In a commercial aired during Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, Mercedes-Benz introduced a car to the greater American public that exposed the brand to a whole new set of customers.
In the ad, a young man peers at an unfinished billboard for a Mercedes CLA, until a Satan-like figure played by Willem Dafoe entices him with the trappings of what a car like it could supposedly offer him; a chance to live life like a popstar heartthrob, dance with Usher, have his face on magazine covers or even race next to Michael Shumacher.
However, he ultimately declined Dafoe’s offer after noticing on the finished billboard that the car’s base price was just $29,900.
In the 12 years since, cars have become much more expensive, and electric vehicle technology has evolved to become fairly mainstream. But in an era where the ever-controversial Tesla dominates the conversation for desirable, attainable cars, Mercedes is returning with a new ride to steal some of its buyers.
Mercedes-Benz
The new Mercedes CLA comes in both gas and electric
All new for the 2026 model year is a new Mercedes-Benz CLA, which is now aimed as the brand’s entry-level model.
Though the CLA is destined to be the luxury house’s cheapest offering, it certainly looks expensive. Its styling features some subtle cues from Benz’s bigger and more expensive sedans, including flush door handles, front and rear LED light bars, and a prominent front grille with LED-illuminated stars.
However, the biggest change from the outgoing model is what is or isn’t under the hood. Mercedes says the new CLA is its first car to ride on a platform designed specifically for gas and electric cars.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is offered in both gas and electric versions. Under the hood of the gas-engined CLA is a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 hybrid engine connected to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a 27-hp electric motor, and a 1.3-kWh battery pack.
However, Mercedes is putting all of its chips into the electric version of the CLA. Dubbed the CLA with EQ Technology, it comes in two flavors: the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and the CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology.
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The 250 has a single motor connected to the rear wheels, producing 268 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the 350 has a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive layout, producing 349 horses and 380 pound feet. Unlike Tesla, the new Benzes feature a rear-mounted two-speed transmission, providing a different feel in the city and highway.
Also, unlike Tesla, Mercedes says it has a maximum range of up to 492 miles on the WLTP cycle and 800-volt electric architecture that supports DC fast charging at 325 kW. With the right charger, Mercedes claims you can add 202 miles of range after just 10 minutes at a fast charging station.
Mercedes-Benz
But whether buyers choose the gas or electric CLA models, both have impressive interiors packed with tech, and a long list of available features lifted straight from more expensive Mercs, including a 12.2-inch heads-up display and a 16-speaker Burmester sound system.
Its new interior is said to be inspired by zen gardens. It comes standard with a panoramic sunroof, an advanced AI assistant, and a new infotainment operating system capable of over-the-air updates, including an advanced Level 2 hands-free system that will be available after the car launches.
The dashboard is dominated by screens, namely a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment screen that come with the car as standard. However, the new CLA can be configured with an optional 14-inch passenger screen called MBUX Supercreen that front-seat passengers can use to stream movies or play video games.
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Mercedes plans to launch the 2026 CLA first as an EV this fall, with the hybrid version following later. Pricing has not been announced, but with the least expensive car in Merc’s lineup—the GLA crossover SUV—starting at $43,000, it should be a worthy contender against Tesla’s $42,490 Model 3.
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