Mercedes-Benz is kicking off its next wave of EVs with a car that is supposed to be both the tech showcase and the new entry point into the brand. Meet the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with EQ Technology, an all-electric compact sedan that starts at $47,250 and promises up to 374 miles of EPA range on a single charge. It is the first member of an all-new CLA family for the U.S. market, with the more powerful CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology landing just above it at $49,800. Both models are scheduled to hit American roads shortly after the U.S. press launch in December, with volume ramping up through early 2026.

Under the skin, the electric CLA gets a clean-sheet 800-volt architecture designed to prioritize efficiency and fast charging. Both trims use an 85 kWh usable battery and support DC fast charging up to 320 kW, which, in the right conditions, can add roughly 100 miles of range in about five minutes and up to around 200 miles in ten. The CLA 250+ sends 268 hp and 247 lb-ft to the rear wheels and is estimated to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. Step up to the CLA 350 4MATIC and you get dual motors, 349 hp, 380 lb-ft and an estimated 0 to 60 mph run of 4.8 seconds, along with standard all-wheel drive and a still-healthy 312 miles of range.

From the outside, the new CLA does not read like a budget EV at all. The body is a sleek fastback with a pronounced shoulder line and a wide GT-style rear, capped by a full-width light bar. Up front, Mercedes leans into drama with a grille filled with 142 individually illuminated stars and a central illuminated logo, flanked by crisp LED headlights with a star-shaped signature. Buyers can choose from eight exterior colors, including new Liquid Crystal Green and Sky Blue Metallic, plus a mix of aero-optimized 17, 18 and 19-inch wheels. AMG Line, AMG Line Plus with Night Package, and optional flush-fitting power door handles give you a route to a more aggressive, almost mini-GT look.

Inside, the CLA continues the personalization theme and throws in a heavy dose of tech. Upholstery options range from MB-Tex and microfiber to full leather, matched with open-pore wood, aluminum or natural fiber trims. The highlight for gadget fans is the available MBUX Superscreen, which stretches a 10.25-inch driver display, 14-inch central touchscreen and 14-inch passenger display behind a single pane of glass. A 16-speaker, 850-watt Burmester 3D Surround Sound system with Dolby Atmos and sound personalization is on the options list as well. Higher trim levels also add features such as a head-up display, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, power trunk closing, illuminated door sills and more.

On the driver-assist front, Mercedes is loading this compact sedan with its most complete safety and assistance suite yet in the segment. Standard kit includes adaptive cruise with Distance Assist, Blind Spot Assist Plus with Exit Warning, Lane Keeping, PRE-SAFE and PRE-SAFE Sound, along with navigation that bakes in charging stops and energy use. The optional MB.DRIVE ASSIST bundle adds Steering Assist and Lane Change Assist, while MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST and MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 handle parking duties. Factor in facial recognition for MBUX profile logins, a fixed panoramic glass roof and the choice of Standard, Exclusive and Pinnacle trims, and the 2026 CLA starts to look less like a bare-bones gateway EV and more like a scaled-down flagship for Mercedes’ electric future.