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

• The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class EV will have a hybrid sibling

• The CLA EV will be able to add 186 miles of range in 10 minutes

• CLA EV will have both CCS and NACS charging ports

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA won’t just be a redesigned car. This will mark the beginning of a new era for Mercedes.

Coming late next year, 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV That will mark the way forward for the Three-Pointed Star with an in-house developed electric powertrain thanks to its new MMA Skateboard chassis, future-proof electric architecture and even an under-the-door dual charge port.

For consumers who aren’t ready to fully jump into the EV future with both feet, a hybrid model will be offered to ease the transition.

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV has new electric motor and 2-speed transmission

Every electric Mercedes-Benz going forward will use the CLA’s new scalable powertrain.

Developed in-house, the new electric motors, called EDU 2.0 (Electric Drive Units 2.0), use silicon-carbide inverters. Rear-wheel-drive CLA models will be equipped with a 268-hp permanent synchronous motor (PSM) at the rear. All-wheel drive 4Matic models will add a 107-hp motor at the front, but it will only activate when accelerating, driving dynamically, in Sport mode or when slip is detected.

Every new Mercedes EV will feature a heat pump in the name of efficiency.

The CLA EV will be the first, but engineers believe every subsequent Mercedes EV will feature the automaker’s new in-house design. 2-speed transmission,

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

First gear uses an 11:1 ratio and a maximum speed of 68 mph. Second gear shifts to a 5:1 ratio and enables a top speed of 130 mph. Mercedes engineers said second gear, which engages the dog clutch, is programmed for highway cruising, while first gear, which uses a wet friction clutch, is for dynamic and low-speed driving. However the car may go off the line and start in second gear. Mercedes claims that shifts will be transparent to the occupants.

CLA will have CCS and NACS charging ports

The CLA will be the first Mercedes vehicle to launch with both CCS and NACS (Tesla) charging ports, both of which will sit next to each other under the same charge port door. Mercedes engineers said no one wants to deal with an adapter and this bypasses that part of the equation.

The charge ports are connected to a future-proofed 800-volt electrical architecture that enables fast charging at speeds of up to. 320 kilowattsMercedes said that at a 10% charge state the CLA can add 186 miles of range, or about 36 kWh, to its 85.0-kWh (usable) battery pack in 10 minutes. According to Mercedes, charging from 10-80% will take less than 22 minutes.

An 11.0-kilowatt onboard charger is provided for Level 2 AC charging, but Mercedes won’t discuss charging times yet. Expect about eight hours.

CLA debuts Mercedes’ next generation of regenerative braking

Mercedes engineers admitted Drawbacks of EQS In terms of regenerative braking. The CLA’s system has been redeveloped and has little concept.

Still a two-stage mixed system, the CLA EV will have regenerative braking engaged until system conditions are met (battery too full, too cold, too hot, etc.). Friction brakes will then be applied. If those conditions are not met, Mercedes said regenerative braking is capable of recovering up to 200 kW, then friction brakes will have to take over.

The brake pedal will not move automatically when recovering energy through regenerative braking as is the case in the EQE and EQS.

One-pedal driving will be part of the system, which includes four levels of regenerative braking: D-, D, D+ and D Auto. The vehicle will remember which level of regenerative braking was last selected on each new key cycle and will stick to the setting until the user changes it, unlike current Mercedes EVs which default to today’s D mode.

CLA will remain with hybrid EV

The new MMA skateboard chassis was designed for EVs, but a hybrid powertrain was developed to ensure Easy transition for buyers,

In the hybrid, a new 1.5-liter turbo-4 will be paired with a 27-hp electric motor mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Total system output is 187 hp. A 1.3-kilowatt lithium-ion battery pack mounted under the driver’s seat will power the motor. Power will go to the front wheels as standard, but all-wheel drive will be available.

Mercedes said the electric motor is powerful enough to run on power alone up to 62 mph, and the engine can be disconnected from the motor and transmission while on the road.

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

Mercedes-Benz paid Motor Authority some German pretzels as well as travel and accommodations to bring you this background information.