2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Price Range: $42,750 - $67,550

Average

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA comes with plenty of advanced technology features and can be fun to drive if you get one of the gas-powered AMG versions. But we think it's rather pricey for what you're getting, and it's not nearly as comfortable as other Mercedes sedans.Read full review

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Mercedes-Benz CLA for Sale

Pricing

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$40,716

Prices based on sales in VA thru 4/27/26

Final assembly in Hungary

Pros

Luxury badging at a reasonable price
Striking, tech-rich interior
Spirited performance from AMG CLA 35 and 45 models
New electric model promises impressive range and sporty driving

Cons

Less rear seat space than many rivals
Touch-sensitive controls can be distracting to use

What's new

New all-electric CLA debuts
Gas-powered CLA is still available
Both versions are on sale for 2026

Overview

Written by automotive expert Dan Frio

Updated: 5/8/2026

The CLA is the second-most affordable way into the Benz brand. It only costs a bit more than its SUV counterpart, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, but distills the three-pointed star experience into a compact sedan. The sleek, tapering roofline inspires Mercedes to call the CLA a coupe, though it still has four doors. The big news for the 2026 Mercedes CLA is the debut of an all-new electric model. It will be sold alongside the existing gas-powered CLA. The gas-powered CLA is unchanged from last year, however, which means the two CLA versions are quite different.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Keith Buglewicz

Average

6.2

out of 10

We drove the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

7/10

How does the Mercedes-Benz CLA drive? We tested a CLA 250 with all-wheel drive; its small size and zippy engine made it fun to squirt through holes in traffic or just accelerate to freeway speeds. Around corners, the CLA is also reasonably entertaining. The tires don't offer a ton of grip, but there's always the AMG CLA 45 S if you really want a sport sedan. In our testing, the CLA 250 dashed from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds — fast for the class but not mind-blowing.

We found the transmission inconsistent: quick and responsive during routine driving or while in manual mode, but sometimes stumbling and jerky when coming to a stop or leaving one. And if you think every Benz is as cushy as an S-Class, you'll be disappointed. The CLA 250 rides firmly on city streets, although you can mitigate this somewhat by going with the factory 18-inch wheels instead of the optional 19-inchers.

For driver aids, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking all worked well without being intrusive. There are good views out of the front and to the sides, but thick rear roof pillars and headrests compromise the rear view. A 360-degree camera system is available and is very useful for parking.

Comfort

5.4/10

2026 mercedes-benz cla cla 250+ w/eq technology

How comfortable is the Mercedes-Benz CLA? The CLA's cabin is small. The doors open wide for easy entry and exit, and there's good legroom and decent headroom for both driver and front passenger but not a lot of space between the seats. Be ready for airline-coach-style armrest fights. The seats are also on the narrow side and won't comfortably fit all body types. The rear seats? They're for short adults for brief journeys.

Most of the CLA's features are controlled through the touchscreen. Getting up to speed is straightforward, but the steering wheel blocks a good chunk of the screen's left side. The wheel's also covered in touch-sensitive buttons that are too easy to activate accidentally.

Benz deserves credit for using physical controls for climate functions, and we like how the vents glow red or blue when adjusting the temperature. But the system itself doesn't cool very well and struggled on a hot day. Ventilated seats might help, but our test car didn't have them.

Installing car seats isn't easy. The lower anchors are easy to find, but the top tethers are hard to reach. And there just isn't a lot of room in back. A booster might work, but if you're using a rear-facing seat, front passengers will feel the squeeze.

In-cabin tech

9.1/10

How’s the tech? If you like a high-tech feel, the CLA delivers. It comes with two 10.25-inch screens: one for touchscreen infotainment, the other for gauges. Considering the car's pinched rear visibility, the optional 360-degree camera comes in handy for backing up and parking. Of note, the head-up display is sensitive to polarized sunglasses; one driver didn't even realize the car had it until driving at night. Custom LED ambient lighting adds a cool custom touch to the interior.

The optional Burmester audio system is worth considering. There's excellent separation of highs, mids and lows, but the bass could use more power. Wireless phone integration and charging are easy. Just set up your phone once, then toss it under the dash to charge it.

Storage & cargo

6/10

How’s storage and cargo? Opening the trunk yields a deep and usable cargo area with 11.6 cubic feet of space, and the rear seats fold down if you need more. The liftover is surprisingly high for loading stuff, but overall the car is low enough to the ground that it's not a big issue.

Interior storage is another matter. The center console is deep but narrow, and the split lid means you have to open it twice to get inside. The cupholders are decently sized and complemented by good-size door-mounted bottle holders. The charging tray for smartphones is conveniently located, but the shallow tray behind the cupholders is functionally useless.

Value

5/10

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA a good value? In a word, no. It's an expensive entry in a class of cars that already have trouble justifying their prices. Not only is the CLA considerably more expensive than its competitors, the disadvantage gets worse as you add options. Even fully loaded competitors like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe cost thousands less than a similarly equipped CLA 250. It's a nifty car in a vacuum, but it's not special enough to justify its premium. Warranty coverage is average for the class, and there is no free ride when it comes to maintenance either.

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the CLA 250 with all-wheel drive should get 29 mpg in mixed driving, 1 mpg better than the Audi A3 and 1 mpg worse than the BMW 228 xDrive Gran Coupe. But we never quite saw that. Instead it hovered around the 26 mpg mark in our testing.

X factor

7/10

There's a lot to like about the CLA. It's fun and sporty to drive, and it feels lively even if you're just bumping around town. The interior feels high-tech and fun thanks to the interior ambient lighting, and the exterior styling is distinctive without being obnoxious. It's a tiny car with a big personality.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA for May

Shopping for a 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA? Here are some tips to help you get the best deal:

Buyers are spending around 6.6% less than the MSRP on average, leading to savings of about $3,369 across the CLA model range.
The CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology offers the highest savings of 7.7% off MSRP, translating to savings of $3,816.
Take advantage of promotional financing rates as low as 5.99% for up to 60 months, which is about 1.3% cheaper than the market rate, providing savings over the life of your loan.
935 new CLA vehicles are available nationally, sitting on lots for an average of 33 days. This is well below the average, indicating a quicker turnover and potentially less negotiation room.
For those considering a lease, the median monthly payment for a CLA is $644 with $4,394 due at signing.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA trim level differences

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is offered with both gas and electric powertrains. The gas model comes in three trim levels: CLA 250, AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 S. Mercedes calls this one the CLA Coupe. The new electric CLA, which Mercedes refers to as the CLA Sedan, comes in two trims: CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic. We'll cover the gas-powered CLA first, followed by the new electric CLA. Compare the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA trim levels in-depth.

Which CLA trim does Edmunds recommend?

For the price, the CLA 250 lacks some standard features we consider essential, such as heated front seats, wireless charging and adaptive cruise control. Several stand-alone and packaged options let you target specific interests, but we'd expect more for the price. All-wheel drive is an easy addition, and if you demand more spirited performance, the AMG models deliver sharper power and handling, along with standard all-wheel drive.

Competitors to consider

If you're considering the CLA gas-powered model, it's also worth checking out the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A3. Both offer similar features and entry-level luxury for less money. But the field expands if you're shopping the electric CLA. The rival BMW i4's liftback design gives it an edge in cargo space, while the Tesla Model 3 remains the one to beat for range and ease of charging.

Edmunds spotlight: CLA plugs in for next generation

Six years after its last overhaul, the 2026 CLA transitions to its third generation with an all-electric sedan that promises up to 374 miles of range and lightning-fast charging speeds. Inside, the slick Superscreen display combines two screens covering about 2 feet of dash space and interfaces with Mercedes' latest operating system, which now incorporates ChatGPT and Google Gemini voice assistants. We also like that the electric CLA avoids the questionable blob-like styling of Benz's current EVs like the EQE and EQS. Since all the good stuff is rolled into the new electric CLA, the gas-powered model carries over unchanged. A redesigned version is expected for the 2027 model year.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Reviews

There are no consumer reviews for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA video

The All-New Mercedes-Benz CLA Launches the Brand’s Future | 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA First Look

The CLA is the smallest vehicle Mercedes sells in America, and it’s all-new for 2026. Mercedes typically launches its latest and greatest technology on the S-Class, slowly trickling it down through the lineup, but it’s breaking with tradition here: The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is filled to the brim with a seriously impressive suite of all-new tech, including the use of AI.…

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Features & Specs

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

CLA 250

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$42,750
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$211/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 6 years / 62,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the CLA include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

Research other CLA years

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 CLA both on the road and at the track, giving it a 6.2 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the CLA ranges from 11.6 to 16.8 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz CLA. Learn more

What's new in the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA:

New all-electric CLA debuts
Gas-powered CLA is still available
Both versions are on sale for 2026

Learn more

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?

To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz CLA is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the CLA. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the CLA's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 CLA and gave it a 6.2 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 CLA is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?

The least-expensive 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $42,750.

Other versions include:

CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM) which starts at $42,750
CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM) which starts at $44,750
CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology 4dr Sedan (electric 2A) which starts at $47,250
CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology 4dr Sedan AWD (electric 2A) which starts at $49,800
AMG CLA 35 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM) which starts at $56,600
AMG CLA 45 S 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $67,550

Learn more

What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz CLA?

If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz CLA, the next question is, which CLA model is right for you? CLA variants include CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM), CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM), CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology 4dr Sedan (electric 2A), and CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology 4dr Sedan AWD (electric 2A). For a full list of CLA models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$211/mo

$228/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

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2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Pricing

See If You Prequalify

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Storage & cargo

Value

MPG

X factor

Buying Tips for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA for May

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA trim level differences

Which CLA trim does Edmunds recommend?

Competitors to consider

Edmunds spotlight: CLA plugs in for next generation

Mercedes-Benz CLA Reviews

There are no consumer reviews for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA video

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Features & Specs

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Compare the Mercedes-Benz CLA

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the CLA include:

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA a good car?

What's new in the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA reliable?

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA?

What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz CLA?

Cost to Drive