Archived model-year dossier
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is redesigned with electrified powertrains, a 14-inch center touchscreen and AI-integrated infotainment, arriving as the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology. NHTSA lists one recall, a front passenger seat belt retractor, and 1 complaint. EPA rates the family at 23 to 126 mpg or MPGe combined.
Configurations7
Model/option labels7
Combined efficiency23–126 MPG/MPGe
Electric range312–374 mi
Decision answers12
What changed on the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Mercedes-Benz USA (opens in a new tab) presents the all-new 2026 CLA 250+ Sedan and CLA 350 4MATIC Sedan with EQ Technology, and describes a new infotainment system that it calls the first to integrate AI capabilities from both Microsoft and Google. A Mercedes-Benz dealer (opens in a new tab) says the sedan and coupe are redesigned with electrified powertrains while keeping the curves of earlier years. CarGurus (opens in a new tab) lists standard 17-inch wheels, with 18s and 19s in two AMG Line packages, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch center touchscreen.
EPA rates the 2026 CLA family at 23 to 126 mpg or MPGe combined and $600 to $3,350 a year in fuel, with front- or all-wheel drive and 312 to 374 miles of range on the electric versions.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists one recall campaign for the 2026 CLA, 26V278000, covering the CLA 350 4MATIC and CLA 250+ electric vehicles whose front passenger seat belt retractor may have a defect that stops the child seat safety function from deactivating, so the belt may stay locked and cannot be extended; dealers replace the front passenger seat belt. Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA, about forward collision avoidance, and ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) says too few complaints are on file for a confident reliability call. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) keeps a common-problems page for the year.
2026 CLA against the i4, A3 and Model 3
EPA rates the 2026 CLA family at 23 to 126 mpg or MPGe combined, 312 to 374 miles of electric range and $600 to $3,350 a year in fuel. The BMW i4 lists 81 to 118 MPGe and 232 to 333 miles, the Tesla Model 3 111 to 139 and 309 to 363, and the gasoline Audi A3 28 mpg at $2,750. The CLA's electric versions out-range the i4 and Model 3 at the top of their ranges.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: 2 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA 250 | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | FWD | 221 | 258 | 6.3 s | 130 mph | 26 / 36 / 30 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| CLA 250 4MATIC | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Dual-Clutch | AWD | 221 | 258 | 6.3 s | 130 mph | 25 / 34 / 29 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA 250 | 3,494 lb | 184.6 in | 56.7 in | 107.4 in | 36.4 ft | 13.5 gal | 38.5 in | 41.8 in | P225/45R18 |
| CLA 250 4MATIC | 3,616 lb | 184.6 in | 56.7 in | 107.4 in | 36.4 ft | 13.5 gal | 38.5 in | 41.8 in | P225/45R18 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | CLA 250 | CLA 250 4MATIC |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||
| Adaptive headlights | Std | Std |
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Opt | Opt |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | Opt | Opt |
| Rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Opt | Opt |
| Premium audio system | Opt | Opt |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Opt |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Opt |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Opt | Opt |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Opt | Opt |
| Power-folding mirrors | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Opt | Opt |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std |
| Dual-clutch automatic transmission | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
7 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49802AMG CLA35 4matic | 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Mild HybridHybrid | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM8) | Premium | 22 | 29 | 25 | N/A |
| 49261AMG CLA45 S 4matic | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM8) | Premium | 20 | 28 | 23 | N/A |
| 49263CLA250 | 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Mild HybridHybrid | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM8) | Premium | 26 | 36 | 30 | N/A |
| 49262CLA250 4matic | 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Mild HybridHybrid | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM8) | Premium | 25 | 34 | 29 | N/A |
| 50030CLA250 Plus with EQ Tech | Electric motor / not listedEV | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 112 | 105 | 109 | 317 mi |
| 50031CLA250 Plus with EQ Tech (R22) | Electric motor / not listedEV | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 127 | 124 | 126 | 374 mi |
| 50032CLA350 4matic with EQ Tech | Electric motor / not listedEV | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A2) | Electricity | 120 | 115 | 118 | 312 mi |
Model-specific answer center
12 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class versus the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
Model year
Against the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Model/option labels added: CLA250 Plus with EQ Tech, CLA250 Plus with EQ Tech (R22), CLA350 4matic with EQ Tech. Engine descriptions added: Electric motor / not listed. Transmissions added: Automatic (A1), Automatic (A2). Drive designations added: Rear-Wheel Drive. Fuel types added: Electricity. Certification records went from 4 to 7. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 26.5 to 74.5 MPG/MPGe. An electric-range figure appears for the first time (343 miles at the midpoint).
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02Which engine, transmission and drive system does each 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class version use?
Specifications
Mercedes-Benz lists the CLA 250 Coupe with 2.0L Inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive, 8G-DCT 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz lists the CLA 250 4MATIC Coupe with 2.0L Inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive, 8G-DCT 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz lists the AMG CLA 35 Coupe with AMG-enhanced 2.0L inline-4 turbo with hybrid assist, AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz lists the AMG CLA 45 S Coupe with handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline-4 turbo, AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.
Source: Manufacturer specification sheet
Q03What are the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's length, width, height and wheelbase?
Specifications
Mercedes-Benz's own specification sheet gives the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a width of 72 to 73.1 inches without mirrors, depending on the version.
Source: Manufacturer specification sheet
Q04What kind of brakes does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class have?
Brakes and suspension
MotorTrend lists the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class with four-wheel disc brakes. Source: MotorTrend, read 2026-09-24.
Source: mbusa.com (opens in a new tab)
Q05What suspension does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class use?
Brakes and suspension
MotorTrend describes the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's suspension this way. Front: a MacPherson-type strut design. Rear: a multi-link design. Source: MotorTrend, read 2026-09-24.
Source: mbusa.com (opens in a new tab)
Q06What is the MSRP of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Coupe?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Coupe at an MSRP of $62,250.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q07How much ground clearance does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Coupe have?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists 3.9 inches of ground clearance for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Coupe.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q08What warranty does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Coupe come with?
Specifications
CarBuzz lists the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Coupe with basic coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles, powertrain coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles, corrosion coverage of 48 months or 50,000 miles and roadside assistance of 48 months or 50,000 miles.
Source: CarBuzz model-year specification page
Q09How quickly does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's 0-60 mph time is 6.3 seconds on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2025 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q10What is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's top speed?
Performance
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's top speed is 130 mph on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2025 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q11What size wheels does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class have?
Wheels and tires
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's wheel diameter is 18 inches on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2025 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q12How do the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trims differ from one another?
Trims
All 2 trims share the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) making 221 hp. The CLA 250 4MATIC has AWD instead of FWD over the CLA 250. The 2025 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class across model years.
See every Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class model year and research hub
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
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