Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has confirmed that the all-new, third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA will make its official Malaysian debut later this month. The preview will take place from January 15 to 18 at Stars@Mercedes-Benz Bangsar, formerly known as NZ Wheels Bangsar, as part of a special showcase themed “Class of its own.”
This marks the first local appearance of the new C178-generation CLA, which was unveiled globally in March 2025 and represents a major step forward for Mercedes-Benz in the compact premium EV segment.
A new EV-first CLA
The 2026 CLA is built on Mercedes-Benz’s new Modular Architecture (MMA) platform and is offered initially as a fully electric model. A key highlight is its 800V electrical architecture, enabling ultra-fast DC charging at speeds of up to 320 kW, placing it among the fastest-charging EVs in its class.
While Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has yet to confirm local specifications, the global lineup currently consists of two electric variants:
- CLA250+ – Rear-wheel drive, single motor producing 272 PS and 335 Nm
- CLA350 – Dual-motor all-wheel drive with a combined output of 354 PS and 515 Nm
Performance figures are equally impressive, with the CLA250+ completing the 0–100 km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds and the CLA350 cutting that down to just 4.9 seconds, while both offer a top speed of up to 210 km/h.
Long range and rapid charging
Powering the new CLA EV is an 85 kWh (net) nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. Depending on variant and configuration, Mercedes-Benz claims a WLTP-rated range of:
- 694–792 km for the CLA250+
- 672–771 km for the CLA350
The impressive efficiency is attributed to the brand’s second-generation Electric Drive Unit (EDU 2.0), which features a two-speed transmission. On the dual-motor CLA350, the system can also disconnect the front motor during cruising to further improve efficiency.
When it comes to charging, the CLA’s 800V system allows for up to 325 km of range to be added in just 10 minutes using a high-powered DC fast charger. AC charging, meanwhile, supports up to 11 kW.
Superscreen interior with AI-powered MBUX
Inside, the new CLA showcases Mercedes-Benz’s latest digital experience with the MBUX Superscreen. The setup features three seamlessly integrated displays spanning the width of the dashboard, all powered by an AI-enhanced version of the MBUX infotainment system.
This high-tech interior underlines the CLA’s positioning as a tech-forward, design-led entry point into the Mercedes-Benz electric lineup.
Malaysian preview ahead of potential launch
Although pricing and variant availability for Malaysia have not yet been announced, the upcoming preview at Stars@Bangsar signals that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is preparing the ground for a future local launch.
With its sleek four-door coupe styling, long driving range and ultra-fast charging capability, the new CLA EV is poised to attract buyers looking to step into the premium electric segment.
Visitors can catch the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV in person from January 15 to 18 at Stars@Mercedes-Benz Bangsar.
