Mercedes-Benz CLA 2026: electric Tesla Model 3 fighter priced for Australia

The all-new third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan – codenamed ‘C178’ (for ICE) and ‘C174’  (for BEV) – has been priced for its imminent Australian release, with the range kicking off at $66,500 before on-roads for the entry-level CLA 180. 

The new model – which famously swaps its front-drive-centric format for a rear-drive in newfound BEV variations – will be offered in both fully electric and turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain choices, bringing a raft of design and tech updates to the lineage.

Its revised ‘modular’ platform features a new three-link front end and a newly developed multilink rear, with all versions sat on steel sprung suspension.

The lower end of the five-variant range follows a more classic CLA powertrain convention, the entry CLA 180 bringing a 100kW/200Nm 1.5-litre turbo four returning 8.8sec 0-100km/h performance while promising 5.4L/100km frugality. 

The higher-tuned CLA 200 ($68,100 list) ups outputs to 120kW and 250Nm, dropping performance by eight-tenths (to 8.0sec) with a 8.0L/100km consumption change. Both the 180 and 200 feature Benz’s 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance using a 1.3kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Paired to eight-speed dual-clutch transmissions, the “high-tech hybrid” system, as Benz describes it, is capable of low-speed dedicated EV drive “when less than 20kW is needed”.

The tree-topping hybrid is the CLA 220 4Matic ($84,300 list), offering all-wheel drive paired with 140kW and 300Nm, while also upping wheel size from 18-inches (in lower grades) to 19s. Performance drops to 7.1sec with economy maintains sub-six frugality, at 5.8L/100km.  

So far, so conventional.

New electric drive

The high-grade fully electric versions represent the biggest technical departure from tradition for the small-segment CLA lineage.

The rear-axle drive layout – which aligns CLA more closely to new arch nemesis Tesla Model 3 – features rapid-charge-capable 800-volt architecture, a two-speed rear axle transmission and different battery specifications depending on the variant.

The 200 Electric, as it’s simply called, is priced from $72,200 before on-roads and features a single motor outputting 165kW and 335Nm. 

Using a 58kWh LFP battery, the entry-grade BEV brings a range claim of 470km with an average consumption claim of 14.4kWh/100km. Performance is, at 7.5sec 0-100km/h, four-tenths slower than the hybrid-powered 220 4Matic. 

The absolute range-topper is the dual-motor 350 4Matic Electric ($91,300 list), adding an 80kW front motor to produce bona-fide performance outputs of 260kW and 515Nm combined. Its potency drops the 0-100km/h credentials down to 4.9 seconds. 

The top dog electric also gets a larger 85kWh Li-NMC battery that boosts the outright range claim to a formidable 663 kilometres, with an impressive 14.9kWh/100km consumption claim. 

Design and specifications 

With the CLA’s redesigned exterior, the hybrid variants fit ‘classic’ grille styling while the electric versions mark their distinction with a fully illuminated grille featuring 142 individual LED ‘star’ elements. All five variants fit a fixed panoramic glass roof – a new CLA signature feature.

The cabin favours a minimalist design that’s heavy on digital display hardware, including a 10.25-inch driver and 14.0-inch media screen, while heated seats, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging and facial recognition smarts are fitted across the lineup. A 14.0-inch passenger-side media screen is an optional extra, effectively creating an ‘MBUX Superscreen’.

Sporty AMG Line accoutrement is standard issue for the 200, 220 4Matic and 350 4Matic versions, which includes sport seats, and multifunction steering wheel, AMG body styling and “a sporty engine sound”.

CLA debut’s the marque’s Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which offers over-the-air updating for many systems, including safety features, while the voice assistant functionality is said to be powered by AI, integrating ChatGBT, Google Gemini and Bing. 

An optional Premium package is offered for the 200 hybrid ($1800) and 350 4Matic Electric ($2340) that adds a head-up display, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, Multibeam LED, MUB Superscreen display array, and Burmeister surround sound. All of these features are standard on the 220 4Matic.   

Stay tuned for a full review on the new-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA on the Chasing Cars channels soon.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 2026: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• CLA 180: $66,500
• CLA 200: $68,100
• CLA 220 4Matic: $84,300
• CLA 200 Electric: $72,200
• CLA 350 4Matic Electric: $91,300