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Mercedes-Benz has dropped the price of its compact sedan for the new-generation model, now available as a hybrid or electric car with a more advanced cabin.
The price of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has dropped by close to $7000 with the arrival of a new model, despite the addition of hybrid technology, all-new underpinnings, and a high-tech interior.
It is a rare price cut for a new-generation Mercedes-Benz in Australia, and winds back the clock to 2020 – the last time a CLA could be purchased for less than the 2026 model's $66,500 plus on-road costs starting RRP.
The most expensive variants in the CLA line-up are electric, priced from $72,200 for the CLA200 – about $10,000 dearer than a similarly-sized Tesla Model 3 Long Range – or $91,300 with all-wheel drive and a larger battery.
The latest CLA sedan is the first new model in about seven years, and fits mild-hybrid technology capable of powering the vehicle on electric power alone at low speeds, a characteristic of a 'full' hybrid.
It pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor built into the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a 1.3kWh battery pack running at 48 volts.
Mercedes-Benz says it can run on electric power alone at "urban speeds" or when less than 20kW is required, and can recuperate energy at up to 25kW under deceleration.
Engine outputs are quoted at 100kW/200Nm for the CLA180, 120kW/250Nm for the CLA200, and 140kW/300Nm for the CLA220 4Matic, the latter adding all-wheel drive.
Fuel consumption is rated at 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres with front-wheel drive, or 5.8L/100km with all-wheel drive, while zero to 100km/h acceleration times range from 7.1 to 8.8 seconds.
The new hybrid's figures compare to 6.7L/100km from the outgoing 120kW/270Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol CLA200, and 7.3L/100km from the previous 165kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid CLA250 4Matic.
The entry-grade electric CLA200 uses a 58kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack and 165kW/335Nm rear electric motor to claim 470km of driving range in European WLTP testing, and complete the 0-100km/h sprint in a quoted 7.5 seconds.
The CLA350 EV upgrades to an 85kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery for 663km of claimed WLTP range, and dual electric motors producing 260kW/515Nm combined, for 0-100km/h in a quoted 4.9 seconds.
DC fast charging at up to 320kW is accepted – by the larger battery, at least – on 800-volt stations capable of supplying enough current.
Australian examples will be fitted with a DC-DC converter that was optional at launch in Europe, which allows 400-volt stations – as are much more common in Australia, usually with power ratings of 50kW to 200kW – to be used.
Standard features in the entry-level CLA180 include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a 14-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch instrument display, panoramic glass roof, and heated seats.
AMG Line styling is added from CLA200 grades and up, but it appears keyless entry – a feature standard in cars less than half the price – is limited to the CLA200 with the $1800 Premium Package, or the CLA220 which receives it as standard.
The pack also includes a head-up display, adaptive headlights, illuminated side sills, and Burmester premium audio.
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is available to order now.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA price in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA180 petrol standard features:
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA200 petrol adds (over CLA180):
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA220 4Matic petrol adds (over CLA200):
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA200 electric adds (over CLA200 petrol):
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA350 4Matic electric adds (over CLA200 electric):
The Premium Package, which costs $1800 on CLA200 hybrid/EV and $2340 on CLA350 EV, adds:
Larger 19-inch wheels are a $1200 option on CLA200 grades.
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner
