2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Hybrid

The new CLA offers more to customers in every dimension: more refinement, more comfort, more intelligence, more efficiency, and more drivetrain flexibility compared to its predecessor. With its athletic proportions and illuminated radiator grille, it makes an emotional statement. Thanks to the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with artificial intelligence (AI) from Microsoft and Google, the CLA is more intelligent, intuitive and individual than any other vehicle in its segment.

Demand is correspondingly high. Since the end of July 2025, the first customers have been driving their fully electric CLA on Europe's roads. Following the successful market launch of the CLA with EQ Technology, the CLA with a highly efficient hybrid drive is now being launched.

"The new CLA is making waves - and for good reason. Offering unique design, everyday practicality and impressive range, electric driving has never felt so effortless. The strong demand for our fully electric models reflects this. By introducing high-tech hybrid variants, customers now have greater flexibility to choose the CLA that fits their lifestyle." Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Marketing & Sales

The new CLA with a completely new, electrified 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine can be ordered in three power levels and with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive from Mercedes-Benz partners in Europe. In Germany, prices start at 46,243 euros. This gives Mercedes-Benz customers the opportunity to choose the CLA with the powertrain that suits their needs and lifestyle. Both attractive leasing and financing options will be available, such as a monthly leasing rate starting at 325 euros for private customers.

The most efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicle with an internal combustion engine in this segment

Visually, the CLA hybrid closely resembles its electric counterpart. One of the few distinguishing features is the grille. The CLA hybrid has the classic radiator grille with central star and Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome. It is framed as standard by a LED light guide, the edges of which are LED-illuminated when the lights are switched on. The inner values are also nearly identical. Thanks to MB.OS and the fourth-generation MBUX, the CLA hybrid is just as intelligent, intuitive and comfortable as the fully electric vehicle. And it combines smart technology with high efficiency. With a consumption of around five litres per 100 kilometres and below, the CLA 180 is the most efficient Mercedes-Benz vehicle with an internal combustion engine in this segment.

Pure electric drive in the city, coast on country roads and recuperate in every gear

At urban speeds and when less than 22 kW is needed, typically gentle town driving, the hybrid models can drive using electric power alone. So-called "electric sailing", i.e. efficient coasting with a decoupled drivetrain, is possible up to a speed of around 100 km/h. A special feature of the motor is its ability to recuperate in all eight gears, recovering up to 25 kW of energy.

Since the torque output of the combustion engine and the electric motor add up, the maximum torque is available over a wide speed range. Furthermore, the combustion engine can be started entirely by the electric motor and the disconnect clutch, eliminating the need for a conventional pinion starter. For enhanced comfort, the start-stop function and switching between the two motors are almost imperceptible to the driver.

New electrified eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with integrated electric motor

The new CLA hybrid features a very compact engine and transmission design. The electric motor and its components are built right into the new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8F-eDCT), making the whole system efficient and space-saving. A new 48-volt battery with lithium-ion technology and an energy content of up to 1.3 kWh powers the electric motor and is also designed to be small and lightweight.

New four-cylinder turbo engine from the FAME engine family with Miller cycle combustion process

The new petrol engine, developed by Mercedes-Benz, is a turbocharged four-cylinder unit with a 1.5-litre displacement, designed for both power and efficiency. It uses a combustion process on the Miller cycle to help save fuel, especially in partial-load operation - a very common driving situation in everyday life. The Miller cycle operates slightly different to a traditional four-stroke Otto engine. The relatively early closing of the intake valves reduces throttling losses and allows a high compression ratio of 12:1.

This engine (M 252) belongs to the Family of Modular Engines (FAME) and is suitable for a variety of vehicle applications. Common features of the FAME engines include an all-aluminium crankcase with NANOSLIDE® coating of the cylinder liners, a cylinder head with a partially integrated exhaust manifold and a turbocharger with a segmented turbine and a switchable scroll connection. Other highlights are the compact charge-air path and the exhaust system mounted close to the engine. Its one-box design is developed to meet future emission standards. The concept of the electric refrigerant compressor with 48-volt technology, adopted from the M 256, reduces friction and allows the vehicle to be air-conditioned when stationary and during electric driving.

At market launch of the CLA, customers can choose from three power levels. Each gets an extra boost of 22 kW from the electric motor. Both front-wheel and 4MATIC all-wheel drive options are available.

Exceptionally intelligent, intuitive and personalised

The inhouse-developed AI-powered MB.OS elevates mobility to an entirely new level. Every vehicle is equipped with supercomputers connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. This enables over-the-air updates of the entire vehicle software, including driving assistance systems. This keeps the CLA up-to-date and attractive for years to come, similar to a smartphone that regularly receives new apps and extended functions.

Thanks to MB.OS, the CLA offers customers a new world of personalised experiences and intuitive interaction between human and vehicle. The fourth generation of the MBUX infotainment system integrates artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google. The MBUX Virtual Assistant uses the so-called "multi-agent approach", integrating AI tools from both companies. It selects the best source for each task - even during an ongoing conversation - drawing on the collective knowledge of the internet. For the customer, conversing with the MBUX Virtual Assistant feels like chatting with a friend. It can provide answers and follow-ups without needing the context to be repeated.

Intelligent navigation with tailor-made route guidance from Google Maps

In the new CLA, the navigation experience is based on Google Maps. Developed in partnership by Google and Mercedes-Benz, the navigation solution is one of the first systems to integrate Google Cloud's new Automotive AI Agent for in-vehicle use with Google Maps. Integrated visual communication also reaches a new dimension with the optional MBUX Surround Navigation. It seamlessly combines, in real time, the driving-assistance view with a 3D representation of the surroundings and route guidance on the driver display. Drivers benefit from improved situational awareness as they can see what the CLA sees and how the assistance systems are supporting them.

MB.DRIVE sets a new standard with advanced driving and parking assistance systems

All CLA models in Europe come standard with extensive safety equipment and the Distance Assist DISTRONIC. Mercedes-Benz bundles additional comfort assistance systems under the name MB.DRIVE. MB.DRIVE ASSIST is available as an option from market launch in Europe. It offers significantly more comfort by complementing Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Steering Assist, making it a state-of-the-art SAE Level 2 driving assistance system. New in the CLA is Lane Change Assist, which facilitates lane changes with a simple click of the indicator stalk. The safety assistance systems can prevent a wide range of accidents.

A new interior and digital experience

All CLA models come with a large panoramic roof. This one-piece fixed glass roof extends seamlessly from the windscreen frame to the rear. This design provides a new interior experience with an almost unobstructed view upwards. This generous sense of space is complemented by digital elegance. The optional, floating

MBUX Superscreen extends across the entire interior width. Behind a large glass surface are the 26-centimetre (10.25-inch) driver display, the 35.6-centimetre (14-inch) central display, and the 35.6-centimetre (14-inch) front passenger display. The extensive infotainment offering for the front passenger includes over 40 apps, video streaming and direct access to Disney+. All displays are powered by state-of-the-art, high-performance chips and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine.

New multifunction steering wheel - the return of roller and rocker switches

The new steering wheel improved ergonomics and intuitive operation. Mercedes-Benz has reintroduced the control concept with a rocker switch for the limiter and DISTRONIC, as well as a roller for volume control, based on numerous customer requests. The capacitive switch panels are seamlessly integrated and provide tactile aids for better orientation. Additionally, some functions have been removed from the control panel for better clarity and usability, making the finger navigation pad for controlling the driver display significantly larger and thus easier to operate.

Headlights and taillights with star light by day and night

With the optional MULTIBEAM LED headlights, the daytime running lights take the form of the Mercedes-Benz star. Connecting the headlights is a band of light. The taillights are also star-shaped and connected by an illuminated design element. This combination gives the CLA a strong and unique visual presence. In conjunction with the MULTIBEAM LED headlights, it forms the new Mercedes-Benz signature. It makes a Mercedes instantly recognisable at all times of the day or night. The standard-fit LED High Performance headlights have a chrome-plated design element in the shape of a star.

Extensive customisation options with AMG Line, Night Package and AMG Line Plus

The AMG Line has been a best-seller with every CLA so far and continues to be available. Exterior features include 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a front bumper in powerful AMG styling with a chrome splitter and a distinctive rear apron. When the door is opened, drivers are greeted with an animated light show on the ground featuring a star pattern. Inside the AMG Line models, there are sporty accents such as a sports leather steering wheel with a flattened rim, red contrast stitching in the door panels, sport seats in black ARTICO/MICROCUT and AMG sport pedals in brushed stainless steel with black rubber studs.

For customers who prefer even more sportiness, the AMG Line Plus is available. It adds additional design elements from the AMG Performance Programme to the AMG Line. These include a high-gloss black spoiler lip, illuminated high-gloss black door sills, and exclusive 19-inch light-alloy wheels. MANUFAKTUR seat belts in red and the Night Package complete the AMG Line Plus.

The optional Night Package adds more sophistication to every CLA. It can be combined with both the standard equipment and the AMG Line. Its components include high-gloss black trim elements on the bumpers, side sills, and beltlines, a high-gloss black exterior mirror cap, tinted rear windows, and specific 18-inch light-alloy wheels.