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Mercedes-Benz CLA180 2026 review: snapshot

EXPERT RATING
7.6

Likes

Refinement
Efficiency
Safety

Dislikes

Pricey servicing
Modest road feel
No physical spare tyre
James Cleary

Deputy Editor

2 min read

The Mercedes CLA line-up kicks off at $66,500 for the entry-level 180, which puts it in the same price ballpark as its German ‘Big Three’ rivals, the Audi A3 sedan and BMW 2 Series.

Standard equipment includes heated power front seats, synthetic leather trim, a fixed panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting, ‘high performance’ LED headlights, keyless entry and start, park assist, 18-inch alloys and metallic paint. And the AI-powered assistant integrates ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Bing technologies.

In an impressive feat of aero fine-tuning Mercedes-Benz design and engineering teams have managed to make an already slippery car even more efficient with this new CLA dropping the car’s drag-coefficient from 0.23 to an amazing 0.21.

The sloping, coupe-style profile remains as a CLA signature, complete with frameless doors, flush door handles and aero wheels. And for Latin buffs the interior treatment is minimus extremus with screens dominating the front part of the stripped back cabin.

Hybrid power comes courtesy of a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder internal-combustion engine (ICE) and a 48-volt electric motor integrated into a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive going to the front wheels. Combined outputs are 115kW/280Nm.

Hybrid CLAs are fitted with a 48-volt, 1.3kWh lithium-ion battery and at urban speeds where less than 20kW is needed, can drive using electric power alone, depending on conditions at speeds up to 100km/h. 

Official combined cycle fuel consumption is quoted at 5.4L/100km for the CLA180 which equates to a theoretical range of close to 800km.

The new CLA hasn’t been assessed by ANCAP although its sister organisation, Euro NCAP, awarded it a maximum five-star rating in 2025 with mega high scores across the board for occupant and pedestrian protection as well as driver assist systems.

The CLA is covered by Mercedes-Benz Australia’s five-year/unlimited km warranty with roadside assistance included. On top of that, there’s an eight-year/160,000km warranty on the drive battery in electric models. Hybrid and electric variants have the same 12 month, 25,000km recommended service interval.

Read the full 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class review

Mercedes-Benz CLA 2026: 180

Engine Type Turbo 4, 1.5L
Fuel Type Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 5.4L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $66,500

Pricing Guides

$66,500
Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Mercedes-Benz CLA 2026 variant.
LOWEST PRICE
$66,500
HIGHEST PRICE
$91,300
James Cleary

Deputy Editor

James Cleary is CarsGuide’s Deputy Editor, with over four decades’ experience across automotive editorial, marketing, product planning and creative advertising. He has written for national and international titles including Wheels, Drive, Carsales, Motor and Top Gear Australia providing everything from new product assessment and feature writing to industry analysis, news content and expert advice. He’s spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas. James worked in the PR and advertising/sales promotion teams at Mercedes-Benz Australia and has managed the Marketing Communications and Product Planning functions for Peugeot Australia. He also directed advertising client service for Hyundai Motor Company Australia and Volvo Australia. James has a Bachelors Degree in Communications from Macquarie University and driving qualifications from multiple advanced schools, including Ian Luff Motivation. He has been a member of the CarsGuide team for 10 years and as Deputy Editor manages everything from sub-editing to back-end platforms while creating written and visual content. Expertise New product assessment Industry analysis News content Expert advice Feature writing Experience BMW Performance Driving School Lamborghini Winter Accademia Master Maserati Driving School Mercedes-AMG Snow Performance School Porsche Level 4 Master training Volkswagen Driving Experience program Education Bachelor of Arts (MassComm) | Macquarie University | 1981-1984 Featured publications Carsales Drive Motor Top Gear Wheels
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$66,500
Lowest price, based on new car retail price.
For more information on
2026 Mercedes‑Benz CLA‑Class
See Pricing & Specs

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