Mercedes-Benz’s transition into the electric age has been rocky, and its latest announcement isn’t making the outlook any brighter. The company has revealed that the upcoming 2026 CLA EQ will carry a starting price of $47,250, excluding a $1,250 destination charge. This means the new electric CLA will cost $4,500 more than the gasoline model it replaces and sits only $2,400 below the C-Class, raising concerns about its competitiveness in an already crowded EV landscape.
Despite the high pricing, the base CLA 250+ comes reasonably well equipped. Exterior highlights include full LED headlamps and taillights, a distinctive illuminated grille containing 142 individual star elements, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic glass roof, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Step inside, and buyers will find a cabin centered around two digital displays: a 10.25-inch instrument panel and a 14-inch central infotainment touchscreen. The front seats feature power adjustment, heating, and are covered in durable MB-Tex synthetic leather. Additional touches include smoky silver interior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and automatic climate control. Mercedes has also incorporated modern tech such as facial recognition and an interior selfie/video camera, allowing the car to verify the driver or support certain digital functions.
A robust suite of safety and driver-assist features is standard. This includes Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist Plus, Evasive Steering Assist, Exit Warning Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The model is also capable of interacting with nearby vehicles and infrastructure via Car-to-X communication.
Those who step up to the Exclusive trim receive features like flush-fitting electronic door handles and Keyless-Go entry. The cabin also improves with a wireless phone charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and a 64-color ambient lighting system. Rear passengers benefit from a center armrest with cupholders, while the vehicle gains MB.Drive Parking Assist. The top-tier Pinnacle trim expands things further by adding the MBUX Superscreen, which includes a separate 14-inch passenger display. It also brings upgraded LED headlights, a head-up display, a power-operated hands-free trunk, illuminated door sills, and digital key capability. Buyers can personalize the car with AMG Line styling, Night Package accents, 18- or 19-inch wheels, leather upholstery, aluminum or wood trim, a heated steering wheel, and a 16-speaker Burmester high-end audio system.
Powering the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology is an 85 kWh battery and a rear-mounted electric motor producing 268 hp and 335 Nm of torque. This setup enables a 0–96 km/h run in roughly 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 209 km/h. The standout figure, however, is the EPA-estimated 602 km range, which puts it among the longest-range EVs in its class. Fast-charging is another strength: with support for 320 kW DC charging, the battery can jump from 10% to 80% in about 22 minutes.
Customers wanting more power can choose the CLA 350 4Matic, priced at $49,800. This variant uses a dual-motor AWD system delivering 349 hp and 515 Nm, cutting the 0–96 km/h time to 4.8 seconds. That added performance comes with a drawback: range drops to 502 km, making efficiency the primary trade-off.