2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Sedan 5 seats 6 trims Mid-Range Sedans ($30k-$50k)

Starting MSRP

$42,750

to $67,550

About the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is shaping up to be a surprisingly practical compact sedan, especially considering its stylish looks. It bridges the gap between luxury feel and everyday responsibility, starting around $42,750. The standard mild-hybrid setup delivers a respectable 30 MPG combined, meaning fewer stops at the pump during your weekly routine. While it requires premium fuel, the efficiency helps offset that cost. With 41.8 inches of front legroom, taller drivers will find the cockpit quite accommodating, though the 33.9 inches in the rear means back-seat passengers might feel a bit cozy on longer trips. It’s an agile-looking package, measuring 184.6 inches long, making it easy to parallel park downtown while still offering a usable 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space for groceries or weekend bags.

Key Highlights

Hybrid Efficiency Boost

The standard mild hybrid system achieves 30 MPG combined, offering a tangible fuel economy benefit for daily driving compared to older gasoline-only rivals.

Premium Fuel Requirement

Be aware that the standard powertrain mandates premium unleaded fuel, which is an important running cost consideration for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Manageable Size

At 184.6 inches long and 72.0 inches wide, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers a sleek profile that remains maneuverable for city driving.

Six Trim Levels

With six available trims, buyers can navigate a wide price range, stretching from the entry point of $42,750 up toward the $67,550 top tier.

Best For

Tech-Forward Urban Dwellers - The standard CLA provides a blend of Mercedes refinement and an accessible 30 MPG combined rating, perfect for navigating dense city centers.
Solo Drivers or Couples - The 33.9 inches of rear legroom suggests the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA prioritizes front-seat comfort, making it best suited for those not regularly using the back seats.
Performance Enthusiasts (Upgrading) - The availability of AMG trims and powerful options up to 258 lb-ft of torque means you can opt for significant power within the CLA lineup.

Available Trims

Trim MSRP Drivetrain Horsepower MPG
AMG CLA 35 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM)
$56,600 all wheel drive 302 hp 25 mpg
AMG CLA 45 S 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)
$67,550 all wheel drive 416 hp 23 mpg
CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM)
$42,750 front wheel drive 221 hp 30 mpg
CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM)
$44,750 all wheel drive 221 hp 29 mpg
CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology 4dr Sedan (electric 2A)
$47,250 rear wheel drive 268 hp -
CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology 4dr Sedan AWD (electric 2A)
$49,800 all wheel drive 349 hp -
Specifications comparison table for 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA, 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA, 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA, 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA, 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA, 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA. Data includes dimensions, performance, fuel economy, and interior specifications. Green highlighting indicates best values, red indicates worst values.

Specifications Comparison

Click column headers to sort • Green = Best • Red = Worst

Comparing 6 vehicles • Drag columns to reorder • Click and drag to select multiple cells

Features Comparison

Feature
AMG CLA 35 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM)
AMG CLA 45 S 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)
CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM)
CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM)
CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology 4dr Sedan (electric 2A)
CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology 4dr Sedan AWD (electric 2A)
FeatureAMG CLA 35 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM)AMG CLA 45 S 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM)CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM)CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology 4dr Sedan (electric 2A)CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology 4dr Sedan AWD (electric 2A)
Safety (36 features)
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)4-Wheel4-Wheel4-Wheel4-Wheel4-Wheel4-Wheel
Automatic Headlights
Blind Spot Monitor
Brake Assist
Brake Drying
Brake Preparation System
Daytime Running Lights
Driver Attention Alert
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
Electronic Stability Control
Engine Immobilizer
Front Head Airbags
Front Headrests222222
Front Integrated Headrests
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes
Headlight Delay-Off
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
LATCH System
LED Headlights
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keeping Assist System
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Post-Collision Safety System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear Door Child Safety Locks
Rear Head Airbags
Rear Headrests333333
Rear Integrated Headrests
Rear Solid Disc Brakes
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Traction Control System
Engine (9 features)
Base Engine Displacement2.0 L2.0 L2.0 L2.0 L
Base Engine Typemild hybridgasmild hybridmild hybridelectricelectric
Camshaft TypeDouble overhead cam (DOHC)Double overhead cam (DOHC)Double overhead cam (DOHC)Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Fuel Injection Type
Horsepower302 hp @ 5800 rpm416 hp @ 6750 rpm221 hp @ 5500 rpm221 hp @ 5500 rpm268 hp349 hp
Number of Cylindersinline 4inline 4inline 4inline 4
Number of Valves16161616
Torque295 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm369 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm247 lb-ft380 lb-ft
Variable Valve TimingVariableVariableVariableVariable
Drive Train (7 features)
Center Differential TypeLimited Slip
Drivetrain Typeall wheel driveall wheel drivefront wheel driveall wheel driverear wheel driveall wheel drive
Transmission Type8-speed automated manual8-speed automated manual8-speed automated manual8-speed automated manual2-speed automatic2-speed automatic
[object Object]
[object Object]
[object Object]
[object Object]
Fuel (7 features)
Battery Capacity85.0 kWh85.0 kWh
DC Fast Charging Port TypeNACSNACS
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)297.0/391.5 mi.270.0/378.0 mi.351.0/486.0 mi.337.5/459.0 mi.
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)22/29 MPG20/28 MPG26/36 MPG25/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)25 MPG23 MPG30 MPG29 MPG
Fuel Tank Capacity13.5 gal.13.5 gal.13.5 gal.13.5 gal.
Fuel Typepremium unleaded (required)premium unleaded (required)premium unleaded (required)premium unleaded (required)electricelectric
Warranty (5 features)
Basic Warranty4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty6 yr./ 62000 mi.6 yr./ 62000 mi.6 yr./ 62000 mi.
Roadside Assistance4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Comfort & Convenience (29 features)
Adaptive Cruise Control
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Automatic Parking Assist
Cruise Control
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel
Driver Assisted Parking Assist
Dual Vanity Mirrors
Dual Zone Climate Control
Electric Power Steering
Front Cupholders
Front Door Pockets
Front Parking Sensors
Front Seatback Storage
Interior Air Filtration
Leather Steering Wheel
Push Button Start
Rear Cupholders
Rear Door Pockets
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear Ventilation Ducts
Rear View Camera
Single Zone Climate Control
Steering Wheel MaterialLeather and Simulated Suede
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors
Universal Remote Transmitter
Wireless Charging Pad
In Car Entertainment (13 features)
AM/FM Stereo
Android Auto (Wireless)
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)
Infotainment Display10.25 in10.25 in10.25 in10.25 in14.0 in14.0 in
Premium Speaker BrandBurmesterBurmester
Satellite Radio
Satellite Radio Trial Period6 months6 months6 months6 months6 months6 months
Speaker System121277
Stereo Power590W590W125W125W
Subwoofer Count11
Surround AudioDiscreteDiscrete
USB Port
USB Port with External Media Control
Power Feature (4 features)
Heated Mirrors
Keyless Entry
Moonroof Type1st Row Power Glass Extended1st Row Power Glass Extended1st Row Power Glass Extended1st Row Power Glass Extended1st Row Fixed Glass Extended1st Row Fixed Glass Extended
One-Touch Power Windows444444
Frontseats (19 features)
Driver Seat HeatingMulti-levelMulti-levelMulti-levelMulti-level
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Driver Seat Lumbar SupportPowerPowerPowerPowerPowerPower
Driver Seat Memory Settings333333
Driver Seat Power Adjustments8-way8-way8-way8-way8-way8-way
Driver Seat Thigh Extension
Front Head Room38.5 in.38.5 in.38.5 in.38.5 in.40.9 in.40.9 in.
Front Leg Room41.8 in.41.8 in.41.8 in.41.8 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket
Front Seat Type: Sport
Front Shoulder Room55.1 in.55.1 in.55.1 in.55.1 in.59.5 in.59.5 in.
Passenger Seat HeatingMulti-levelMulti-levelMulti-levelMulti-level
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment
Passenger Seat Lumbar SupportPowerPowerPowerPowerPowerPower
Passenger Seat Memory Settings333333
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments8-way8-way8-way8-way8-way8-way
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension
Seat Material: Leatherette
Seat Material: Leatherette/Sueded Microfiber
Rearseats (5 features)
Folding Center Armrest
Rear Head Room35.7 in.35.7 in.35.7 in.35.7 in.36.8 in.36.8 in.
Rear Leg Room33.9 in.33.9 in.33.9 in.33.9 in.33.6 in.33.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room54.0 in.54.0 in.54.0 in.54.0 in.53.5 in.53.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback
Tires and Wheels (7 features)
Run Flat Tires
Tire Size235/40R18225/45R18225/45R18225/50R17255/40R18
Tire TypePerformance
Wheel Cover TypeFull
Wheel FinishPainted AlloyPainted AlloyPainted Alloy
Wheel MaterialAlloyAlloyAlloy
Wheel Size18 x 8.0 in19 x 8.0 in18 x 7.5 in18 x 7.5 in17 x 8.0 in.18 x 9.0 in.
Suspension (3 features)
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Stabilizer Bar
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Instrumentation (4 features)
Clock
External Temperature Display
Tachometer
Trip Computer
Measurements (10 features)
0-60 mph Acceleration Time4.8 seconds4.0 seconds6.3 seconds6.3 seconds6.6 seconds4.8 seconds
Cargo Capacity (Seats Up)11.6 cu.ft.11.6 cu.ft.11.6 cu.ft.11.6 cu.ft.16.8 cu.ft.16.8 cu.ft.
Country of Final AssemblyHungaryHungaryHungaryHungaryGermanyGermany
Curb Weight3703 lbs.3791 lbs.4530 lbs.3616 lbs.4530 lbs.4530 lbs.
Height55.3 in.55.4 in.56.7 in.56.7 in.57.8 in.57.8 in.
Length184.8 in.184.8 in.184.6 in.184.6 in.185.9 in.185.9 in.
Turning Circle38.1 ft.38.1 ft.36.4 ft.36.4 ft.36.8 ft.36.8 ft.
Wheelbase107.4 in.107.4 in.107.4 in.107.4 in.109.8 in.109.8 in.
Width (With Mirrors)78.7 in.78.7 in.78.7 in.78.7 in.79.6 in.79.6 in.
Width (Without Mirrors)73.1 in.73.1 in.72.0 in.72.0 in.73.0 in.73.0 in.
Telematics (8 features)
Airbag Deployment Notification
Concierge Service
Destination Download
Emergency Service
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Tracking
Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Vehicle Alarm Notification

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

No, the base CLA 250 4dr Sedan uses front-wheel drive exclusively. All-Wheel Drive (4MATIC) is available on the CLA 250 4MATIC trim, ensuring better traction in slippery conditions.

What kind of transmission does the gasoline version of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA use?

The mild-hybrid gasoline models, like the CLA 250, utilize an 8-speed automated manual transmission. This differs from traditional torque-converter automatics you might be used to.

How much trunk space does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA actually offer?

The cargo capacity for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is rated at 11.6 cubic feet. This is adequate for a few weekend bags or standard grocery runs, though it is tighter than some larger sedans.

What is the horsepower rating for the standard 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?

The standard engine configuration for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA produces 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This power level comes paired with the mild-hybrid system.

Compare the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Ready to Compare?

See how the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA stacks up against the competition