Mercedes is gearing up to unveil what is expected to be its most significant EV in just a few months. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV will “set standards” for range, efficiency, and charging. According to the engineers, the new EV can cover nearly 800 miles (1,270 km) with just two 10-minute charging stops. This model marks the beginning of “a new chapter for the entry-level segment at Mercedes-Benz,” as CEO Ola Källenius puts it.
Källenius said the electric CLA “is designed to set new standards in range, efficiency and chagrin speed” in its segment. The entry-level EV will be based on its new MMA platform and will be significantly different from its current electric cars like the EQE and EQS.
The MMA automaker platform features a powerful 800V high-voltage system, which Mercedes claimed in 2023 could enable up to 400 km (248 miles WLTP) in just 15 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz engineers behind the new CLA EV claim that the vehicle can travel 789 miles (1,270 km) with just two 10-minute charging stops. Timo Stegmaier, senior manager for the CLA’s electric drive system, revealed to Auto Express that during testing, the electric car covered 2,309 miles in 24 hours. This was achieved with 40 charging sessions, each lasting only 10 minutes.
The range-topping CLA EV is expected to offer up to 466 miles (WLTP) on a full charge. While charging specifications haven’t been confirmed yet, engineers reported regularly seeing 320 kW during its 2,300+ mile test run. Stegmaier didn’t provide further details but mentioned, “Obviously, the peak of 320 won’t be maintained.” With these capabilities, the CLA EV could rival Porsche’s new Taycan, but at a significantly lower price.
The automaker has previews the electric CLA several times, ahead of its official debut in early 2025 and also reveals some key specs and new design elements.
Last month, Källenius unveiled one of the car’s standout features: the integrated three-star logo headlight design. But the new electric vehicle is not just about looks—it will also come equipped with Mercedes’ most advanced software and connectivity technology.
The CLA EV will be the first electric car of the brand that features the new MB.OS, or what Mercedes calls “the brain” of its next-gen vehicles. Also the all MMA-based models will also include a supercomputer with AI and machine learning.
According to Mercedes, MB.OS is “generally ready” for an upgrade to an SAE Level 3 autonomy system, although it will initially debut with Level 2 capabilities. The new CLA EV will be officially unveiled in Spring 2025, with deliveries expected to begin later that year. While pricing will be revealed closer to the launch, it’s anticipated to start around $50,000, positioning it as a potential competitor to the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4.
