Launch Report: Award-winning Mercedes-Benz CLA impresses with range
25 February 2026
As an award-winning car, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is already proving itself on the European stage. But how does this translate into expected residual value (RV) performance? Autovista24 special content editor, Phil Curry, reviews the model alongside regional experts.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is providing the German carmaker with headlines. At the Brussels Motor Show, the model was presented with the European Car of the Year title for 2026.
The success of the model, voted for by motoring journalists across Europe, highlights the prowess of the CLA. With an impressive design, comfortable handling and strong driving range, it offers much to buyers.
Autovista24’s latest Launch Report benchmarks the Mercedes-Benz CLA against its key competitors in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Regional experts also provide a breakdown of the car’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
A bright start for design
The new model cuts an impressive figure in either a coupé or shooting-brake body style. This gives the CLA sleek lines and a low profile that provides a premium look. Although this comes at the cost of practicality.
At the front, the false grill features 142 stars, which illuminate at night, providing a striking visual component. This is not the only use of the three-pointed star. Alongside the traditional Mercedes-Benz logo, the pattern is used in the headlights.
The LED light bar extends across the front above the grill, continuing a trend seen on other Mercedes-Benz electric models. However, it looks slightly out of place, sitting high up above the grill, impacting the clean lines. On the plus side, the bar does provide increased visibility at night.
The sweeping side profile and simple rear styling provide a sporty look but remain reminiscent of internal-combustion engine (ICE) models. Carmakers can develop BEVs with an outlandish design, but this runs the risk of alienating some buyers. In this guise, the CLA will appeal to a broader range of drivers.
Inside the Mercedes-Benz CLA
Inside, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is comfortable, with a low seating position up front contributing to the sporty feeling. For the most part, material quality is good, although some hard plastics point away from the overall premium feel.
The new CLA utilises the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). This provides an AI-enhanced experience, capable of adapting to the driver’s mood and providing quicker responses to queries. The infotainment system is also quick and intuitive. On-board navigation uses Google data, providing accurate information on travel and road conditions.
Sweeping around the dashboard are a pair of screens, including the central 14-inch touchscreen, which houses the infotainment system. Behind the steering wheel is a 10.25-inch driver display. The carmaker offers the MBUX Superscreen setup, which places a third, 14-inch screen in front of the passenger. This allows them to stream videos and have their own display separate from the driver.
Questionable controls
The German carmaker has embraced the touchscreen control culture that others are starting to pedal back on. Many of the basic controls in the CLA are found within the infotainment system’s menus, rather than on physical buttons. These are easier to find than in some other models, but could prove distracting.
This includes the window demisters and heated seating controls. Drivers will also have to find the option to switch the window buttons from front to rear, with only two physical controls for these.
Additionally, while the steering wheel is high quality, the touch-sensitive buttons can prove troublesome. These have been switched for physical components in other vehicles, but Mercedes-Benz has stayed the course.
Another questionable control option is the location of the regenerative braking settings. The CLA does not feature paddles behind the steering wheel. Instead, the driver flicks the gear selector lever located behind the steering wheel, making the control more awkward.
The new CLA also struggles with practicality. While there is plenty of space in the front, rear-seat passengers are affected by the coupé-style roofline and high floor. Boot space is also at a premium, with just 405 litres available. However, the CLA does offer a 101-litre frunk, providing an alternative storage location.
Impressive range from Mercedes-Benz CLA
The new CLA features an 85kWh battery and a single 272hp electric motor. This provides an impressive 483-mile (777km) range. While the BMW iX3 offers 500 miles, it has a much larger battery.
Built on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, designed for both BEV and hybrid powertrains. The CLA also uses an 800-volt system. This allows the battery to charge at up to 320kW. This allows for over 190 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes.
However, the current system requires either rapid chargers or DC charging at home, and will not work with other charging systems. An optional convertor is planned for future models, according to Auto Express.
In terms of driving, the suspension is smooth and soaks up road imperfections. Braking is also precise, with the regenerative braking and one-pedal driving working well to put energy back into the battery.
The steering is light enough to make the CLA easy to use in town, but also holds its own on motorways. All of this combines to make the model fun to drive over its long range.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA has some small failings. Yet the impressive range, together with clear and smooth styling, comfort and premium feel, takes the focus away from these. Overall, the car offers plenty for the driver, and those who aspire to the German brand will not be disappointed. The car is worthy of its European Car of the Year title.
View the interactive dashboard, which benchmarks the Mercedes-Benz CLA in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. The interactive dashboard presents new prices, forecast RVs, and SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis.
