The 2026 Mercedes CLA Makes Its Global Debut with Electric and Gas Options
From inside the heart of Mercedes' design headquarters, Suhaib offered a guided tour of this next-generation vehicle. Designed to set a new standard in innovation and luxury, the 2026 CLA showcases cutting-edge features across every aspect of its build.
First introduced in 2013, the CLA has evolved significantly over the years. The latest version marks a major step forward, debuting both fully electric variants and internal combustion options for those who still prefer traditional powertrains. Let's explore what this new generation has to offer.
Exterior Design
At first glance, the 2026 CLA makes a bold statement with its illuminated front grille, which is adorned with 142 glowing Mercedes-Benz emblems. The front end is further enhanced by sleek headlight units linked by a luminous strip stretching across the fascia. Each headlight also incorporates the signature Mercedes star design.
The vehicle Suhaib toured included the AMG Line trim — the most refined in the lineup — equipped with 19-inch wheels and a subtle rear spoiler that adds a sporty touch.
A panoramic glass roof spans the top of the car, built using advanced material that reduces heat and glare from sunlight. Around the back, the futuristic taillights continue the star motif and are joined by an LED strip that spans the full width of the rear.
Among all CLA models to date, this latest version is the most spacious in terms of overall dimensions. It offers a 405-liter rear trunk, and for the electric variants, an additional 101-liter storage compartment in the front.
Mechanical Specifications of the 2026 Mercedes CLA
• CLA 250+ (Electric, RWD): Powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor generating 272 horsepower, this version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h. With fast DC charging, just 10 minutes can provide around 300 km of driving range. A full charge delivers up to 792 km. This variant weighs 1,980 kg.
• CLA 350 (Electric, AWD): This dual-motor version features 4Matic all-wheel drive, combining a 270 hp rear motor and a 108 hp front motor for a total output of 354 hp. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and hits a maximum speed of 210 km/h. Driving range is up to 770 km per charge, and it weighs 2,060 kg.
• Internal Combustion Variant: This version is fitted with a visible open front grille and houses a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, balancing performance and efficiency.
Interior Features
Inside, the 2026 CLA debuts the brand-new MB.OS system, which replaces the familiar MBUX interface. This new operating system enhances voice recognition capabilities and introduces artificial intelligence integration to personalize the user experience.
The dashboard layout includes three digital screens: a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and a 14-inch passenger display. A smart camera embedded in the center console identifies who's behind the wheel and adjusts the settings accordingly, offering a tailored in-car experience for different drivers.
Suhaib also introduced a distinctive variant known as the CLA Edition, which features exclusive color schemes and bespoke interior details, adding another layer of luxury and individuality to the lineup.
Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the all-new 2026 CLA in the Arab market at the beginning of 2026, God willing. Photo Gallery
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
5 hours ago
- Leaders
Saudi Troika and the Two-State Solution: From the July Summit to the September Peace Conference
By: Magdi Sadek Magdi Sadek For more than eight decades, negotiations toward a two-state solution have stagnated, mired in endless conflict, crises, wars, and destruction—all at the expense of the Palestinian people. Successive cycles of violence have repeatedly crushed any hope of a solution before it could take shape. Now, Saudi diplomacy is stepping into the void—armed with a strategy akin to blitzkrieg (a term of German origin meaning 'lightning war'), characterized by rapid, successive diplomatic strikes. With growing international anticipation, Riyadh is working to chart a concrete path forward for the long-elusive two-state solution, laying the groundwork for a pivotal international peace conference scheduled for the second half of September. Saudi-Led Troika Lays Groundwork in New York At the heart of this push is Saudi Arabia's leadership, represented by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who co-chaired a high-level meeting at the United Nations on 28 July alongside French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. The two-day conference was part of a tripartite initiative—including Egypt, which was absent from the event—to outline a roadmap for the Palestinian cause and to relaunch the two-state solution. As part of their efforts, Saudi Arabia and France secured the transfer of $300 million from the World Bank to support Palestinian institutions. In a speech during the conference, UN Secretary-General António Guterres thanked both nations, calling the summit 'a unique opportunity' to harness international momentum for peace. But the geopolitical stakes are high. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, during a visit to Scotland, where he toured his golf resorts in Turnberry and Aberdeenshire, was urged by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recognize a Palestinian state. Trump, who once said, 'What matters to me is the humanitarian hunger of the Palestinians,' has thus far remained unmoved. Observers say it's unlikely he will shift his position, particularly after dismissing French President Emmanuel Macron's recognition of a Palestinian state as 'irrelevant.' Trump's own 2020 'Deal of the Century' was widely criticized for favoring Israel. Still, shifts in international policy are possible—even dramatic ones. Trump once promised to bring peace to the Middle East and end the decades-long bloodshed. Could that promise be resurrected? Riyadh's Consistent Support for the Palestinian Cause Saudi Arabia's engagement is grounded in its long-standing support for the Palestinian people and its advocacy for a just and comprehensive peace based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. This commitment, however, needs to be supported by coordinated Arab diplomacy and strong political will to sustain momentum after the upcoming peace conference. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in remarks earlier this year, underscored the suffering of the Palestinian people and called on the international community to end Israel's aggression and create a new reality for Palestine, in line with international resolutions. Historically, Saudi Arabia has played a prominent role in the Palestinian cause, dating back to King Abdulaziz Al Saud's participation in the 1935 London Round Table Conference and his 1945 letter to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt outlining the Palestinian plight. The Kingdom has participated in numerous Arab League summits, championed the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative under then-Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, and led regional and international efforts to revive the two-state solution. In September 2023, Saudi Arabia announced the formation of an international coalition for the two-state solution in collaboration with the Arab League, European Union, Egypt, and Jordan. The Kingdom has also provided over $6 billion in humanitarian aid to Palestinians, including $500 million in 2014 to rebuild Gaza. Its support has included initiatives by King Salman—when he was governor of Riyadh—to assist the families of Palestinian fighters and establish a structured honor registry for donations. Challenges Ahead for the September Conference Originally scheduled for June 2025, the New York peace conference was postponed due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. It now comes amid a renewed international push for the two-state solution, with the Palestinian Authority stating that it sees 'strong indicators' of growing global support—even as internal divisions, particularly the need for reconciliation between Palestinian factions and the disarmament of Hamas, remain major obstacles. While not explicitly addressed at the July conference, these internal challenges—alongside the external ones—remain key hurdles. Chief among them is the U.S. and Israeli boycott of the initiative. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has called on Trump to intervene and end the war in Gaza, as he possesses the necessary capabilities and stature, he is the only one capable of stopping the war and ending this suffering. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during his meeting with Trump, emphasized that recognizing a Palestinian state would be a concrete step toward lasting peace. Some analysts believe that U.S.-Saudi relations could be leveraged to overcome opposition to the conference's outcomes, though ongoing Israeli settlement expansion and efforts to weaken the Palestinian Authority pose significant challenges. A Historic Opportunity Despite the obstacles, many see the September conference as a potential turning point—a 'decisive platform' to revive and institutionalize momentum for peace. Its outcomes should not end when the summit concludes but must be embedded into international and humanitarian agendas aimed at ending the deadly conflict. Today, more than 140 of the UN's 193 member states recognize Palestine as a sovereign state. France is expected to join them in September during the upcoming peace summit in New York, which will coincide with the high-level meetings of the 80th UN General Assembly. While some speculate the summit could move to Paris, the picture remains fluid. What is clear is that international recognition of a Palestinian state is gathering unprecedented steam—and Saudi Arabia appears determined to ensure that momentum is not lost. Relataed Topics: GCC-US Summit: Saudi Crown Prince Supports Peaceful Solutions to Conflicts Saudi Arabia Stands Firm Against Palestinian Displacement at OIC Summit Saudi Arabia Supports Palestine with $30mn Package Palestinian President Lauds Saudi Role in France's Recognition of Statehood Short link : Post Views: 18
Arab News
4 days ago
- Arab News
Liverpool spending backed by title win and long-term plan, says CEO
BENGALURU: Liverpool's big-money investment on transfers is the result of long-term planning, club CEO Billy Hogan said, adding that winning a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title convinced the club it was time to act like a modern powerhouse. Liverpool's latest acquisition, French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth £79 million ($106.84 million), including add-ons, has taken the club's transfer expenditure this window to nearly £300 million. Outgoings, six players including Trent Alexander-Arnold, have so far generated around £64 million. The outlay marks a sharp departure from Liverpool's traditionally measured approach in the market. However, Hogan insists the club has not deviated from the club's policy of financial sustainability. 'It doesn't just happen; it's been years in the making,' Hogan told The Athletic in an interview. 'One of the things we're constantly focused on is that 'virtuous circle'. Trying to run the club in the right way to ensure that we can generate as much revenue as we possibly can. That obviously helps in terms of being able to put more back into the team. 'The difficulty is if you just look at one individual summer. That probably skews the data. There were a lot of comments made last summer that we didn't spend enough...' Hogan explained the approach reflects the ambitions of American-led Fenway Sports Group (FSG), who are seeking to build on last season's Premier League title under manager Arne Slot. 'We also recognize, having won the English league title for the 20th time, that this is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We want to make sure that we are behaving like one,' he added. 'Having massive global stars come and play at Anfield, filling out stadiums in Hong Kong and Japan, those are things we expect and want to do.' Liverpool face AC Milan in Kowloon, Hong Kong on Saturday, before taking on Yokohama FM in the J League World Challenge in Yokohama on Wednesday. They begin their Premier League title defense at home against Bournemouth on Aug. 15.
Arriyadiyah
09-07-2025
- Arriyadiyah
Drone Shows and Fireworks Kick Off the Esports World Cup
Boulevard Riyadh City in Saudi Arabia's capital will officially launch the Esports World Cup 2025 on Thursday evening with a drone show and fireworks display. According to the tournament's official account, which returns for its second consecutive year in Riyadh, the drone show begins at 9:00 PM, followed by fireworks at 10:15 PM. Coinciding with the opening, extensive media coverage and live broadcasts will deliver the event's atmosphere and competitions to esports fans in 140 countries, translated into over 35 languages, through more than 90 media partners. This year's edition offers more than 7,000 hours of content over seven weeks, from July 7 to August 24, across four main arenas and 26 specialized studios, supervised by an international team of over 550 professionals. This marks the largest media experience in esports history and the second largest in global sports, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing esports and becoming a global leader in the field. The global broadcast spans major media outlets and platforms such as: • FOX Sports, NBC, DAZN in the USA • Eurosport, L'Equipe in Europe • MBC, TRT, ITV in the MENA region • SuperSport, StarTimes in Africa • Channel 7, Astro, Abema, Kuaishou, Douyin, NAVER in Asia-Pacific • All competitions will also be livestreamed on Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok. From a production standpoint, the event utilizes over 5,550 meters of steel structures, with 3,000 square meters of LED screens, 2,600 lighting units, and is managed by over 550 broadcast crew members and 300 field staff, using 325 wireless devices, 250 control panels, and 175 cameras connected to 41 servers to deliver live coverage and replays — all distributed across four main arenas and four side stages. This sophisticated infrastructure demonstrates Saudi Arabia's goal to deliver an immersive experience combining competition, engagement, and top-tier digital broadcasting standards. The 2024 edition attracted over 500 million viewers, with 252 million hours watched, a peak of 6.3 million concurrent viewers, and television coverage reaching 311 million households. Content was broadcast across over 2,000 platforms, generating 3.5 billion impressions and $1.2 billion in media value, placing the Esports World Cup among the largest and most culturally impactful sporting events globally. This year's media model emphasizes collaboration with content creators and influencers, highlighting a modern approach to digital entertainment and solidifying the Esports World Cup's place as a core form of entertainment for the next generation. In 2025, the tournament features over 2,000 professional players from 200 clubs across 100+ countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 titles, with a record-breaking prize pool exceeding $70 million — the largest in esports history.
