In the midst of a flurry of snow in the Austrian Alps, I seized the door handle of the CLA EV prototype. It clicked securely in my grip, creating an immediate positive impression.
Upon sliding into the camouflaged 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV prototype I was introduced to my guides for the next 40 minutes: Timo Stegmaier, the senior manager of electric drive systems at Mercedes, and Tom Steller, a spokesperson for the brand. They inquired if I was feeling cold, only to express surprise at my lack of discomfort: “I’m from Minnesota,” I replied. “This is just another day.”
Having spent the night in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter RV parked on the mountainside and after driving the 2025 Mercedes-Benz E 53 Hybrid from Stuttgart, I was given the chance to ride shotgun in the 2026 Mercedes CLA EV prototype for an extended and insightful session. Here’s what I discovered.
2026 Mercedes CLA EV feels robust, balanced, and upscale
My immediate impression of the CLA EV was: This vehicle feels robust. Even as a prototype—which I was told approached production specifications—the door closed with a satisfying thunk. The camouflaged interior held steady, free from rattles or squeaks. Inside, it was exceptionally quiet, even with Michelin Alpin 5 winter tires fitted. No howls or hums from the tires penetrated the cabin, only a whisper of wind noise escaping from the raging storm swirling around us as we navigated the icy road.
Stegmaier confirmed the prototype was equipped with a passive steel suspension, but he refrained from commenting on what features may be available for the production version. AMG variants, and potentially higher trim levels, are likely to include adjustable dampers. Nevertheless, the ride was notably well-controlled even with the standard passive suspension.
2026 CLA EV appears swift, emphasizes regenerative braking
The prototype I experienced was a dual-motor variant utilizing Mercedes’ new EDU 2.0 (Electric Drive Units 2.0) featuring silicon-carbide inverters. This design includes a rear-mounted 268-hp permanently synchronous motor (PSM) and a 107-hp front motor. Given the snowy conditions, both motors were likely engaged continuously, or almost so.
While Mercedes hasn’t released any official acceleration times, achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in the low 4.0-second range seems plausible.
Despite Stegmaier’s spirited driving style, both on straightaways and through curves, the CLA EV prototype maintained its intended direction. The latest ECUs and PCUs responded instantaneously to the slippery conditions. The winter tires didn’t lose grip, and the vehicle remained stable under acceleration with instant torque—very controlled and indeed impressive.
I didn’t notice any shift from the newly designed 2-speed automatic transmission. In fact, it was so seamless and unnoticeable that I forgot it featured a 2-speed setup amidst the blizzard’s chaos.
The CLA EV will utilize the automotive manufacturer’s new MMA dedicated EV platform. Accompanying this is a revamped electrical architecture, new ECUs, updated software—and a significantly improved regenerative braking system compared to the previous EQE and EQS models. While competitors at Audi and Porsche may not prioritize one-pedal driving, Mercedes embraces it.
The CLA EV’s regenerative braking system retains its familiar three settings: D-, D, and D+. However, it now also includes a D Auto mode. D- facilitates one-pedal driving, while the other settings reduce regenerative capability, culminating in D Auto where the system adapts automatically to driving conditions. Engineers in Stuttgart stated that this new system will remember the last selected mode and maintain it through a key cycle, unlike the current EQE and EQS versions. The brake pedal will also remain inactive unless engaged by the driver—contrasting the functionality found in previous models.
This updated regenerative braking system can achieve up to 200 kW of recuperation before transitioning to friction brakes.
This recuperation process replenishes the 85.0-kWh (usable) battery pack via an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture. The charging capability will reach up to 320 kW, with Mercedes claiming that the CLA EV can gain 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes when fast charging (equating to about 36 kWh). Charging from 10-80% is expected to take under 22 minutes according to the manufacturer. The Level 2 charging will utilize an 11.0-kW onboard charger, though charging durations have not yet been disclosed.
Stegmaier mentioned that the CLA EV prototype was operating in D- mode for regenerative braking. He noted that the friction brakes did not engage once during our drive, a claim I had to take at face value.
Even in D- mode with full regenerative braking, the system adjusted effectively to the conditions presented by the snow-covered roads. I did not experience any traction loss during braking, and the vehicle remained composed with no sideways motion, aside from one instance where Stegmaier playfully maneuvered around a tight corner, and the stability control never appeared to activate.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV draws inspiration from the past to propel into the future
The exterior of the CLA EV was hidden beneath camo. However, it unmistakably resembles the concept car unveiled in 2023. The headlights and taillights appeared to incorporate the signature Mercedes star design. Shine brightly, CLA EV.
Internally, the Mercedes team had draped most areas in black fabric and requested that I hold off on impressions about the production-ready models. What I can note is that the dashboard design is a departure from current Mercedes EVs, which tend to have high-set dashboards that make one feel like they’re piloting a cockpit or a boat. Instead, this dashboard features a shape reminiscent of both the classic Mercedes 190E and the W126 models from the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, along with elements from the G-Class. The shorter dashboard tucks up towards the windshield, making efficient use of space.
Since I didn’t drive the CLA EV myself, my impressions stem exclusively from my brief experience in the passenger seat. However, it’s apparent that even in its camouflaged prototype form and with limited exposure, Mercedes has taken heed of feedback regarding its current EV lineup. The CLA EV addresses some previous shortcomings, positioning Mercedes firmly on the path toward an electric future.
Image Source: Darren Brode / Shutterstock
