engine will be available in two power options, without revealing power figures, with a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. If you opt for the electric version, there are two models to choose from:
· CLA 250+ with EQ technology:
o One electric motor
o 268 hp
o 335 Nm of torque
o 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds
o Rear-wheel drive
o Electric range of approximately 792 kilometers
· CLA 350 4Matic with EQ technology:
· Two electric motors
· All-wheel drive
· 349 hp
· 515 Nm of torque
· 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds
· Electric range of approximately 771 kilometers
Both models come with a two-speed transmission, rear-wheel drive.
Thanks to the availability of 800-volt technology, DC fast charging with an impressive output of 325 kWh is supported. In an ideal scenario, you can add up to 325 kilometers of range after just 10 minutes at a DC charging station.
