2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA gets 2 charging ports, EV and hybrid options

The next generation of Mercedes-Benz CLA is not just going to be a redesigned car. It marks the introduction of a new era for Mercedes.

Arriving late next year, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV will be an in-house-developed electric powertrain for its new MMA skateboard chassis, a proven electric in the future

For consumers who are not ready to fully dive into the future of EVs with both feet, hybrid models will be offered to facilitate the transition. It will be.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

All future electric Mercedes-Benz will use CLA's new scalable powertrain.

The new electric motor developed in-house is called EDU2.0 (Electric Drive Units2.0) and uses silicon carbide inverters. The rear-wheel-drive CLA models have a 268-horsepower permanent synchronous motor (PSM) attached to the rear. The all-wheel drive 4matic model adds a 107 horsepower motor to the front, but only engages in acceleration, dynamic driving, sports mode or when a slip is detected.

All new Mercedes EVs feature heat pumps in the name of efficiency.

The CLA EV will be the first, but engineers believe that almost all Mercedes EVs will come after the automaker's new in-house designed 2-speed transmission.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-class EV

Unlike the Porsche Taikan 2-speed used to enhance performance, Mercedes designed this transmission in the name of smoothness and efficiency.

The First Gear takes advantage of the 11:1 ratio and delivers a maximum at 68 miles per hour. The 2nd gear steps to a 5:1 ratio and allows a top speed of 130mph. Mercedes engineers said the first gear using a wet friction clutch is for dynamic and slow driving, while the second gear that is engaged with the dog's clutch is programmed for highway cruising. The car can, however, start with a second gear off the line. Mercedes claims that the shift will be transparent to the occupants.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

The CLA will be the first Mercedes car with both Ccs and NACS (Tesla) charging ports, both sitting next to each other under a single charging port door. Mercedes engineers say that no one wants to deal with the adapter, and this avoids that equation.

The charging port is connected to a future-proof 320-volt electrical architecture that allows fast charging at speeds of up to 800kw. Mercedes said that at a 10% charge state, the CLA could add 186 miles of cruising range, or about 36kwh, to the 85.0kwh (usable) battery pack in 10 minutes. According to Mercedes, charging from 10-80% takes less than 22 minutes.

Level 2 AC charging comes with an onboard charger of 11.0kwh, but Mercedes has not yet discussed charging time. Expect about eight hours.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes engineers acknowledged the shortcomings of EQS in terms of regenerative braking. CLA's system is being redeveloped and the concept is rarely shared.

Still a two-stage blending system, the regenerative braking of the CLA EV will continue until the system conditions are not met (battery full, too cold, too hot, etc.). Then the friction brake is engaged. If these conditions are not met, Mercedes said regenerative brakes can recover up to 200kw, and friction brakes need to take over.

When regenerative braking restores energy, the brake pedal stops moving naturally, like EQE or EQS.

The one-pedal drive is part of a system consisting of four levels of regenerative braking: d-, D, D+, and D Auto. The vehicle remembers the last selected regenerative brake level for each new key cycle and sticks to the settings until the user changes it, unlike the current Mercedes Ev, which is set by default in today's D mode.

Mercedes-Benz CLA powertrain

The chassis of the new MMA skateboard was designed for EVs, but a hybrid powertrain was developed to make it easier for buyers to migrate.

In the hybrid, the new 1.5-liter Turbo-4 will be paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sandwiched 27 hp electric motor. The total system output is 187 hp. A 1.3kwh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the driver's seat is supplied to the motor. Power goes to the front wheels as standard, but all-wheel drive will be available.

Mercedes said the electric motor was powerful enough to drive on electricity alone up to 62 miles per hour, and the engine could be disconnected from the motor and transmission to navigate while it was down the road.

Mercedes-Benz has not announced prices, equipment, or full specifications for the 2026 CLA EV and Hybrid. Look for that information close to launch.

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