Powering the internal-combustion version of the CLA is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder Miller-cycle engine. Dubbed the M 252 internally by Mercedes-Benz, this turbocharged four-cylinder works with an electric motor that’s integrated within the eight-speed transmission.

The 2026 CLA—both electric and hybrid models—get lots of stars in their visual language in this generation. With a more pronounced wedge in its stance, the CLA EV wears 142 tiny three-pointed stars on its face, a big lighted one front and center, and more in the headlights and taillights.