German luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it will bring a five-variant lineup of its CLA compact sedan to Australia, including two fully electric models and three mild hybrids.
The CLA has already secured the “Car of the Year 2026” award from the European Car of the Year jury in January, and in Australia will boast two fully electric models – the CLA 200 electric and CLA 350 4MATIC electric – and three mild hybrid variants.
The CLA is underpinned by a new modular platform that supports both hybrid and battery-electric drivetrains.
The CLA 200 Electric comes with a 58 kWh LFP battery powering a single 165 kW rear motor that delivers 335 Nm of torque, acceleration from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds, and a driving range of 470km (WLTP).
An 80 kW motor is added on to the front axle of the CLA 350 4MATIC all-wheel drive model, delivering 260 kW of power and 515 Nm of torque, allowing acceleration from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds and an impressive 663km of range (WLTP) from a larger 85 kWh battery.
Both all-electric variants utilise an 800-volt system with DC fast charging up to 320 kW. A DC converter will come as standard in Australia and 400-volt chargers will also be compatible.
| CLA 180 | CLA 200 | CLA 220 4MATIC | CLA 200 electric | CLA 350 4MATIC electric | |
| Power (Peak) | 100 kW | 120 kW | 140 kW | 165 kW | 260 kW |
| Torque (Peak) | 200 Nm | 250 Nm | 300 Nm | 335 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Acceleration 0–100 km/h | 8.8 s | 8.0 s | 7.1 s | 7.5 s | 4.9 s |
| Combined fuel/energy consumption | 5.4 l/100km | 5.4 l/100km | 5.8 l/100km | 14.4kWh/100 km | 14.9kWh/100 km |
| WLTP tested range | — | — | — | 470 km | 663 km |
The smooth lines of the CLA are matched with a low drag coefficient of 0.21cd, delivering on the company’s promised focus on aerodynamic efficiency.
Advanced driver assistance systems are combined with a robust body structure and integrated restraint systems. A centre airbag is fitted as standard for the first time in a compact segment Mercedes-Benz which deploys between the driver and front passenger in the event of a severe side impact.
In Europe, the CLA was recognised as the top-performing vehicle in the 2025 Euro NCAP tests, achieving a five-star rating and the highest overall results across all categories, including outstanding performance in occupant protection for adults and children, as well as in the protection of vulnerable road users and safety assistance systems.
Inside, the CLA includes as standard a fixed panoramic glass roof across the range featuring heat-insulating laminated safety glass, infrared film, and low-emissivity (LowE) coating to protect against sunlight and heat.
Heated front seats, ambient lighting, wireless charging for compatible mobile devices, facial recognition are also all now standard to the new CLA line-up.
Pricing (manufacturer’s recommended list price, MRLP) starts at $66,500 for the CLA 180 and $68,100 for the CLA 200, while the third mild hybrid, the CLA 220 4MATIC, will sell from $84,300. The CLA 200 electric starts at $72,200, and $91,300 for the CLA 350 4MATIC electric.
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Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.