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Model dossier · Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLA Third generation

2025 to present Hybrid
Mercedes-Benz CLA, photograph
Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0
01 Overview

Mercedes-Benz CLA (Third generation) was built from 2025 to the present. Powertrain: 1.5L M252 turbo I4 (hybrid). Battery: Lithium-ion: 1.3 kWh 48V (hybrid); 58.0 kWh LFP (EV); 85.0 kWh Li-NMC (EV); 94.…. Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (hybrid); Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (hybrid…. Size: 4,723 x 1,855 x 1,468 mm (L x W x H). Weight: 2045-2135 kg (EV Sedan) 1695-1770 kg (PHEV Sedan) 2065-2155….

Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. Photograph: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons), from this generation's own encyclopedia entry.

02 Features and what it can do
Four-wheel / all-wheel driveForced induction (turbo or supercharger)Hybrid powertrain

Overview

The third-generation CLA, officially marketed as CLA with EQ Technology, was unveiled on 13 March 2025, firstly as a sedan. The CLA is the first model to be based on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. For the first time for Mercedes, the combustion-engine and battery electric models of the CLA feature identical designs for the exterior and interior, as well as sharing a model name. This marks the end to Mercedes’ strategy of entirely bespoke battery electric models being developed to sit alongside their combustion-engine equivalents, such as with the E-Class and EQE.

Exterior

The third-generation CLA adopts Mercedes-Benz Sensual Purity design language and the design was inspired by the Concept CLA-Class previewed at the 2023 Munich Motor Show.

Interior

The third-generation CLA is the first car to operate entirely on the in-house developed Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) - using QNX for the safety-related functions and the dash cluster, and Linux for the infotainment - marks the fourth MBUX generation, which is the first in-car infotainment system to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google. The MBUX Virtual Assistant based on ChatGPT4o, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing.

Safety

The third-generation CLA features a bundle of driver assistance systems under the name MB.DRIVE which includes: DRIVE ASSIST, DRIVE ASSIST PLUS, DRIVE ASSIST PRO, DRIVE PARKING ASSIST and DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360. Technical details for the driving assistance systems include five radar sensors, eight cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a water-cooled supercomputers with regular over-the-air updates.

Source: the English Wikipedia article on this model, CC BY-SA 4.0. Text may be shortened; read the full article for the complete text.

03 Specifications
Built2025 - present
Engine1.5L M252 turbo I4 (hybrid)
Electric motor27 PS permanent-magnet motor (hybrid); 1x or 2x Permanent magnet AC synchronous (EV)
BatteryLithium-ion: 1.3 kWh 48V (hybrid); 58.0 kWh LFP (EV); 85.0 kWh Li-NMC (EV); 94.0 kWh CATL Li-NMC (AMG CLA 45)
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive (hybrid); Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (hybrid, 4matic); Rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive (EV); Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (EV, 4matic); Tri-motor, all-wheel-drive (AMG CLA 45, 4matic+)
Transmission8-speed dual-clutch (hybrid); 2-speed automatic (EV)
PlatformMercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA)
Length4,723 mm
Width1,855 mm
Height1,468 mm
Wheelbase2,790 mm
Weight2045-2135 kg (EV Sedan) 1695-1770 kg (PHEV Sedan) 2065-2155 kg (EV Shooting Brake) 1710-1785 kg (PHEV Shooting Brake)
Built atHungary: Kecskemét (Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary); Germany: Rastatt; China: Beijing (Beijing Benz, L models only); Thailand: Samut Prakan ()
04 Market price

Not yet sourced for this model. Used prices swing with year, mileage, grade and country, so we publish a market range only when it comes with a named source and a date, and never an estimate. For a live figure, use the landed-cost tool with the price on the auction sheet.

05 Buyer's guide

Who it suits

  • High-mileage or city drivers who want lower fuel use without charging.

Check before you buy

  • Ask for a battery state-of-health report: the traction battery is the main value driver in a used hybrid or electric car. Battery SOH tool
  • Ask for service records: turbocharged engines are sensitive to oil changes and cool-down habits.
  • Test the four-wheel-drive system (transfer case, differentials) and look for uneven tyre wear.
  • Read the auction sheet grade and notes, and verify the odometer against service and inspection records. How to read an auction sheet
  • Run a history check (accidents, flood, mileage) before you bid. History check guide
  • Import age rules: this generation already qualifies in Kenya. Confirm the rule for your exact vehicle with customs before buying. Landed-cost calculator

General guidance for this type of vehicle, worked out from its body, powertrain and age. It is not a finding about this particular model; use an inspection and the auction sheet for the car you are actually buying.

06 Import age windows

Worked out from this generation's production years and each country's age rule. Rules also depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

United StatesEarliest examples become eligible in 2050.
CanadaEarliest examples become eligible in 2040.
United KingdomEarliest examples become eligible in 2035.
AustraliaEarliest examples become eligible in 2050.
KenyaNewest examples (2026) are within the 8-year cap.
07 Other generations and models

Other generations of the CLA

08 Questions buyers ask

Can I import a Mercedes-Benz CLA (Third generation) from Japan?

By production year alone, Mercedes-Benz CLA (Third generation) is inside the age window for Kenya. The earliest examples become eligible later in: United States (2050); Canada (2040); United Kingdom (2035); Australia (2050). Rules depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

What powers the Mercedes-Benz CLA (Third generation)?

Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: 1.5L M252 turbo I4 (hybrid); electric motor: 27 PS permanent-magnet motor (hybrid); 1x or 2x Permanent magnet AC synchronous (EV); battery: Lithium-ion: 1.3 kWh 48V (hybrid); 58.0 kWh LFP (EV); 85.0 kWh Li-NMC (EV); 94.0 kWh CATL Li-NMC (AMG CLA 45).

How big is the Mercedes-Benz CLA (Third generation)?

4,723 mm long and 1,855 mm wide and 1,468 mm tall, on a 2,790 mm wheelbase. For container loading, use the container packer.

Answered from this page's own data, not from outside claims. See the sources below.

09 Sources

Confidence: single-source (Wikipedia infobox). Specifications differ by market, trim and model year; the auction sheet or the vehicle's registration document is the final word on a particular car.

Work out the landed cost Back to Luxury Database
FLUX · Chief Engineermi · USD