)
)
Mercedes CLA Electric: Price, Range, Specs, and Reviews 2026
May 20, 2026
)
Mercedes CLA Electric: Buying Guide for the New Premium Sedan Named 2026 Car of the Year
When a jury of European journalists names a German sedan Car of the Year 2026, one might suspect a bias. But when that sedan boasts a 792 km WLTP range and charges at 320 kW, the argument becomes harder to dismiss. The new Mercedes CLA debuts the manufacturer’s first 100% electric platform, the MMA, and arrives in France in two body styles: the sedan and its Shooting Brake. The first deliveries have begun, with hybrid versions to follow in 2026. Let’s see what it’s really worth.
)
Introducing the electric Mercedes CLA
Until now, Mercedes’ compact electric sedans (EQA, EQB) were derived from internal-combustion models: an electric powertrain mounted on a gasoline-powered chassis. The CLA does the exact opposite. It’s built directly on the new MMA platform, designed from the ground up for electric vehicles, with an 800-volt architecture that puts the brand on par with the Porsche Taycan and Hyundai Ioniq 6 in terms of technology. The results are evident in the specs: range and charging speed are in a completely different league compared to the previous generation.
Two versions are available now in France: the more efficient rear-wheel-drive CLA 250+, and the more versatile all-wheel-drive CLA 350 4MATIC. And for the first time in this segment, the station wagon follows right at launch with the Shooting Brake. Substantial trunk space, the sloping roofline typical of the genre, and the same technical platform: families no longer have to wait.
In terms of style, Mercedes has wisely turned its back on the highly futuristic silhouettes of the EQE and EQS. The CLA adopts a more classic design, in keeping with the brand’s historic sedans. A decision that was rather well-received, and largely unrelated to its selection as the 2026 Car of the Year. The jury praised it for its technological leap, not for its design.
Price of the electric Mercedes CLA: the entire 2026 lineup
€52,900 (including tax) for the Limited Edition trim is the starting price for the CLA 250+ sedan. Mercedes isn’t playing the affordability card, but rather the fair-price card for a premium sedan with a range exceeding 750 km (WLTP). This is a defensible position, both against the BMW i4 (with equivalent powertrains) and the Tesla Model 3 Performance.
The CLA 250+ Shooting Brake starts at €55,700, which is €2,800 more than the sedan for the added comfort of the station wagon. At the top of the range, the CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake with all-wheel drive is priced at €64,950. At this price point, it competes directly with the BMW iX3 (€71,950), with range being a major selling point.
An entry-level version with a 58 kWh LFP battery is in the works to broaden the target market. The announced price is around €48,000, with 224 hp and approximately 540 km WLTP range. This is the version Mercedes will truly be able to present as the “affordable” electric CLA when it arrives at dealerships.
Source: Mercedes-Benz France, configurator and official press release, accessed in May 2026.
Technical Specifications of the Mercedes CLA Electric
Under the bodywork, the CLA 250+ hides a 200 kW (272 hp) motor on the rear axle, with rear-wheel drive, as befits a German sedan. Maximum torque of 335 Nm. And a rare feature in electric vehicles: a two-speed gearbox at the rear, which reduces energy consumption at steady speeds and preserves the feeling of acceleration at low RPMs. The CLA 350 4MATIC adds a second motor at the front, bringing the total output to 260 kW (349 hp) and 515 Nm, with all-wheel drive.
Both versions share an 85 kWh NMC lithium-ion battery, mounted in the floor to lower the center of gravity. It’s the new 800-volt architecture that makes all the difference when it comes to charging: we’ll come back to that. For the entry-level version announced later, Mercedes will switch to a 58 kWh LFP battery, which is less dense but more economical and offers greater longevity.
Trim levels range from the Limited Edition series (a launch edition with enhanced features) to the AMG Line, which adds a specific body kit: front and rear skirts designed by AMG, gloss black side skirts, and signature alloy wheels. An AMG Line Plus takes it a step further, with additional interior and exterior features. For options and colors available at any given time, check with your Mercedes-Benz dealer or use the online configurator, as the lineup and editions change regularly.
Sources: Mercedes-Benz France, official configurator, and manufacturer press releases, May 2026.
Range and charging for the electric Mercedes CLA
792 km in the combined WLTP cycle for the CLA 250+ sedan. That’s the official promise, and it’s currently one of the benchmarks in the segment. In practical terms, this means you can drive from Paris to Lyon (about 460 km) in one go, even in winter and even with a full load. The Shooting Brake, which is slightly taller and heavier, tops out at 768 km WLTP—still more than enough for a long family trip. As for the CLA 350 4MATIC, its all-wheel drive reduces range, but the certified range for the entry-level electric model is around 672 km WLTP depending on the configurations tested.
The 800-volt architecture is a real game-changer when it comes to charging. At a compatible ultra-fast charging station, the CLA accepts up to 320 kW of DC power and goes from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes. Ten minutes plugged in is enough to regain 315 to 325 km of WLTP range. Just enough time to grab a coffee and check your notifications, and you’re back on the road.
Mercedes is factory-fitting a 400-volt converter on CLAs delivered starting in spring 2026, making the car compatible with the vast majority of existing charging stations (800-volt stations remain a minority in France). At home, the onboard charger supports an 11-kW AC station, meaning it takes one night to fully charge the battery.
Summary of the three electric configurations available at launch:
CLA 250+ sedan: 272 hp rear-wheel drive, up to 792 km WLTP range—the most efficient model in the lineup.
CLA 250+ Shooting Brake: 272 hp rear-wheel drive, up to 768 km WLTP range, the station wagon format with no significant loss of range.
CLA 350 4MATIC (sedan and Shooting Brake): 349 hp with all-wheel drive, more powerful but with a shorter range.
Mercedes-Benz estimates, May 2026. Actual fuel consumption and range depend on driving style, temperature, and road conditions.
Performance and driving: how does the new CLA stack up?
0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds for the 250+ and around 5 seconds for the 350 4MATIC: the electric CLA isn’t focused on pure performance (it leaves that to the upcoming electric AMG GT) but it still delivers the instant torque that makes driving enjoyable in the city and on open roads. Rear-wheel drive provides a balance that the older front-wheel-drive CLA models with internal combustion engines never had. Top speed is limited to 210 km/h.
On the road, the lower center of gravity provided by the battery in the floor is immediately noticeable. The car takes corners crisply, without the roll typical of electric SUVs. Sound insulation is, unsurprisingly, up to the standard expected from Mercedes. The brand continues to excel at what it has been doing for forty years. The two-speed transmission has a merit that’s unglamorous but real: it lowers fuel consumption to 130 km/h on the highway, where most electric vehicles lose efficiency.
The regenerative brakes can be adjusted to several levels of intensity, up to “one-pedal” mode, which allows you to control your speed with almost no use of the brake pedal. In city driving, this has a positive impact on real-world range. In short, driving the new CLA is like driving a premium German sedan: firm, precise, quiet, and without extravagance.
Should you go for the new electric Mercedes CLA?
The Electra editorial team’s take. The electric CLA achieves what seemed unlikely two years ago: delivering a German sedan for €52,900 that outperforms the Tesla Model 3 Performance and BMW i4 in WLTP range, while charging faster. The title of 2026 Car of the Year is well-deserved, though there are two caveats: the entry-level model remains decidedly premium (the truly affordable electric CLA with an LFP battery, priced around €48,000, isn’t available for order yet), and the entry-level Limited Edition trim forces buyers to opt for the higher-spec configurations.
Who is the CLA really for? First, for frequent drivers who cover 30,000 km a year and want to make the trip from Paris to Lyon or Paris to Marseille without changing their habits. Next, for businesses, which will appreciate the Mercedes prestige and lower running costs thanks to the efficiency of the 250+. For families as well, thanks to the Shooting Brake and its trunk space. And more broadly, for anyone who’s been hesitant to make the switch to electric: the CLA retains the brand’s signature design without falling into the excessive futurism of the EQE and EQS.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Electric Mercedes CLA
What is the price of the electric Mercedes CLA in France?
The CLA 250+ Limited Edition sedan starts at €52,900 including tax. The CLA 250+ Shooting Brake starts at €55,700, and the CLA 350 4MATIC Shooting Brake version at €64,950. An entry-level version with a 58 kWh LFP battery is announced at around €48,000 to make the range more accessible.
What is the maximum WLTP range of the new CLA?
The CLA 250+ sedan boasts a combined WLTP range of up to 792 km, making it one of the most efficient electric sedans on the market. The Shooting Brake tops out at 768 km WLTP due to slightly less favorable aerodynamics.
How long does it take to charge an electric Mercedes CLA?
At an 800-volt-compatible ultra-fast charging station delivering up to 320 kW, charging from 10% to 80% takes 22 minutes. Ten minutes of charging is enough to regain up to 315 to 325 km of WLTP range under optimal conditions. At home on an 11 kW AC charger, a full charge takes overnight.
Is there a hybrid version of the electric CLA?
At launch, the new CLA is available only in 100% electric versions (CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC). Mercedes has announced that hybrid versions will arrive in 2026, complementing the electric lineup for those who aren’t yet ready to make the switch.
Charging an electric Mercedes CLA on the Electra network
With its 800V technology and 320 kW DC charging capability, the new CLA is one of the electric cars best equipped to take advantage of the fast-charging stations in our network. At our ultra-fast stations, ten minutes of charging is enough to regain over 300 km of WLTP range. With the Electra app, the standard rate ranges from €0.39 to €0.61 (including tax) per kilowatt-hour depending on traffic (starting at €0.61 without the app). To go further, two no-commitment subscriptions lower this cost:
Electra+ Essential: €1.99/month with no commitment, a €0.10/kWh discount on every charge at an Electra network station.
Electra+ Smart: €4.99/month with no commitment, a €0.20/kWh discount on every charge from the Electra network.
To locate our Electra fast-charging stations compatible with your Mercedes CLA, download the Electra app using the code PLUS2 to get your first monthof Electra+ free, available on the App Store or Google Play. You can also view the details of Electra’s charging rates.
Written by Nicolas, Electra mobility expert
The only charging app you will need
4.5/5
on the stores