Accelerated: 2026 Mercedes CLA Hybrid Prototype Blows Past 'Mild' Hybrids

Perhaps you were one of the legions of critics of the whole Mercedes-EQ thing—what with the oddball naming convention and the even odder egg-shaped styling. If so, consider yourself vindicated. The backpedaling is now fully underway.

Several recent product launches indicate that Mercedes intends to shift towards a more conventional model range, featuring vehicles equipped with various types of engines coexisting harmoniously with similar designs. This approach was initially showcased through the introduction of the G-class series; for instance, the G550 comes with a gasoline-powered engine, whereas the visually indistinguishable G580 operates on electricity. the upcoming new CLA-class keeps this momentum going.

We've already had an initial familiarity with the forthcoming electric CLA , and now it's time to test drive the CLA hybrid.

Not-So-Mild Hybrid

One of the, shall we say, idiosyncrasies of the Car and Driver style guide is that we generally don't separate "mild hybrids" from their more traditional counterparts. Yes, so-called mild hybrids do still contain electric motors and a battery (albeit a very tiny one), but these 48-volt systems exist mostly to enable engine-off coasting and extend the length of stop-start engagement. They're nothing like a Prius.

The CLA hybrid model is another 48-volt system, yet it’s distinct enough that we’re relieved not to have debated these nuances. On the gasoline front, it features a newly designed 1.5-liter inline-four engine known as the M252, which operates using the fuel-efficient Miller cycle. It pairs this with a 1.3-kWh lithium-ion battery along with an electric motor delivering 27 hp, positioned within the eight-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox. According to Mercedes, the combined power output of the CLA hybrid reaches around 188 hp.

What sets the CLA hybrid apart? In essence, it aims to surpass what a typical “mild hybrid” usually accomplishes. While forty-eight-volt hybrids typically capture some energy during braking, the CLA has the capability to feed up to 25 kW of power back into the system whenever necessary. Additionally, the brake pedal is newly designed; it’s part of an integrated unit that mostly avoids providing a direct mechanical link between your foot and the brakes. Rather, both the pressure applied via the pedal and the operation of the brakes are managed through electronic means, although a hydraulic backup remains available when required. This setup primarily focuses on optimizing regenerative braking, using conventional friction braking methods solely when absolutely essential.

Mercedes has stated that the CLA hybrid will be able to operate solely on electricity for brief periods, though you shouldn’t anticipate driving up to 10 miles using only battery power unless you’re descending from quite a steep incline. The vehicle might allow electric-only mode in dense traffic situations and when exiting your local area, but beyond those scenarios, it won’t offer much else in terms of purely electric travel.

Driving the CLA Hybrid

We had access only to pre-production prototypes of the CLA, experiencing them much like its engineers did when developing the vehicle under harsh winter conditions. Hence, our adventure began atop a Swedish mountainside where the paths were rough and coated with ice and snow.

Equipped with basic non-studded winter tires, the CLA handled the descent quite well until we sharply turned the wheel, causing the vehicle to readily slide. In Sport mode, you have greater sideways freedom, yet regardless of the settings, the electronic stability control would ultimately stabilize everything with little sound or shaking. The system responded promptly as well; before we could even complete our steering adjustment, the car had mostly corrected itself.

As the initial section was completely downhill, the combustion engine remained inactive. Gentle accelerator movements offered just enough boost when needed; however, the allure of power-induced oversteer could not be fully satisfied without giving the pedal a firm press, activating the motor with minimal hassle, thanks to the fact that the electric motor doubles as a starter.

Should your journey happen to involve mostly descents (unlike your grandfather’s walk to school uphill both ways), the engine remains largely silent. This silence is welcome since the 1.5-liter Miller-cycle four-cylinder offers merely adequate performance. Transitioning between electric motor power and gasoline engine occurs seamlessly—this commendable feature extends to the updated brake system as well, offering consistently firm feedback without any unusual blending issues. For those familiar with Mercedes-Benz EQ models, this consistency stands out positively.

The second segment of our CLA adventure happened on a frozen lake at a Mercedes-Benz test facility. During this part, we mainly engaged in some wild antics. Good news for you: you can enjoy spinning around in the snow with the CLA all day long—it’s quite enjoyable, even if it might not compare to the instant torque experience of an electric vehicle version.

What Mercedes has achieved with their 48-volt hybrid setup is quite remarkable, offering exceptional smoothness during operation. There’s nothing unusual about this excellence.

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