Mercedes has once again made waves by unveiling the powerful powertrains for the upcoming 2026 CLA series. The new electric sedan will offer single or dual motor options, boasting up to 375 horsepower, equipped with 800-volt rapid charging technology, and an expected range of 466 miles.
Additionally, a new 1.5-liter hybrid engine will be introduced, delivering a robust 188 horsepower with an additional 27 horsepower electric motor integrated into the transmission. Mercedes is gradually revealing more details about this new compact sedan, offering buyers five different electric and hybrid engine choices. The CLA will be the first car in the new small Mercedes family, which will eventually include sedan, station wagon, and two sporty variants, all built on the same MMA platform that accommodates electric, hybrid, and combustion engine vehicles.
Like the concept car, the production CLA will feature 800-volt charging technology, expected to achieve up to 750 kilometers of electric range, showcasing exceptional electric driving capabilities. The CLA can accept 320 kilowatts of DC fast charging, replenishing 36 kilowatt-hours of energy in just 10 minutes. Customers can opt for a 58-kilowatt-hour LFP battery or a larger, higher-density 85-kilowatt-hour silicon oxide battery.
The base rear-wheel-drive versions will feature a single motor producing 268 horsepower with a dual-speed transmission. The all-wheel-drive models will add a 107 horsepower electric motor on the front axle, which can disconnect when not needed for maximum efficiency.
More powerful AMG versions of the CLA will be unveiled in due time, although Mercedes has not yet disclosed their specifics. The internal combustion engine version will offer a 1.5-liter engine with outputs of 134, 161, and 188 horsepower, each enhanced by a 27 horsepower electric motor hidden within the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Whether it's the two-wheel drive or 4Matic versions, an exhilarating driving experience is guaranteed.
