The electric vehicle arms race is heating up, and Mercedes-Benz has just fired a significant salvo. The German automaker has officially revealed the pricing and specifications for its highly-anticipated 2026 CLA electric sedan, setting the stage for a direct showdown with industry giants like Tesla and a new efficiency king, Lucid.
Set to go on sale this December, the new CLA generation is making waves with an official EPA range estimate of 374 miles on a single charge. This figure allows it to decisively outperform the long-range versions of the Tesla Model 3, claiming the title of the longest-range electric vehicle in its immediate class.
However, in the relentless pursuit of EV supremacy, there's always a new benchmark. While Mercedes can claim victory over Tesla in the range department, it finds itself looking up at Lucid Motors. The Lucid Air Pure, despite being a larger, more spacious vehicle, achieves a staggering 420 miles of range from a battery pack similar in size to the CLA's 85 kWh unit. The secret? Unmatched powertrain efficiency.
Lucid's marketing department was quick to highlight the disparity. The Air Pure consumes an industry-leading 23 kWh per 100 miles, while the smaller, more compact Mercedes CLA requires 27 kWh per 100 miles. This demonstrates that raw battery size isn't everything, and Lucid still holds a formidable lead in drivetrain technology.
2026 Mercedes CLA: Price, Specs, and Charging Revolution
So, what exactly are you getting for your money? Mercedes has positioned the new CLA as a premium, yet accessible, entry into the world of long-range electric motoring.
- Starting Price: $47,250 for the Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) model.
- EPA Range: 374 miles from an 85 kWh battery pack.
- Power Output: 268 HP (RWD) or 349 HP (All-Wheel-Drive).
- Acceleration: The AWD model can sprint from 0-60 mph in a brisk 4.8 seconds.
Perhaps one of the most compelling features is its blistering charging capability. Built on an 800V electrical architecture, the CLA can accept charging speeds of up to 320 kW. On a capable V4 Supercharger, that translates to adding 200 miles of range in just 10 minutes, or a remarkable 100 miles in approximately five minutes—addressing one of the most common concerns for potential EV buyers: charging downtime.
For all the official details and imagery straight from the source, you can review the Mercedes-Benz USA press release.
Mercedes-Benz USA Announces Pricing for All-New Electric CLA
A Premium Proposition Against the Competition
The RWD CLA's starting price of $47,250 positions it about five thousand dollars above the Long-Range Tesla Model 3 RWD, which starts at $42,490. For that premium, buyers are treated to Mercedes' legendary design ethos. The front end, for instance, features a signature grille with 142 individual star-shaped lights, celebrating its status as the first electric Mercedes based on the brand's new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform.
The AWD CLA 4MATIC trim starts at $49,800, undercutting its direct Model 3 AWD competitor by a significant margin.
Under the skin, Mercedes is introducing clever technology to maximize efficiency. The CLA is the first car in the C-class segment to feature a "Disconnect Unit" (DCU). This system allows the 107 hp front motor in the AWD model to completely decouple when not needed, reducing energy-sapping parasitic losses at the front axle by up to 90 percent and directly increasing the vehicle's electric range.
A Tech-First Cockpit and Release Timeline
Inside, the CLA is a showcase of Mercedes' digital ambition. The cabin can be equipped with up to three screens, including the stunning optional "Mercedes Hyperscreen" that combines a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch central display, and a 14-inch passenger display for a truly immersive experience. A standard head-up display projects essential information onto the windshield.
This is also the first vehicle to run the all-new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), a unified software platform that controls everything from infotainment and navigation to advanced driver-assistance systems and future self-driving capabilities.
Getting Ready for Your New EV
As you prepare for the arrival of your new electric vehicle, ensuring you have the right home charging setup is crucial. For a fast and reliable charge at home, consider a high-quality Level 2 charger.
The 2026 Mercedes CLA will have its official release event in December, with customer deliveries expected to begin shortly after. It arrives as one of the longest-range electric sedans available in the American market, signaling that Mercedes is not just participating in the EV revolution—it's aiming to lead.
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