Key Points
- The CLA 200 Electric starts at $72,200 and the CLA 350 4MATIC Electric at $91,300 (before on-road costs).
- The electric CLA uses an 800V architecture with up to 320 kW DC fast charging and up to 663 km WLTP range.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA is coming to Australia with five variants: three hybrids and two fully electric models. It won Car of the Year 2026 at the European Car of the Year awards in January, and it brings a new platform, rear-wheel-drive electric layout, and the brand's latest MB.OS digital architecture. Prices start from $66,500 before on-road costs.
Electric variants: CLA 200 Electric and CLA 350 4MATIC Electric
The electric CLA is the biggest change in the model's history. It moves to a rear-axle drive layout, bringing a configuration usually found in larger cars into the compact segment. The drivetrain is derived from the Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX and achieves up to 93% battery-to-wheel efficiency.
Both electric variants use an 800-volt architecture with a maximum DC charging speed of up to 320 kW. A DC converter is included as standard in Australia, and 400V chargers are also compatible. A two-speed rear axle transmission improves both performance and efficiency across urban and highway driving.
The CLA 200 Electric ($72,200) uses a 58 kWh LFP battery with a single 165 kW rear motor. It covers 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and has a WLTP range of 470 km.
The CLA 350 4MATIC Electric ($91,300) adds an 80 kW front motor for all-wheel drive. Combined output is 260 kW and 515 Nm. It does 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The larger 85 kWh Li-NMC battery gives it a WLTP range of 663 km. The front motor can decouple under low load, reducing front axle losses by up to 90% to preserve range.
Regenerative braking can recover up to 200 kW of energy. The integrated brake system handles most braking through energy recovery, including to a full stop.
Hybrid variants: CLA 180, CLA 200 and CLA 220 4MATIC
The three hybrid models use a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. A 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery supports the combustion engine and allows electric-only driving at urban speeds when less than 20 kW is needed. The electric motor is integrated into a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and can recuperate energy in all eight gears.
The CLA 180 ($66,500) produces 100 kW and 200 Nm with front-wheel drive. The CLA 200 ($68,100) steps up to 120 kW and 250 Nm, also with front-wheel drive. The CLA 220 4MATIC ($84,300) tops the hybrid range with 140 kW, 300 Nm, and all-wheel drive. It also comes with 19-inch wheels and the Premium Package as standard.
CLA Key specs and pricing: all five variants
Mercedes-Benz CLA 2026: specs and pricing
Spec | CLA 180 | CLA 200 | CLA 220 4MATIC | CLA 200 Electric | CLA 350 4MATIC Electric |
Powertrain | 48V Hybrid | 48V Hybrid | 48V Hybrid AWD | Electric RWD | Electric AWD |
Price (before on-roads) | $66,500 | $68,100 | $84,300 | $72,200 | $91,300 |
Power (peak) | 100 kW | 120 kW | 140 kW | 165 kW | 260 kW |
Torque (peak) | 200 Nm | 250 Nm | 300 Nm | 335 Nm | 515 Nm |
0-100 km/h | 8.8 s | 8.0 s | 7.1 s | 7.5 s | 4.9 s |
Fuel/energy use (WLTP) | 5.4 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km | 14.4 kWh/100km | 14.9 kWh/100km |
WLTP range | N/A | N/A | N/A | 470 km | 663 km |
Standard wheels | 18-inch AMG | 18-inch AMG | 19-inch AMG | 18-inch AMG | 19-inch AMG |
Design and technology
The CLA has a drag coefficient of 0.21cd, one of the lowest in its class. The smooth front end flows into the windscreen to split air efficiently. A fixed panoramic glass roof is standard across all variants. It uses heat-insulating laminated safety glass with infrared film and low-emissivity coating.
Hybrid models use a classic grille with a chrome Mercedes-Benz star pattern. Electric models have a fully illuminated grille with 142 individual LED star elements that animate on approach.
Inside, the cabin is minimalist with a focus on digital interfaces. Standard features across all variants include heated front seats, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and facial recognition. The 10.25-inch driver display and 14-inch central touchscreen sit behind one sheet of glass. An optional 14-inch passenger screen creates the full MBUX Superscreen.
The CLA is the first model to run on Mercedes-Benz's in-house MB.OS operating system. It supports over-the-air updates for vehicle and safety systems. The AI voice assistant integrates ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Bing. Passengers can also access Netflix and Disney+ for entertainment.
AMG Line trim is standard on the CLA 200, 220 4MATIC, and 350 4MATIC Electric. This includes sports seats, a multifunction sports steering wheel, AMG body styling, and AMG floor mats. A 360-degree camera with PARKTRONIC and Parking Assist is standard on all variants.
Safety
The electric CLA received a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2025 with the highest overall scores across all categories, including adult and child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection, and safety assistance systems. For the first time in this segment, a centre airbag is fitted as standard between the driver and front passenger.
How the CLA Electric compares to its key rivals
The CLA Electric competes in a growing segment of premium electric sedans. Here is how it stacks up against the Tesla Model 3, BMW i4, and IM5.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is the benchmark in this segment. The Long Range RWD starts from around $61,900 before on-roads in Australia. It offers up to 750 km WLTP range, 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, and 250 kW DC charging.
BMW i4
The BMW i4 eDrive35 starts from $88,990 before on-roads in Australia. It produces 210 kW and 400 Nm with a WLTP range of up to 448 km. It charges at up to 180 kW DC.
IM5
The IM5 is a newer entrant from IM Motors, a joint venture between SAIC and Alibaba. It offers a base ‘Premium’ variant with over 460km WLTP range as well as a Long Range and dual-motor AWD options. It starts from $60,900 before on-roads in Australia.
CLA Electric vs key competitors
Spec | CLA 200 Electric | CLA 350 4MATIC Electric | Tesla Model 3 LR | BMW i4 eDrive35 | IM5 Premium |
Price (before on-roads) | $72,200 | $91,300 | $61,900 | $88,990 | $60,900 |
Power | 165 kW | 260 kW | 208 kW | 210 kW | 217 kW |
WLTP range | 470 km | 663 km | 750 km | 448 km | 490 km |
0-100 km/h | 7.5 s | 4.9 s | 5.2 s | 6.0 s | 6.8 s |
Max DC charging | 320 kW | 320 kW | 250 kW | 180 kW | 153 kW |
Optional extras
A Premium Package is available for the CLA 200 hybrid and electric ($1,800) and the CLA 350 4MATIC Electric ($2,340). It adds a head-up display, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, MULTIBEAM LED, the full MBUX Superscreen, Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with 16 speakers and 850W output with Dolby Atmos, and illuminated side sills. All of these features are standard on the CLA 220 4MATIC.
19-inch AMG wheels and privacy glass from the B-pillar are available as an option on the CLA 200 hybrid and electric for $1,200.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
