Mercedes-Benz has lifted the covers on the third generation of the CLA, and it’s coming in hot, thanks to an all-electric debut. The new CLA isn’t your average run-of-the-mill sleek four-door coupe — it’s Mercedes’ way of flexing its tech muscles, boasting an AI-powered high-tech cabin, and a battery that promises some serious range. If the old CLA was the stylish underdog of the lineup, this one seems ready to take center stage.
Gone are the days when a car was just a machine to get you from point A to B. The new CLA doesn’t just drive; it thinks, talks, and might even hold a more interesting conversation than your last date, thanks to in-built ChatGPT! Mercedes-Benz claims this is their ‘cleverest car ever,’ and with the latest MBUX Virtual Assistant powered by generative AI, it could very well be. But let’s get to the juicy bits — power, performance, and more.
Electric First: Meet the CLA 250+ & CLA 350 4MATIC
Mercedes is going all-in on electric with the CLA arriving first as an EV later this year. It’s built on the brand’s new MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture) platform, which also underpins the next-gen GLA and GLB. The CLA 250+ serves up 268hp to the rear wheels, while the CLA 350 4MATIC cranks out 349hp with two electric motors. These figures aren’t exactly hair-raising. However, the claimed range is a different story altogether.
Mercedes-Benz claims the new CLA has a range of up to 792km, based on the WLTP test cycle. This is courtesy of a new generation 85kWh battery pack that Mercedes claims is 20% more energy-dense than current batteries in EQ vehicles.
The 800-volt battery architecture means ultra-fast charging — up to 325km (202 miles) of range in just 10 minutes. That’s about the time it takes to grab a coffee and send a few texts. And if you’re worried about polar bears and environmental impact, Mercedes says this new battery has a 30% lower carbon footprint.
CLA Hybrid On The Horizon
Like several other manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz is torn between regulators and legislators forcing EVs onto the market, and buyers who seem to be holding onto internal combustion engines for dear life. More recently, the German manufacturer cut its 2030 electrification targets by half. So what’s the solution? Opt for a two-pronged strategy — hybrids and EVs.
For those not ready to go full EV, a hybrid version is set to launch in early 2026. Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it will come with three power levels, and buyers will get to pick between front-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. No specific details yet, but expect a powerful, efficient system that blends an efficient turbo-petrol with electric motors.
Smarter Than Ever: MB.OS and MBUX AI Magic
Inside the cabin, you’re greeted by the fourth-gen MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) running on the new MB.OS system. This is where things get futuristic. The infotainment setup includes the MBUX Superscreen, powered by the Unity Game Engine for real-time graphics, and an AI-powered Virtual Assistant that learns your habits and understands natural speech. Need to find a hidden ramen spot at midnight? Just ask, and the car will sort it out. Can it find a usable EV charging station for you? Maybe. Hopefully.
It is also the first in-car system to integrate AI from both Microsoft and Google, meaning it pulls from Bing searches and Google Maps to deliver real-time, hyper-personalized navigation. With over-the-air updates, the CLA will stay fresh with new features long after you drive it off the lot.
Design & Aerodynamics: The CLA’s Evolution
If there’s one thing the CLA has always done well, it’s turning heads. The new design sharpens the classic CLA formula — long bonnet, sloping roofline, short overhangs — with muscular fenders and a bold GT-style rear. It is 33mm longer and 28mm taller, while the wheelbase has increased by 61mm.
The front fascia is all-new, featuring a seamless illuminated Mercedes star panel, making this CLA instantly recognizable. At the rear, the taillights now feature a star-shaped LED signature, The design isn’t just about looks; it’s aerodynamic, helping squeeze every last kilometer out of that battery.
Equal Parts Luxurious & Sporty: The Interior
Mercedes has taken a high-tech approach to the CLA’s interior. The floating center console, massive Superscreen, and leather-clad panels scream premium, while new materials — including an industry-first decorative paper trim — add a unique touch. Interested in screen sizes? It gets a 10.3-inch instrumentation display, a centre 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an optional 14.0-inch touchscreen for the passenger as well!
The MBUX Zero Layer interface keeps everything within easy reach, reducing distractions and keeping the driver focused on the road. The standard-fitment panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with light, and the high-end seating options include a black/clean white pearl upholstery that enhances the car’s premium feel. Even the cup holders look stylish!
Performance & Driving Tech
The CLA’s driving experience gets a serious upgrade with MB.DRIVE — a suite of advanced driver-assistance and parking systems. Features like DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control, Steering Assist, and the all-new Lane Change Assist (just flick the indicator, and the car does the rest) bring it closer to autonomous driving.
The electric powertrain is unique in the fact that it features a two-speed gearbox at the rear axle. The first gear ensures quick acceleration, while the second gear maintains power at high speeds, optimizing range and comfort. The electric CLA also comes equipped with a multi-source heat pump, using waste heat from the drivetrain to pre-heat the cabin instead of a conventional heater, thereby improving efficiency slightly — a feature you surely wouldn’t use in Middle Eastern markets.
The next-gen CLA is shaping up to be a game-changer in the premium compact segment. With an electrified-first approach, a staggering range, cutting-edge AI tech, and a design that’s both athletic and futuristic, Mercedes has taken the CLA to an entirely new level.
