Mercedes-Benz USA has announced pricing for the all-new electric CLA, with the rear-wheel-drive CLA 250+ starting at $47,250 and the all-wheel-drive CLA 350 4MATIC at $49,800. Both prices exclude the $1,250 destination charge. The 2026 model year vehicle represents the first entry in a new Mercedes-Benz electric vehicle family built on an 800-volt architecture. U.S. press launches begin in December, with customer deliveries starting shortly after and volume ramping through Q1 2026.
Highlights
- 800-volt architecture enables DC fast charging up to 320 kW, adding 100 miles of range in five minutes or 202 miles in 10 minutes under optimal conditions
- EPA-rated range reaches up to 374 miles for the CLA 250+ and 312 miles for the CLA 350 4MATIC
- Two powertrains offered: 268-hp rear-motor configuration or 349-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive system
- Three trim levels available: Standard, Exclusive, and Pinnacle, with MBUX Superscreen optional on top trim
Powertrain and Charging Specifications
The CLA 250+ utilizes a single rear-mounted permanently excited synchronous electric motor producing 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes-Benz estimates 0-60 mph acceleration at 6.6 seconds.
The CLA 350 4MATIC employs dual permanently excited synchronous motors with a front disconnect unit, delivering 349 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. This configuration achieves an estimated 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds.
Both variants share an 85-kWh usable battery pack and support identical charging capabilities:
- DC fast charging: Up to 320 kW
- AC charging: 9.6 kW
- 10-80% DC charge time: 22 minutes
- Top speed: 130 mph (electronically limited)
Charging times assume DC fast charging stations with 500 amps under optimal conditions. Actual performance varies based on charger capability, battery temperature, and state of charge.
Exterior Design and Options
The CLA features a fastback silhouette with GT-inspired rear styling. Standard equipment includes a grille with 142 individually illuminated stars and a central illuminated Mercedes-Benz emblem. High Performance LED headlights with star reflector design come standard, while the LED Intelligent Light System with star daytime running signature is optional.
Exterior personalization options include:
- Eight paint colors, including new Liquid Crystal Green and Sky Blue Metallic
- Wheel designs in 17-, 18-, and 19-inch aerodynamic configurations
- Night Package option
- AMG Line and AMG Line Plus with Night Package
Flush-fitting power door handles, included on Exclusive and Pinnacle trims, contribute to aerodynamic optimization.
Interior Technology and Features
The optional MBUX Superscreen configuration combines three displays behind a continuous glass surface: a 10.25-inch driver display, 14-inch central display, and 14-inch front passenger display. The system runs on MB.OS and includes MBUX Profile Identification via facial recognition.
Audio options include an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with 16 speakers, 850-watt output, and Dolby Atmos support.
Interior material choices span MB-Tex/Microfiber, MB-Tex, and leather upholsteries. Trim options include open-pore wood, aluminum, and natural fiber finishes.
Driver Assistance Systems
Standard advanced driver assistance features include:
- Digital Extra: Distance Assist DISTRONIC
- Blind Spot Assist Plus with Exit Warning
- Evasive Steering function
- Lane Keeping function
- PRE-SAFE and PRE-SAFE Sound
The optional Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE ASSIST package adds Steering Assist and Lane Change Assist capabilities.
Trim Level Breakdown
Standard Trim
Core equipment includes Next Generation MBUX infotainment, heated power front seats with four-way power lumbar support and memory, fixed panoramic glass roof, and seven years of MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence.
Exclusive Trim
Adds flush-fitting power door handles, KEYLESS-GO, Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST, dual-zone automatic climate control, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, and rear seat armrest with cupholders.
Pinnacle Trim
Includes MBUX Superscreen, Digital Extra: MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360, Digital Vehicle Key, one year of MBUX Entertainment Package, LED Intelligent Light System, Head-Up Display, HANDS-FREE ACCESS, KEYLESS-GO Convenience Package, power closing trunk, and illuminated door sills.
Digital Extras require a Mercedes me ID and agreement to Terms of Use. The vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account.
Additional information is available at www.mbusa.com and group.mercedes-benz.com/northamerica.
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