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The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV will have a hybrid sibling
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The CLA EV can add a range of 300 kilometers in 10 minutes
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CLA EVs will feature both CCS and NACS charging ports
The next generation Mercedes-Benz CLA won’t just be a redesigned car. It marks the introduction of a new era for Mercedes.
The will arrive at the end of next year 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV will pave the way forward for the Three-Pointed Star with in-house developed electric powertrains for its new MMA skateboard chassis, a future-proof electrical architecture and even dual charging ports under one door.
For consumers not yet ready to jump with both feet into the EV future, a hybrid model will be offered to ease the transition.
Mercedes Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA EV 2026 is equipped with new electric motors and a 2-speed transmission
From now on, every electric Mercedes-Benz will use the new, scalable powertrain of the CLA.
The new electric motors, called EDU 2.0 (Electric Drive Units 2.0), have been developed in-house and use silicon carbide inverters. Rear-wheel drive CLA models have a 268 hp permanently synchronous motor (PSM) in the rear. All-wheel drive 4Matic models will add a 107-hp motor up front, but it will only engage when accelerating, dynamic driving, in Sport mode or when slip is detected.
In the name of efficiency, every new Mercedes EV will have a heat pump.
The CLA EV will be the first, but engineers are confident that virtually every Mercedes EV that comes after it will feature the automaker’s own new EV design. 2-speed transmission.
Unlike the 2-speed in the Porsche Taycan, which is used to improve performance, Mercedes designed this transmission in the name of smoothness and efficiency.
The first gear uses a ratio of 11:1 and reaches a maximum of 108 km/h. The second gear goes back to a ratio of 5:1 and allows a top speed of 210 km/h. Mercedes engineers said second gear, which is engaged with a dog clutch, is programmed for highway cruising, while first gear, which uses a friction clutch, is intended for low-speed dynamic driving. However, the car can start from the line in second gear. Mercedes claims the shifts will be transparent to occupants.
Mercedes Benz CLA
CLA gets CCS and NACS charging ports
The CLA will be the first Mercedes vehicle to launch with both CCS and NACS (Tesla) charging ports, both of which will sit side by side under a single charging port door. Mercedes engineers said no one wants to deal with adapters and this sidesteps that equation.
The charging ports are connected to a future-proof 800-volt electrical architecture that enables fast charging at speeds of up to 320 kW. According to Mercedes, at a 10% state of charge, the CLA can add a range of 300 kilometers, or approximately 36 kWh, to its (usable) 85.0 kWh battery in 10 minutes. Charging from 10-80% takes less than 22 minutes, according to Mercedes.
An on-board 11.0 kWh charger is available for level 2 AC charging, but Mercedes is not yet willing to discuss charging times. Count on about eight hours.
Mercedes Benz CLA
CLA introduces Mercedes’ next-generation regenerative braking system
Mercedes engineers recognized it The shortcomings of EQS in the field of regenerative braking. The CLA’s system has been redeveloped and has little in common in terms of concept.
The regenerative braking system in the CLA EV is still a two-stage mixed system and is activated until the system conditions are no longer met (battery too full, too cold, too hot, etc.). Then the friction brakes are activated. If these conditions are not met, Mercedes says the regenerative braking can provide up to 200 kW of recuperation, after which the friction brakes should take over.
When recovering energy through regenerative braking, the brake pedal does not move automatically, as with the EQE and EQS.
One-pedal driving will be part of the system, which consists of four levels of regenerative braking: D-, D, D+ and D Auto. The vehicle remembers which level of regenerative braking was last selected with each new key cycle and remains at the setting until the user changes it, unlike current Mercedes EVs, which default to the current D mode.
Mercedes-Benz CLA powertrain
The CLA hybrid will coexist alongside the EV
The new MMA skateboard chassis is designed for electric vehicles, but a hybrid powertrain has been developed to be a easy transition for buyers.
In the hybrid, a new 1.5-liter turbo-4 is paired with a 27-horsepower electric motor, wedged into an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The total system power is 187 hp. A 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, mounted under the driver’s seat, will power the engine. Power goes to the front wheels as standard, but all-wheel drive will also be available.
Mercedes said the electric motor is powerful enough to travel up to 60 miles per hour on electricity alone, and can be disconnected from the engine and transmission for cruising while moving down the road.
Mercedes-Benz has not announced pricing, equipment or full specifications for the 2026 CLA EV and Hybrid. Look for that information closer to launch.
Mercedes-Benz paid the travel and accommodation expenses along with some German pretzels for Motor Authority to bring you this background information.