New CLA coupe is ‘game changer’ 

The third generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLA was launched here in April, fresh from being voted European Car of the Year 2026 at the Brussels International Motor Show. The new model is larger than its predecessor, with more interior space, and a choice of new mild-hybrid petrol or fully electric (BEV) drivetrains. There’s also a big emphasis on luxury, refinement and high-end technology.

The CLA may be something of a niche car, but the Mercedes-Benz brand remains consistently popular among Irish luxury car buyers. This model fits into that category as Mercedes-Benz people say it is a game-changer for them, setting new benchmarks in intelligence, efficiency and design.

This four-door coupe is a real eye-catcher with its stunning front, long wheelbase, short overhangs and strong rear end. It looked particularly well in the pale grey exterior colour of my review car, but there are other colour options available. The vehicle’s aerodynamics are targeted to improve efficiency, range, and high-speed comfort for a quieter, more relaxed drive.

The grille resembles a constellation of small three-pointed stars with the large three-pointed star logo in the centre. It looks stunning at night. The car also looks classy from the side with a coupe slope, while a light bar stretches all the way across the rear.

The panoramic glass roof reaches back to the curve of the rear window and can switch from transparent to opaque. Rimless windows add to the sporty look. I found visibility very good front and sides, and my car had blind spot alerts on side mirrors.

You sit very low in the cabin, which is even more premium than before and includes a substantial amount of recycled materials. Sports seats with two-tone Artico artificial leather and dark Alcantara are comfy and supportive and have manual seat adjustments - the driver’s gets lumbar support. Seat heating is adjusted via the infotainment screen.

The dash is dominated by the massive MBUX Superscreen display powered by the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, which the brand claims powers a new era of connected, personalised driving, with over-the-air updates, AI integration, navigation that factors in energy use, charging stops and the state of the battery, and the car ‘learning’ from the driver.

The system combines the 10.25-inch driver’s instrument cluster and 14-inch central display, reaching across to the front passenger’s panel that features the little three-star pattern. Customers can choose to have a front passenger screen to keep their co-driver entertained on long drives. Almost all climate, media and vehicle settings are integrated into the touchscreen, but there are a few controls for airflow, fan, exterior cameras, and radio volume. You can also use the AI-powered voice assistant to adjust the climate or navigation.

There’s no on/off button. Just put the car into R or D gear and drive off. The transmission selector is a stalk on the steering column. In the EV version, battery regeneration strength is managed by paddles.

Features include a wireless phone charger, a big space below the double-door front armrest, an open storage area below the ‘floating’ central console, USBs, a pair of adjustable cupholders, a decent glovebox, and good door bins.

The coupe styling can restrict rear headroom for very tall passengers, but legroom is fine, helped by the car’s long wheelbase and totally flat floor. There are two C-type USBs, and rear seats split 40-20-40. The middle seat back lowers to reveal a pair of cupholders.

Luggage capacity is 400 litres with rear seats up, but extra storage is provided in the large frunk below the electric version's bonnet, ideal for storing cables or other items.

My car was the EV 200 AMG-Line powered by a 58 kWh battery, 224hp motor, torque of 335Nm, and a claimed range of up to 541 km. It is the first vehicle built on a new MMA architecture, which introduces an 800-volt system to their compact electric car line, allowing DC fast-charging from 10–80% in 20 minutes. Other models in the line-up are the 250+ with 792 km range, and the similar distance performance-orientated 350 4MATIC.

On the road, I loved how well this car drove, a real driver’s car with fast acceleration and 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds, how refined it was over all types of roads, the car’s very good handling, and superb ride comfort. Steering is light, but responsive. But I didn’t like the too-quiet turn indicators, as you can forget to turn them off.

The CLA earned a full five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP and was recognised as the overall ‘Best Performer’ of 2025 across all models and brands they tested.

PRICE: The electric version starts from €53,425 (after SEAI grants); the 200 BEV AMG-line added another €2,580; the Alpine Grey Solid paint was €1,999,00; while a Night Package with heat-insulating dark-tinted glass and 18-inch AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels upped the total to €65,022.00 (including VAT and Registration tax). Annual road tax is €120.