Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Review Overview
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is a convincing premium electric car that combines the stylish looks the CLA is known for with an impressive electric powertrain. It’s refined, comfortable and packed with technology, while fast charging and up to 790km of claimed range in the CLA 250+ make it a strong option for longer journeys.
The electric CLA 200 we tested offers 224hp, rear-wheel drive and up to 529km of range, making it more than capable for everyday life. It isn’t the most practical EV in its class, but if style, refinement and range are high on your list, the electric CLA is an easy car to recommend.
Pros
- Stylish design
- Battery options & range
- Efficiency
- Fast charging
Cons
- Limited rear headroom
- Saloon boot
- Interior quality patchy in places
- Some desirable features cost extra
Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Video Review
Watch Caroline’s video review for all you need to know about the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA tested on Irish roads.
Introduction
The Mercedes-Benz CLA has long been one of the brand’s best-loved models, combining stylish, coupe-inspired looks with an upmarket interior. For 2026, Mercedes has taken a familiar-looking formula and given it a major overhaul underneath. The new CLA sits on an entirely new platform, and for the first time, there’s a fully electric version.
If you’re already driving a CLA and considering a change, the electric version deserves serious consideration. It brings more power, impressive refinement and the benefits of electric driving without straying too far from what has made the CLA so popular in Ireland.
My test car was the electric CLA 200 AMG Line, which uses the smallest battery available in the range but can still deliver up to 529km of range. There are larger-battery options, including the CLA 250, CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC.
For outright range, the CLA 250+ offers the most with an impressive claimed range of up to 790km.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Design
Mercedes-Benz hasn’t radically changed the CLA’s appearance, instead opting for an evolution of the previous model. That’s no bad thing because the CLA remains one of the most stylish cars on sale.
The details are where the changes become more obvious. The front grille features a distinctive illuminated star pattern, while the front and rear lights incorporate star-shaped detailing. The flush-fitting door handles add to the sleek appearance, while the carefully developed aerodynamics help the car slip through the air more efficiently.
The new CLA is bigger in every direction, which brings some extra space inside, but it still retains the low-slung, sporty proportions that make it instantly recognisable.
My test car looked particularly striking in red, helped by the AMG Line specification. Progressive versions get 17-inch alloys, while AMG Line models come with 18-inch alloys as standard and sportier styling. The Night Package upgrades those wheels to 19s and adds more gloss black trim.
2026 Mercedes-Benz interior and practicality
Inside, the CLA gets a significant technology upgrade. The latest generation of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system runs on a new operating system, with the option of adding a dedicated passenger display.
A panoramic glass roof is standard, which helps make the cabin feel bright and spacious. There’s also a wireless charging pad, heated seats with four-way lumbar support and a selfie and video camera.
The seats are trimmed in synthetic leather, although power adjustment isn’t standard, which is a little disappointing in a car at this level. The material quality also feels patchy in places, like the finish to the glovebox and the centre console. But the sporty seats are a highlight and it does have a lot of style.
The CLA offers 405 litres of boot space, while there’s also a frunk for additional storage like charging cables. It’s not going to rival a large SUV for carrying capacity, but the CLA’s boot remains useful.
There’s also a Shooting Brake version for buyers who want the CLA’s style with a little more practicality.
The move to the new platform and the increase in the CLA’s overall dimensions have brought some useful extra space. The rear seats are more accommodating than you might expect from a car with such a sleek, coupe-like roofline, although taller passengers will still find the space somewhat limited compared with a conventional hatchback or SUV.
What’s the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA like to drive in Ireland?
Very good! There’s plenty of performance for a start. The electric CLA 200 produces 224hp and 335Nm of torque, driving the rear wheels. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds, and feels swift and powerful.
What stands out most is the refinement. The electric powertrain delivers its performance smoothly and quietly, while the car feels composed and stable at higher speeds.
Mercedes offers several driving modes through its Dynamic Select system, including Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual. There’s also regenerative braking to help recover energy while driving, easy to adjust from paddles behind the steering wheel.
One of the more interesting aspects of the CLA’s electric drivetrain is its two-speed transmission at the rear axle. First gear is designed to provide strong acceleration from a standstill and good efficiency in town driving, while the second gear is optimised for higher-speed driving and motorway efficiency.
While there is a sporty edge to the suspension, the CLA is supple and comfortable on Irish roads.
Battery options include 58kWh, 71kWh and 85kWh usable capacities, depending on the model. It’s very efficient in real-world driving, with energy consumption possible as low as 13 kWh per 100 kilometres.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Charging
Charging is another strong point thanks to an 800-volt charging architecture. The CLA supports up to 11kW AC charging, while the 58kWh battery can accept up to 200kW on a suitable DC charger for a 10-80% charge in as little as 20 minutes.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Pricing
- Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 EQ Technology Progressive Line: €56,925
- Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 EQ Technology AMG Line: €60,315 (model tested)
Verdict: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is a significant step forward for the brand’s much-loved four door coupé. The styling has been carefully updated, but underneath sits an entirely new platform and a sophisticated electric drivetrain.
The CLA 200 in my experience offers plenty of performance, impressive refinement and up to 529km of claimed range, while the larger-battery versions take range even further. However, it’s so efficient that even the 58kWh model is a good buy with plenty of usable range.
Add in fast charging, a high-tech interior and the unmistakable Mercedes styling, and the electric CLA makes a convincing case for itself, though I would like the material finish inside to be a little more luxurious in places.
If you’re thinking of trading in your CLA, the electric is well worth putting on your shortlist. It retains the style and premium feel that made the CLA popular in the first place, while bringing the efficiency, performance and refinement of an EV.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
The post Mercedes-Benz CLA Review (2026) | Electric saloon tested! appeared first on Changing Lanes.
