The management team at Daimler-Benz has changed things up for its next generation EVs. Rather than continuing them with a separate platform, the marque is developing its cars to run on electric or combustion-based powertrains.
Referred to internally as the C174, the fully electric four-door fastback coupe is built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture Platform.
In other words, the look of will largely be the same regardless of how they’re powered. The first examples of this are the new for 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA models. For now, the EV versions are the all-wheel drive CLA 350 and the model with which I spent a week, the rear-drive 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Electric Sedan.
As previously mentioned, the look of this new CLA is more in line with the mainstream Mercedes sedans than that of the EQ-series models the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 replace. This is a good thing to my eye. The look is at once attractive, upscale and thoroughly contemporary. Plus, there’s no mistaking the third-generation CLA models for anything other than products of Mercedes-Benz.
Referred to internally as the C174, the fully electric four-door fastback coupe is built on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture Platform (MMA) on which we reported back in November 2024. This strategy gives the marque the ability to meet demand where it lives — while simultaneously achieving efficiencies of scale. If customers want more EVs, Mercedes can build more C174s to ee that demand. If buyers want more combustion-based models, the company can ramp up production of the C178 gas/electric hybrid iterations.
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
Charting the first outing of Mercedes’ new 800-volt electrical architecture, the CLA 250+ also debuts the company’s updated battery chemistry. Charging times are shorter than before, plus low-end responsiveness and high-speed efficiency are improved. Using a single 200 kW permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor at the rear wheels and an 85 kWh battery pack, the CLA 250+ is calibrated to deliver a maximum of 268 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque.
Charting the first outing of Mercedes’ new 800-volt electrical architecture, the CLA 250+ also debuts the company’s updated battery chemistry.
The electric drive unit uses a two-speed transmission, which switches its ratios for acceleration from a standstill, and steady-state cruising on the highway. Under my stewardship the CLA 250+ delivered 340 miles of range on a full charge.
Using the EVgo station near my home, I saw the battery pack go from 90% discharged to 90% fully charged in just under 30 minutes. I also saw it pick up 200 miles of range in about 10 minutes. Additionally, the CLA 250+ is fitted with a dual socket charge port, enabling it to accept a NACS-type DC connector or a J1772 AC connector.
Interior Accommodations
Despite its stature as the smallest Mercedes sedan sold here in the States, the CLA class is a truly luxurious offering. With seating for four (albeit a tad on the tight side in the back seat), a glass roof and a flat rear floor, the CLA 250+ feels remarkably spacious. The architecture is reminiscent of concept cars from the early 21st century — which makes sense because they’ve now come to fruition in production automobiles,
Headroom is good all around, even with the curved roofline. Outward visibility is adequate from the driver’s seat, and all controls fall readily to hand. While the digital-ness (is that a word?) of dash can be somewhat intimidating at first glance, the logic of it all becomes apparent in operation, as does its user-friendliness.
The door-to-door glass dash is known as “Superscreen” in Mercedes-speak.
Comfort, Convenience & Safety Tech
The door-to-door glass dash is known as “Superscreen” in Mercedes-speak. The section behind the steering wheel monitored the functions inherent to the operation of the compact sedan. The center portion provided an infotainment interface, while the third division afforded the front passenger control over certain infotainment features, as well as access to a variety of games and video entertainment.
That part of the Superscreen is polarized to prevent viewing from the driver’s seat when it is in use. The MBUX operating system underpinning the infotainment features supported Android and CarPlay compatibility wirelessly. The native nav system relies upon Google maps.
The 16-speaker Burmester audio system featured Dolby Atmos capability, while no fewer than 10 cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors were in place. Settling behind the wheel, stepping on the brake pedal and shifting the CLA 250+ into drive were all that was required to set the compact four-door into motion. There was no need to switch it on or off manually.
Driver assistance tech included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automated emergency braking as standard features. Pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as lane-departure warning were also included in the base price.
Despite its stature as the smallest Mercedes sedan sold here in the States, the CLA class is a truly luxurious offering.
Driving Impressions
The preternatural smoothness inherent to EV powertrains is amplified when the car looks like it might be combustion powered. Fans of one-pedal driving (of which I am numbered) will appreciate the fact the CLA 250+ will bring itself to a complete stop without the brake pedal. Some might find the steering effort a tad light, but it was both responsive and accurate.
While the suspension system is biased more toward ride than handling, the CLA 250+ proved more than competent on twisty roads. A nice by-product of the rear-drive powertrain is the exceptionally tight turning circle Mercedes models have so adroitly demonstrated over the years. What’s more the CLA 250+ Electric Sedan exhibited outstanding stability at speed on the highway with minimal road and wind noise.
In Summary
EVs just keep getting better and better. At the risk of veering into politics here, it’s really a shame the current administration kneecapped EVs the way it did. Depriving this brilliant technology of government support, just when it’s coming into its own, is so incredibly shortsighted.
Here’s a compact sedan loaded with outstanding comfort and convenience features, capable of going well over 300 miles on a charge. The CLA 250+ also boasts reasonably short charging times and a price point that puts it well in reach of entry luxury buyers. Plus, it delivers the quality and road manners one expects of the products from Mercedes-Benz.
I really like it.
Pricing starts at $47,950.
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