10 Features That Have Improved on the Redesigned 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA will arrive as a complete transformation of the compact luxury sedan category. This all-new model introduces Mercedes-Benz's first fully electric architecture in this segment, alongside the brand's most advanced operating system. The all-electric CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC are set to arrive later this year, giving Canadian drivers access to Mercedes-Benz's most advanced technology.

What makes this redesigned CLA different is its focus on intelligence and efficiency without sacrificing luxury. Mercedes-Benz has rebuilt this sedan from the ground up, creating what they call "the most intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever." The improvements span every aspect of the driving experience, from the powertrain to the cabin technology. Here are ten key areas where the 2026 CLA will make significant advances over its predecessor.

All-Electric Powertrain with 800-Volt Fast Charging

The biggest change for 2026 is the introduction of all-electric CLA models. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology delivers 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque from its rear-mounted electric motor. The performance-oriented CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology produces 349 hp and 380 lb-ft with dual motors and all-wheel drive.

Both models use an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery with silicon oxide anodes that increase energy density by 20 percent compared to conventional graphite designs. The 800-volt electrical architecture enables DC fast charging up to 320 kW. This means the CLA 250+ can add up to 323 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes at compatible charging stations, while the CLA 350 4MATIC adds 314 kilometres in the same time.

The CLA 350 4MATIC includes a Disconnect Unit that automatically decouples the front motor during light loads. This reduces energy losses by up to 90 percent and extends electric range when all-wheel drive isn't needed.

Mercedes-Benz Operating System with Over-the-Air Updates

The 2026 CLA is the first Mercedes-Benz to run entirely on the new MB.OS operating system developed in-house. This chip-to-cloud architecture controls all vehicle functions, from infotainment to driver assistance systems.

The system enables over-the-air updates for the entire vehicle software, including driver assistance features for the first time. This keeps the CLA current with new features and improvements without requiring dealership visits. The updates consume significantly less energy than previous systems, helping preserve battery range.

MB.OS also powers the fourth generation MBUX infotainment system, which integrates artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google. This creates more natural interactions and better response to voice commands.

Two-Speed Transmission for Electric Models

Electric CLA models feature a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, balancing performance with efficiency. The first gear uses an 11:1 ratio for strong acceleration from standstill and efficient city driving. The second gear switches to a 5:1 ratio for highway cruising and the electronically limited 210 km/h top speed.

The transmission shifts automatically based on driving conditions and the selected drive program. This system delivers what Mercedes-Benz calls "sprinter and marathon runner in one" – quick acceleration when needed and maximum efficiency for long distances.

Power transmission uses:

• Claws for first gear engagement
• Discs for second gear operation
• Special thermal insulation for optimal temperatures

Advanced MBUX Virtual Assistant with AI

The new MBUX Virtual Assistant uses generative artificial intelligence to enable complex, multi-turn conversations. Instead of simple commands, drivers can have natural discussions with the system. It remembers context from earlier in the conversation and can switch between different AI systems depending on the topic.

The assistant appears as a "living" Mercedes-Benz star avatar on the Zero Layer display. During conversations, it recognizes emotions through voice analysis and responds with appropriate visual feedback. The star changes colours and animations to show whether it's listening, processing, or responding with empathy.

For navigation queries, the assistant uses Google's Automotive AI Agent to access Google Maps data. This provides detailed information about points of interest, traffic conditions, and route suggestions based on real-time data.

Multi-Source Heat Pump for Climate Efficiency

The all-electric CLA includes the first Mercedes-Benz air-to-air heat pump as standard equipment. This multi-source system can use three energy sources at the same time:

• Waste heat from the electric drivetrain
• Battery thermal management heat
• Ambient air temperature

By utilizing this "free" heat, the system uses only about one-third of the energy that a conventional auxiliary heater would require for the same output. This significantly improves cold-weather efficiency and extends electric range during winter driving.

The heat pump also preheats the high-voltage battery before DC fast charging begins. When using Navigation with Electric Intelligence, the system automatically brings the battery to optimal temperature as you approach a charging station.

Panoramic Roof with Advanced Heat Protection

All 2026 CLA models include an expansive panoramic roof as standard equipment. This one-piece fixed glass roof extends from the windshield frame to the rear without a central brace. The design provides nearly unobstructed upward views and contributes to more generous headroom compared to the previous generation.

The roof features advanced heat protection through two specialized coatings:

These coatings eliminate the need for a roller blind while providing effective heat protection throughout the day.

MBUX Superscreen with Passenger Entertainment

The optional MBUX Superscreen extends across the full width of the dashboard, featuring three displays behind a single glass surface. The driver gets a 10.25-inch display, the centre screen measures 14 inches, and the front passenger has their own 14-inch entertainment display.

The passenger screen includes access to video streaming platforms like Disney+ and games through cloud-gaming provider Boosteroid. Eye-tracking technology ensures the driver cannot see passenger entertainment content while driving. The system allows gaming controller use while the vehicle is in motion, but only for the passenger display.

When an app is open, simple swipe gestures navigate between the app view and the Zero Layer home screen. Apps can be organized into custom folders, similar to smartphone interfaces.

Improved Interior Space and Storage

Despite maintaining compact exterior dimensions, the 2026 CLA offers more interior space than its predecessor. The wheelbase increases by 61 mm to 2,789 mm, contributing to improved passenger room. Front occupants gain 10 mm more legroom, while headroom increases by 15 mm in front and 28 mm in the rear.

The all-electric CLA becomes the first modern Mercedes-Benz with a frunk (front trunk). This storage compartment offers additional cargo space, suitable for small parcels. The rear trunk provides 405 litres of cargo capacity.

The electric architecture eliminates the need for a traditional engine bay, allowing for this additional storage flexibility that hybrid models cannot offer due to their combustion engines.

Advanced Safety with Centre Airbag

The 2026 CLA introduces a centre airbag as standard equipment – the first in this vehicle segment. Integrated into the driver's seat backrest, this airbag deploys between the driver and front passenger during severe side impacts, depending on crash severity and seat occupancy.

The high-voltage safety system includes eight elements of protection for occupants and first responders. In severe accidents, the system automatically shuts down irreversibly, requiring specialist workshop reactivation. Minor accidents trigger reversible shutdown with automatic isolation testing before restart capability.

A new sensor positioned centrally in the high-voltage battery monitors system status even when the vehicle is parked. The improved early warning system automatically closes windows and ventilation flaps while alerting occupants to potential battery issues.

Aerodynamic Excellence with 0.21 Drag Coefficient

The redesigned CLA achieves a drag coefficient starting at 0.21, leading its segment for aerodynamic efficiency. This low air resistance directly improves electric range – reducing drag by just 0.01 increases long-distance range by approximately 2.5 percent.

Mercedes-Benz optimized numerous details for airflow efficiency:

• Almost completely closed underbody with covered control arms
• Fixed rear wheel well that doesn't move with axle travel
• Optimally positioned and sealed grille and headlight joints
• Two-tone wheel covers that improve drag by up to two points

These improvements maintain consistent aerodynamic performance across the model range with minimal variation between different trim levels.

Conclusion

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA will bring together all-electric efficiency with advanced artificial intelligence and improved interior space in the compact luxury sedan segment. Whether you choose the efficient CLA 250+ or the performance-oriented CLA 350 4MATIC, you'll be getting access to Mercedes-Benz's most advanced technology in a carefully crafted package. Visit Mercedes-Benz Brampton to learn more about how these improvements will transform your daily drive when the all-electric CLA arrives later this year.