The new CLA250

CLA Press Test-Drive Reviews Are In!

From July 7–9, a select group of Canadian automotive journalists travelled to Copenhagen, Denmark, to participate in the International Press Test Drive of the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe. 

The largest product offensive in Mercedes-Benz history is just around the corner, and the all-new CLA is at the forefront of a new generation of cars and SUVs built on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. Featuring cutting-edge technology and drivetrain advancements, the CLA is set to be the most intelligent and efficient vehicle in the lineup. 

The first reviews are in, and journalists are impressed!

• “The CLA comes with industry-leading charging performance, promising range, and neat AI-driven cabin tech. Yet, behind all of that, there’s still the brilliance of German engineering: a rock-solid car, nimble handling, great performance, and a brilliant, albeit, complicated, transmission that gives the car the sort of well-oiled mechanical feel we expect from a Benz.” – TopSpeed

• “This is bigger than the outgoing model: it’s 1.6 inches longer, the wheelbase has grown by 2.4 inches, and it’s an inch wider so it does feel more spacious. Even the steering is so good—very precise. I’m impressed with this CLA.” – Motormouth 

• “The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a breakthrough. This model will be divided into three groups to meet the different needs of different global markets.” – AutoNerve 

• “What sets this electric sedan apart from competitors such as the Lucid Air, BMW i4 and Genesis Electric G80, is the advanced technology.” – The Globe and Mail

• “The infotainment system features the 4^th generation of the MBUX system (UX for User Experience). It still wakes up as soon as you say, “Hey Mercedes!” but questions can be formulated more naturally, while answers can be very elaborate as the system is now imbued with artificial intelligence, courtesy of Google and Microsoft, an unprecedented alliance in the industry.” – Auto123

• “The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.21, making it one of the most aerodynamic cars in the entire industry. A total of 142 illuminated stars adorn the black-panel grille up front, which combines with flush-mounted door handles and a smooth underbody that is almost completely closed to achieve such a high level of aerodynamic efficiency.” – Guide Auto Web

• “The numbers are impressive, even without official Canadian or EPA ratings. Assuming the usual ~85% correction from HVAC-off European WLTP ratings, the CLA 350 and 250+ are estimable at some 655 and 673 km, respectively.” – Driving.ca