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Mercedes-Benz CLA220 4Matic 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

3 min read

The top-spec hybrid model in the new CLA line-up is the AWD 220 4Matic, sitting at $84,300, before on-road costs, which puts it in the same price ballpark as primo versions of its German ‘Big Three’ rivals, the Audi A3 sedan and BMW 2 Series.

CLA 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.

The CLA220 also picks up AMG Line elements including 19-inch rims, sports seats, synthetic leather and synthetic suede trim, a multi-function sports steering wheel, carbon-grain aluminium trim pieces, AMG body styling and what Merc refers to as ‘a sporty engine sound’ driven through the audio system.

Then, aside from its all-wheel drive powertrain, the CLA220 4Matic includes the ‘MBUX Superscreen’ (combining a 10.25-inch driver display and 14-inch central media touchscreen), a rear light strip, 16-speaker, 850W Burmester 3D surround audio, ‘Multibeam’ LED headlights, a head-up display, hands-free boot functionality and privacy glass.

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 155kW/380Nm.

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 5.8L/100km for the 220 4Matic for a potential range of around 740km. 

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: 200 Electric

Engine Type Not Applicable
Fuel Type Electric
Fuel Efficiency 0.0L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $72,200

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

As a small boy James often sat on a lounge with three shoes in front of him, a ruler between the cushions, and a circular drinks tray in his hands. He would then play ‘drivings’, happily heading to destinations unknown for hours on end. He’s since owned many cars, raced a few, and driven (literally) thousands of them at all points of the globe. He’s steered around and across Australia multiple times, spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas. His time in motoring journalism has included stints at national and international titles including Motor, Wheels and TopGear, and when asked to nominate a career highlight, James says interviewing industry legend Gordon Murray, in the paddock at the 1989 Australian Formula One Grand Prix was amazing, especially as Murray waived away a hovering Ayrton Senna to complete the conversation. As Deputy Editor, James manages everything from sub-editing to back-end content while creating written and video product reviews.
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
$72,200
Lowest price, based on new car retail price.
For more information on
2026 Mercedes‑Benz CLA‑Class
See Pricing & Specs

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