next-gen mercedes-benz cla ev smarter faster and ready for 2026

It's clearly Mercedes' smartest car yet, but it's actually an electric Mercedes that offers tremendous range and quick charging thanks to the new NMC battery, and it doesn't look like a lightly used bar of soap.

We're talking a WLTP range of 484 miles from a usable 85kWh cell, excellent efficiency all around, a two-speed gearbox (more on that later), and the ability to find the nearest hipster coffee shop that serves matcha lattes but also allows dogs. We'll cover all that in the interior section.

Although it was initially launched as a fully electric car, several hybrids followed, helping to alleviate any range anxiety with its impressive range.

It just looks like a slightly more powerful CLA.

In a way, that's the point. This is Mercedes making a difference without scaring away conservatives. A mid-size, four-door saloon that's decently sized and has a bit of a star obsession. Look closely and they're everywhere; the optional Multibeam LED headlights have star-shaped running lights (the standard ones have a star-shaped chrome bit), and the taillights are also starry, while the electric car's front end features 142 individual animated stars for a Dubai-nighttime feel.

The combustion-engine hybrid has a more traditional grille, but it still has a star. The interior is full of stars – the upcoming CLA Shooting Brake will have a star-studded electrochromic glass roof – and overall, it seems Mercedes may have gotten a little carried away.

But still, it's quite handsome in a slightly understated way. It's hard to dislike, but the desire might be a bit too much. What about the electric one? We'll get a hybrid CLA (and estate/Shooting Brake versions) a little later, but for now, we get the pure electric version in two different formats: the 250+ with rear-wheel drive and the 350+ with 4Matic all-wheel drive. However, the more powerful one will arrive a little later.
The 250 has a single 268bhp rear-mounted motor and the highest efficiency score; the 350 has a front motor that delivers around 350bhp. Both use the same 85kWh (usable) NMC battery, and the 250 manages those impressive figures: if you choose the right wheels and drive like a lab technician, you get a WLTP range of around 484 miles. A smaller 58kWh LFP battery will be offered later for those with more urban needs.

It's getting close to ICE range – how is it doing that?

With a slight advantage. This battery is 20 percent more energy dense than a battery with all-graphite nodes – it has silicon-oxide/graphite – so you have more energy to use.

The rear-motor has a two-speed 'box, but unlike something like the Porsche Taycan or Audi e-tron GT, it's not necessarily for off-the-line speed – it's an overdrive to keep the motors revving to their most efficient rpm on the motorway.

The multi-source heat pump is air-to-air and uses about a third of the energy of a traditional auxiliary heater, and the underfloor is completely flat. The rear suspension also has aero-shrouding to manage airflow.

The braking system is also very economical in terms of energy recovery. It's an integrated efficiency buffet, contributing to a car that uses every last ounce of energy to maximum effect. Just like you'd expect from all electric cars, but they don't.

How was the experience?

Excellent. The CLA is a car that's easy to find and has a good range. It also has 320kW charging capability, and you can expect a range of 201 miles in ten minutes and a 10-80% charge in 22 minutes. This is great, if you can find a charger and get the battery temperature right. We couldn't manage it on a cold British winter day.

While it drives quite well (more on that on the next page), the overall experience is definitely skewed toward on-board electronics, including the new MB-OS, which incorporates artificial intelligence from Google and Microsoft to handle tricky queries, as well as a virtual assistant that can apparently sense moods and has short-term memory.

It sounds a bit like it could take over the world and destroy its incompetent human owners, but it actually works well.

Is there any stiff competition?
This is a small segment, as SUVs and crossovers dominate Planet Electric. The CLA's closest competitors are the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4, which are similar in size to the Mercedes but similar in price: the former is cheaper, the latter is more expensive. In terms of range, neither comes close.

Then consider the Polestar 2 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. The VW ID.7 is larger, and priced accordingly. A unique feature.

Consider the Kia EV4 Fastback. It looks strange, but it's close to the CLA in terms of feel-good factor.
The CLA 250+ costs £45,615, but if you climb the trim ladder, it can exceed £50,000. The 350+ is currently priced at TBC, and the same applies to the Shooting Brake and subsequent hybrids.
What's the verdict?
"Decent performance, but more range and fast-charging would make a huge difference in living with this thing."
A very intelligent and technologically interesting car from Mercedes-Benz, but perhaps it lacks the spark that would make it an easy decision. This is an EV that brings electric to a 'normal car' rather than revolutionizing transportation. It handles well, looks good, and has just enough spark to grab your attention. It's Top Gear's 2026 Saloon of the Year for its impressive performance.

The AI ​​and tech work well, and that's quite nice, but what really stands out is its convenience. Performance is good, but the longer range and fast-charging would make a huge difference in living with it, and it would be a great way to take a break from boring commutes.

The estate also looks good, but it comes with the same kit, so if you're not ready for that yet, it might be worth waiting for it.