The new 2026 Mercedes CLA is here with exceptional range and something Mercedes-Benz has never used before

This is the new 2026 Mercedes CLA, available as an EV or with internal combustion, and also fitted with something Mercedes-Benz had surprisingly never used before.

There are three versions, with one more, the AMG model, on its way.

But even without the AMG model, you get plenty of power and a lot of range.

And, for the first time ever, you also have a frunk at your disposal.

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Designed for road trips

In most EVs, the battery is integrated into the chassis, and the motors are built into the wheels or axles.

This frees up space at the front for the frunk, or front trunk, in addition to the regular trunk in the back.

Interestingly, Mercedes had never really adopted this solution before.

The EQS, for example, which Mercedes is currently using to test its self-driving system, doesn’t have a front trunk.

So, the 2026 Mercedes CLA is ideal for long trips. Which is nice to hear, especially when we remember there’s something else this CLA has that makes it great for road trips.

Depending on the model, you get up to 492 miles, or 792KM, of range. Which means you can drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco on one charge.

And you’ll still have about 100 miles of range left when you get there.

Also, thanks to its 800-volt tech and DC fast charging, it takes about 10 minutes to charge from 0 to 202 miles.

Performance-wise, the base electric CLA puts out 268HP and does 0-60 in 6.6 seconds. The beefed up variant, though, has 349HP and takes 4.8 seconds to get to 60MPH

In both cases, the top speed is electronically limited to 210KMH, or 130MPH.

There’s also a hybrid version – pictured below – but this one ‘only’ produces 190HP from its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The 2026 Mercedes CLA has a new ‘face’

Visually, the front stands out more than the rear section. That’s mainly because it now features an LED light that’s physically separated from the front grille.

It’s an interesting design solution, and it makes it look fresher and newer.

There’s one more thing worth pointing out in the design department, because the CLA features an improved version of Mercedes’ ‘single-piece’ dashboard.

The whole dashboard, from one A-pillar to the other, is just one giant piece of tech that can feature up to three screens.

You’ve got a digital instrument cluster, an infotainment system in the middle and, as an optional extra, another screen for the passenger.

What about the AMG model?

Mercedes is also working on a new AMG version for the CLA.

It’ll almost certainly use the same nameplate as the old one, CLA 45, but it’ll be more powerful, with around 500HP.

Unfortunately, Mercedes made it clear that the new V8 the company is working on won’t be used for the new CLA AMG, which will probably be electric.

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