2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV to offer up to 750km of range, petrol power will live on

Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation CLA will arguably be one of its most important models in its modern history, offering sophisticated electric vehicle (EV) technology in an entry-level model.

As previously reported, the new third-generation CLA will debut the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), which can support both full-electric and petrol-hybrid powertrains and will also be used on two SUVs and a wagon. It’ll be used by the brand’s smallest vehicles.

In the electric CLA, the first Mercedes-Benz EV to use an 800-volt architecture, there’ll be a choice of two batteries: a 58kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack, and a flagship 85kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt battery (NMC).

Mercedes-Benz claims 58kWh versions can drive for up to 600km on a charge, while 85kWh versions can go for 750km.

The longest-range EV from the three-pointed star at present is the EQS 450+ liftback, which has a claimed 774km of range on the WLTP cycle.

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Those figures are thanks to a claimed efficiency of 12kWh/100km on Europe’s WLTP lab test cycle. For context, the base Tesla Model 3 RWD has a claimed power consumption of 13.2kWh/100km in the same lab test.

The higher-capacity battery can also be charged at up to 350kW on DC power.

EV versions of the CLA will be offered with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.

Rear-wheel drive examples utilise a 200kW motor (marketed as the Electric Drive Unit 2.0) which features a two-speed gearbox, a first for an ‘entry-level’ EV, that’s claimed to improve efficiency at varying speeds.

All-wheel drive CLAs add a 80kW electric motor on the front axle, which is decoupled when not needed in order to further increase the sedan’s efficiency.

While much of the focus is on the new CLA’s claimed range figures, Mercedes-Benz is hedging its bets by also developing the model as a mild-hybrid, as demand for full-electric models cools in certain markets.

Powering the CLA will be a new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which features an integrated 20kW electric motor.

A 1.3kWh, 48-volt lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric motor, which supplements the petrol engine’s outputs.

Mercedes-Benz says it’ll offer three output levels initially, with 100kW/200Nm, 120kW/250Nm and 140kW/300Nm options.

For context, the front-wheel drive CLA200 currently on sale in Australia produces 120kW/270Nm from its turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, which also features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system in the form of a belt-driven starter-generator.

Depending on the market, buyers will be given the choice of front- or all-wheel drive.

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t yet provided claimed fuel consumption figures for the upcoming hybrid CLA, but it’s expected to be more efficient than the current model.

While Mercedes-Benz’s latest release detailing the CLA only included these photos with clear bodywork additions to disguise the model, a more pared-back version was unveiled at the Festival d’Hyères fashion show last month.

The production model is expected to be a toned-down version of what was previewed by the Concept CLA Class from the 2023 Munich motor show.

It’ll feature frameless windows, a slightly drooping rear deck, and arched roof line which have become mainstays of the CLA range, while flush-fitting door handles and circular lighting signatures will make their debut on the ‘coupe’ styled sedan.

Production of the new CLA is expected to start in Germany and China in the latter half of 2025, meaning it’s likely the third-generation sedan won’t arrive in Australia until 2026.

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