Mercedes‑Benz has unveiled the second‑generation CLA, and the all‑electric variants arrive bearing headline figures designed to turn heads on Australian roads. The new CLA – the first model built on Mercedes’ dedicated MMA platform – will go on sale initially as an EV, with mild‑hybrid petrol variants following. Mercedes says the model will reach Australia in the second half of next year.
Powertrain and range
The entry all‑electric model, badged CLA 250+ with “EQ Technology”, uses a single rear motor producing 200 kW and 335 Nm. Paired with an 85 kWh nickel‑manganese‑cobalt battery, Mercedes claims an impressive WLTP range of up to 792 km and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds.
For drivers wanting more pace, the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology adds a second motor for all‑wheel drive, boosting output to 260 kW and 515 Nm and cutting the 0-100 km/h run to 4.9 seconds. Remarkably, the range figure remains high at an advertised 771 km WLTP. Both EV variants use a novel two‑speed transmission to aid efficiency and are capable of DC fast‑charging up to 320 kW, with an 11 kW AC onboard charger for home and destination charging.
Mercedes will later expand the line‑up with more affordable EV options featuring a 58 kWh lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) pack. Petrol customers will get an all‑new 1.5‑litre turbocharged engine paired with a compact 20 kW e‑motor integrated into an eight‑speed dual‑clutch transmission; hot AMG derivatives are expected further down the line.
Design, packaging and practicality
Styled in the vein of the 2023 Concept CLA, the production car retains the sweeping four‑door coupé silhouette but grows in virtually every dimension: 4,723 mm long (+35 mm), 2,021 mm wide (+22 mm) and 1,468 mm tall (+29 mm), riding on a 2,790 mm wheelbase (+61 mm). The larger wheelbase should translate to improved rear‑seat space, though cargo capacity varies by powertrain: boot space is 405 litres (down 51 L versus the outgoing model), while EV buyers gain a 101‑litre frunk for additional utility.
Exterior touches include a full‑width LED daytime running light, an illuminated grille, pop‑out door handles and front and rear lamps with Mercedes’ signature star‑style graphics. Inside, the cabin leans into a clean, minimal theme with the option of an MBUX Superscreen: a combined display housing a 10.25‑inch digital instrument cluster, a 14‑inch infotainment screen and a further 14‑inch passenger touchscreen under a single pane of glass. Shortcuts sit below the glass, and storage is generous beneath the centre console.
Where it sits in the market
With its headline WLTP numbers and high‑power charging capability, the new CLA targets buyers who want EV range and refinement in a compact executive package. Mercedes’ claimed 792 km figure positions the CLA as a strong rival to established players in the electric sedan space – notably the Tesla Model 3 – though real‑world performance and Australian testing will ultimately determine how it stacks up for local buyers. Key questions for prospective purchasers will include true range in Australian conditions, local vehicle specification, availability of the LFP variant and, crucially, pricing and on‑the‑ground charging performance.
Pricing and availability
Mercedes has confirmed the second‑generation CLA will arrive in Australia in the second half of next year. Australian pricing and a full local specification will be released closer to the official launch.
Conclusion
The 2026 Mercedes‑Benz CLA represents a significant step for Mercedes’ compact line‑up, delivering class‑leading claimed range, contemporary interior technology and a broader set of powertrain choices. For Australian buyers, the CLA’s success will hinge on how those WLTP figures translate to real‑world driving, the final local specification mix and competitive pricing. If Mercedes’ claims hold up, the CLA could be a compelling alternative to existing electric sedans, blending the marque’s traditional refinement with a convincing EV proposition.
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