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2026 Lucid Air Review, Pricing, and Specs
2026 Lucid Air Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

time5 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Car and Driver

2026 Lucid Air Review, Pricing, and Specs

Specs See all specs EPA Est. Range 406–480 Miles Seating 5 Seats Cargo Capacity 22 Cubic Feet Powertrain Electric Drivetrain All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive Limited Warranty 4 Years/50,000 Miles Overview When it comes to long-distance EV motoring, there's no better choice than the 2026 Lucid Air. With its ability to go far on a fully charged battery and its quick charging times when a stop is necessary, this luxury sedan is unmatched when it comes to EV road-tripping. The entry-level Pure trim offers enough premium content to justify its price tag, while higher-end Grand Touring and Sapphire models add performance and show-stopping features, including up to 1234 horsepower and a glass roof. Expert Tip: If you've been waiting for an EV without range anxiety before making the switch to electric, your wait is over. The Air Grand Touring managed to travel an astounding 410 miles in our highway range test. What's New for 2026? The Lucid Air gains access to the Tesla Supercharger network this year, and there are other small changes as well. All trims now come with a mobile charging cord as well as a revised air-conditioning compressor, which is said to improve the cooling of the cabin and reduce ambient noise. The Touring trim boasts a longer EPA-estimated range of up to 431 miles, an increase of 25 miles from before. The Grand Touring trim now comes with 20-way power-adjustable seats with heat, ventilation, and massage. A new 19-inch wheel design called Aeronaut is also available on most models. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Lucid Motors Air starts at $72,400 and goes up to $250,500 depending on the trim and options. Pure $72,400 Touring $81,400 Grand Touring $116,400 Sapphire $250,500 0 $100k $200k $300k $400k We'd steer toward the Pure model. It offers a respectable 430 horsepower and 420 miles of estimated driving range, yet it costs significantly less than the upper Grand Touring and Sapphire trims. The Pure also comes with 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats, plenty of driver-assistance features, and a large touchscreen. Want to compare the 2026 Lucid Motors Air to other vehicles you're interested in? Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice. Compare Cars EV Motor, Power, and Performance EV Motors: 430-hp single motor, 620-hp dual motor, 1050-hp dual-motor, 1234-hp tri-motor 430-hp single motor, 620-hp dual motor, 1050-hp dual-motor, 1234-hp tri-motor Drivetrains: rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive The entry-level Air Pure features a single electric motor driving the rear wheels and produces 430 horsepower. Other models have dual electric motors that provide all-wheel drive and a variety of horsepower ratings: The Touring model generates 620 horsepower, and the Grand Touring makes 1050. The new top dog is the 1234-hp Lucid Air Sapphire, which has three electric motors. The additional motor is mounted at the rear and provides insane acceleration performance to compete with the Tesla Model S Plaid. Despite riding on conventional steel coil springs rather than air springs, the sedan felt calm and smooth in the appropriately named Smooth drive mode. Our main complaint was with our example's 21-inch wheels on low-profile performance tires that produced notable road noise on a section of coarse pavement. 0–60-MPH Times In Comparison: The Pure and Touring models' power deficit is more noticeable on the way to 130 mph, which the Touring managed to dispatch in 12.0 seconds versus the Grand Touring, which did it in 10.3. View Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Range, Charging, and Battery Life C/D Range Test(s): 300 miles (Pure), 280 miles (Touring), 410 miles (Grand Touring) The Air has the longest range of any electric vehicle currently on the market, according to EPA estimates. Grand Touring models feature a 118.0-kWh battery pack and DC fast-charging capability, while the Touring trim uses a smaller 92.0-kWh version and the Pure features an 84.0-kWh battery. The base Pure has an estimated driving range of 420 miles, whereas the mid-range Touring is estimated to travel 431 miles per charge—this figure is increased for 2026, from 406 miles previously. The Grand Touring model offers up to 512 miles of range. On our 75-mph highway route, the Grand Touring went 410 miles, making it the longest-range EV we've ever tested; the Touring we tested went for just 280 miles before needing to be recharged, and the RWD Pure went on for 300 miles before the battery depleted. Plugged into a fast charger, the sedan is said to be able to recoup 300 miles of range in 21 minutes. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe EPA City Ratings: 108-149 MPGe 108-149 MPGe EPA Highway Ratings: 101-142 MPGe The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Air yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings as high as 149 MPGe city, 142 MPGe highway, and 146 MPGe combined. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. For more information about the Air's efficiency, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: Make no mistake, the Air is intended to be a luxury car, and its handsome interior is fitted with rich-looking materials and cutting-edge technology. Lucid is especially proud of the sedan's expansive passenger space. The sedan's front center console provides generous storage space behind the retractable lower touchscreen and inside the large center console bin that houses a set of cupholders as well as slots to place a smartphone. Second Row: The rear seats are comfortable for two adults, but it's possible to squeeze three back there for short trips. The Air's optional glass roof makes it feel even airier and helps with outward visibility. Cargo Capacity: The Air's trunk is a roomy 22.1 cubic feet, and we stuffed eight carry-on suitcases inside. There is a smaller front trunk—or frunk—as well, and it fits two extra suitcases in our testing. View Photos Michael Simari | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 34.0-inch and 12.5-inch touchscreens 34.0-inch and 12.5-inch touchscreens Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 9-speaker stereo (standard), 21-speaker Surreal Sound Pro stereo (optional) The Air is outfitted with a sophisticated infotainment system that incorporates a large upper touchscreen that flows out of the fully digital gauge cluster and a tablet-like lower touchscreen that handles additional functions and can be retracted into the dashboard. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come standard. A nine-speaker stereo system is standard, but a 21-speaker Surreal Sound Pro setup with Dolby Atmos is available as an option on Pure and Touring trims; the fancier audio system is standard on Grand Touring and Sapphire models. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The Air is offered with an array of standard driver-assistance technology, and more advanced features are available as part of the Dream Drive Pro option package. Among those features are a traffic-jam assist function and a system that helps prevent you from curbing the Air's wheels. Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control Optional Safety Features: traffic-jam assist, lane-change assist, curb rash alert For information about the Air's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Lucid is a startup automaker with no previous products, but its warranty coverage is very similar to Tesla's. Tesla doesn't offer any complimentary maintenance, but new Lucids are covered for up to two years or 24,000 miles. Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: eight years or 100,000 miles eight years or 100,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: two years or 24,000 miles -or- None C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2024 Lucid Air Pure RWD Vehicle Type: rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE Base/As Tested: $78,900/$81,450 Options: 20-inch Aero Lite wheels, $1750; Fathom Blue Metallic paint, $800 POWERTRAIN Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 430 hp, 406 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 88.0 kWh Onboard Charger: 19.2 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 250 kW Transmission: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink Brakes, F/R: 15.0-in vented disc/14.8-in vented disc Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport EV 245/40ZR-20 99Y Extra Load LM1 DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 116.5 in Length: 195.9 in Width: 76.2 in Height: 55.4 in Passenger Volume: 101 ft3 Trunk Volume, F/R: 10/22 ft3 Curb Weight: 4536 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.3 sec 100 mph: 9.8 sec 1/4-Mile: 12.7 sec @ 113 mph Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.5 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.8 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 2.3 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 127 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 164 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 327 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.94 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 89 MPGe 75-mph Highway Driving: 109 MPGe 75-mph Highway Range: 300 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 130/134/126 mpg Range: 394 mi C/D TESTING EXPLAINED - 2024 Lucid Air Sapphire Vehicle Type: front- and dual rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE Base/As Tested: $250,500/$250,500 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: permanent-magnet AC, 670 hp Rear Motors: 2 permanent-magnet AC, 670 hp each Combined Power: 1234 hp Combined Torque: 1430 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 118.0 kWh Onboard Charger: 19.2 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 300 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink Brakes, F/R: 16.5-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc/15.4-in vented, cross-drilled, carbon-ceramic disc Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S F: 265/35ZR-20 (99Y) Extra Load LM1 R: 295/30ZR-21 (102Y) Extra Load LM1 DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 116.5 in Length: 197.5 in Width: 78.5 in Height: 55.4 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 61/44 ft3 Trunk Volume, F/R: 10/22 ft3 Curb Weight: 5345 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 2.1 sec 100 mph: 4.2 sec 130 mph: 6.7 sec 150 mph: 8.9 sec 1/4-Mile: 9.3 sec @ 153 mph 170 mph: 12.1 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 2.6 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.1 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 1.3 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 207 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 151 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 303 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 1.04 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING Observed: 76 MPGe EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 105/108/101 MPGe Range: 427 mi More Features and Specs

2026 Honda CR-V Vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: 5 Major Differences
2026 Honda CR-V Vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: 5 Major Differences

Auto Blog

time05-08-2025

  • Automotive
  • Auto Blog

2026 Honda CR-V Vs. 2026 Mazda CX-5: 5 Major Differences

By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The 2025 Genesis G70 is a top value this month. Get the full details on August's attractive lease offers, which undercut key competitors in the luxury sedan segment. Only six will be made, with the cheaper variant still exceeding $200k on a good day. View post: Amazon Is Selling a 'Strong' $40 Weed Puller for 55% Off, and Shoppers Say It's 'the Real Deal' These two compact crossovers are both great, but for different reasons An all-new Toyota RAV4 is arriving soon and it's fully expected to continue dominating the compact crossover segment. But if you aren't a diehard Toyota fan and believe in making a more informed decision, the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 are two competitors that may suit your needs better. The CR-V has been around for a few years now, while the all-new CX-5 is yet to hit showrooms. Both have been brilliant RAV4 rivals for years, so let's take a look at how the latest iterations of the Honda and Mazda differ. 1. Mazda Looks More Premium 2026 Mazda CX-5 2026 Mazda CX-5 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport This is a difference that carries over from the previous generations of both models. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a classy look that is the latest interpretation of the company's Kodo design language. Elements like the horizontal taillights are similar to the ones on Mazda's larger crossovers, and the new Mazda wording across the tailgate is very Lexus-like in its execution. The overall effect is of a polished, upscale, and quietly confident vehicle. The CR-V also has an attractive design, but it comes across as more utilitarian and boxy, especially in base LX form with its plain wheel design and unexciting color palette. That's the Honda way, though; nobody expects cutting-edge design from a Honda, and the CR-V is reassuringly familiar. 2. Honda Has Simpler Controls 2026 Mazda CX-5 By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. Moving inside, there are even more distinct differences between the two vehicles. Mazda, known for its sensible and user-friendly ergonomics, has gone in a completely new direction for the 2026 CX-5. Gone are most physical controls, and in their place is a newly available 15.6-inch touchscreen, the largest screen ever equipped on a Mazda. The screen houses climate control functions, too, and it's hard to imagine they'll be as easy to operate as the old CX-5's conventional buttons and knobs. The change does make for a cleaner interior aesthetic, though, and Mazda has added new ambient lighting to create a more inviting atmosphere. The CR-V's nine-inch touchscreen looks small by comparison, but unless you're using your touchscreen as a mini movie theatre—and most of us are not—we see no issue with the size. Lower down on the Honda's center stack are clear physical controls for often-used functions. There's a traditional shift lever, and even the Honda's digital instrument cluster mimics the rounded analog dials we're used to. It all comes across as utterly logical, even if the CR-V doesn't look as posh inside as the CX-5. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 3. Mazda Uses Conventional Automatic, Honda Uses A CVT Mazda has confirmed that the new CX-5 will still use a six-speed automatic transmission. Recently, Mazda told The Drive that the six-speeder continues to work well with its four-cylinder engine, so it felt there was no need to upgrade to an eight-speed auto, which is more common today. In the Honda, your only choice of transmission is a CVT. In our review of the current CR-V, we noted that the gas-only model sounds a bit noisy with this transmission, whereas the CR-V Hybrid is more responsive and feels more natural, since it simulates normal shifts when accelerating. 4. No Hybrid Or Turbocharged Options For CX-5 At Launch 2026 Mazda CX-5 Screenshot When the new Mazda CX-5 arrives early next year, it won't be able to match the powertrain diversity of the CR-V range. It will launch with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine making 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive will be standard. Those outputs are adequate for normal commuting, but those looking for spicy performance will be disappointed. In 2027, Mazda is set to launch a hybrid version of the CX-5. Previous reports suggest this hybrid powertrain will match or surpass the older CX-5 turbo model, which produces 256 hp. The CR-V comes with a 1.5-liter turbo-four engine as standard, and this produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft. Unlike the Mazda, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. A 204-hp CR-V hybrid is available, as is the CR-V e:FCEV, a plug-in hydrogen fuel cell EV. The latter has 174 hp and a 270-mile range. 5. Only One Crossover Has An Off-Road-Focused Trim Image: ND Adlen 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Mazda made no mention of any off-road-focused version of the CX-5, and we don't expect one, since shoppers wanting a more rugged compact crossover from the company can simply get a CX-50. The sales data backs up Mazda's decision to sell two compact crossovers, too. Honda's only compact crossover is the CR-V, so it has had to be a little more diverse with its trim offerings. The TrailSport is the toughest CR-V, and comes with standard AWD, all-terrain tires, and sportier styling. It's not a hardcore off-roader by any means, but buyers seem to love off-road trims of popular family vehicles, and the CR-V TrailSport is no exception. Final Thoughts Source: Honda/Mazda Until we get to drive the new CX-5, we can't say for sure that it is better than the CR-V. Being newer, we expect the Mazda to have the edge in terms of technology, but we have reservations about how much easier it will be to interact with all that tech, especially when compared to the Honda's simpler control layout. The CX-5 has always had a fun-to-drive demeanor and a high-quality interior, so we hope these traits carry over to the new one. Meanwhile, the Honda is efficient, spacious, and reliable, making it a pleasure to live with, and the TrailSport trim caters to current buyer trends. It'll be a fascinating battle between these two (and the new RAV4) early next year. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile

Genesis G90s With Brush Guards And Lights Are The Coolest Way To Transport VIPs
Genesis G90s With Brush Guards And Lights Are The Coolest Way To Transport VIPs

Yahoo

time25-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

Genesis G90s With Brush Guards And Lights Are The Coolest Way To Transport VIPs

From the indomitable tank of a Cadillac limo that our top government official rides in to the fleet of blacked-out American SUVs that swarm around it, the U.S. has an intimidating fleet of vehicles to ferry VIPs around in. I think, though, that Kuwait's new fleet of 47 Genesis G90s might be even cooler. Genesis' flagship sedan is already one of the most distinctive vehicles on sale today, but adding the chic-for-a-government-vehicle electric blue and yellow livery, brush guards and light bars makes them look downright rad. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, this new fleet of G90s will include 40 cars that will be used for official ceremonies and protocol operations and seven that will be used to transport high-ranking officials. Genesis says that all 47 of these G90s were custom-built to meet official specifications and design standards as approved by the ministry's General Traffic Department. Read more: These Are The Cars You Love Getting As Ubers And Lyfts Genesis Has Been A Favorite Of Kuwait For Years This isn't Genesis' first time with the honor of carrying Kuwait's government officials, in fact the G90 was selected as the official transportation vehicle for members of the National Assembly of Kuwait in 2021. The new G90s (maybe the G stands for Government in this case) will have the sedan's standard powertrain, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that produces 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Genesis Middle East and Africa CEO Omar Alszubaidi said, "We are honored by the Ministry of Interior's selection of the Genesis G90 for official ceremonial and protocol use in Kuwait.... We look forward to continuing to support Kuwait's leadership with premium experiences that embody the true essence of modern luxury." These G90s won't be transporting any baddies in the back seat, but whomever gets the privilege of parking their pampered posterior in the rear seat of one of these limo-lite luxury sedans will be treated to the utmost in comfort. And consider this an official petition to bring brush guards to more full-sized luxury sedans. They make the G90 look so mean, and I love it. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.

Dead: Acura TLX
Dead: Acura TLX

Motor 1

time23-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Motor 1

Dead: Acura TLX

The mid-size luxury sedan has been a staple in the Acura lineup since the mid-1990s, when the first TL debuted. In 2015, we got the TLX, which underwent a facelift in 2018 just ahead of the second generation's arrival in 2021. Now, though, nearly a decade after the first TLX debuted in the US, it's being discontinued. Acura TLX Type S As first reported by Car and Driver , Acura will wind down production of the TLX later this month, which means 2025 will be the final model year for the longstanding luxury sedan. We've reached out to Acura for an official statement, but the company sent out a press release confirming: Acura will conclude production of the TLX performance sedan this month to better align with the evolving needs of our customers and the changing landscape of the automotive industry. It would make sense, though. Acura has only sold 3,634 TLX models in the first half of 2025, and the company managed just over 7,000 examples in all of 2024. That figure represented a 55 percent decrease from the previous year. In its best year—2015—Acura sold just over 47,000 TLX models. With the TLX soon gone, the compact Integra will be the only sedan left in the Acura lineup. Otherwise, Acura buyers will have to select from a swathe of SUV options ranging from the subcompact ADX to the three-row MDX. Built alongside the Honda Accord at the automaker's Marysville, Ohio, manufacturing plant, Acura will effectively replace the TLX—but not with another sedan. The upcoming RSX electric SUV will be built in Ohio at Honda's new EV Hub, and it will be the first vehicle in either the Acura or Honda lineup to use the auto conglomerate's new dedicated EV platform. At any rate, we'll be sad to see the TLX go. Pour One Out Why Isn't the Acura TLX Type S Better? Video Review 2025 Acura Models: The ADX, Integra, and More Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Acura via Car and Driver Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Succeeds with a Less-Is-More Approach
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Succeeds with a Less-Is-More Approach

Car and Driver

time17-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Car and Driver

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Succeeds with a Less-Is-More Approach

If an electric car is like a plant-based meat alternative to a gasoline car, then many of today's EVs are like Burger King Impossible Whoppers. They're packaged in familiar SUV wrappers and stuffed with massive battery packs and powerful electric motors in an attempt to convince the buying public that they're just as good as their gas-powered equivalents. Mercedes-Benz is taking a different approach with the new electric version of the CLA entry-level luxury sedan. This new model focuses on intelligence rather than excess, promising impressive range figures thanks to its efficient powertrain that makes the most out of the battery pack. It's a refreshing change from the overweight, overpowered, and overbearing electric SUVs proliferating across the market, and it has an appealing taste all its own. This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. EV and Gas Versions in Harmony The CLA is also significant in that it marks a new approach for Mercedes-Benz with its electric lineup. The company is moving away from its EV-specific platforms and the EQ-badged models that looked nothing like their gasoline stablemates. The new strategy is based around platforms that can accommodate both gas and electric powertrains, such as the new MMA architecture found under this new CLA. This also means that the electric CLA looks pretty much identical to the upcoming hybrid version that arrives later. The latest CLA is the third generation of this small Mercedes four-door, and the first two served to lower the price of entry for the Mercedes-Benz brand. The new model will likely again be the least expensive Mercedes you can buy in the U.S., although we don't yet have pricing for either the hybrid or the (likely) more costly EV. It looks cute and modern, although the front-end treatment with a full-width headlight bar and a star pattern in the grille is a bit cheesy. Its economy-car roots are visible inside, where there are hard plastics on the lower portions of the dashboard and the center console, but it avoids feeling low-rent. The abundance of screens—including a large digital gauge cluster, a central infotainment screen, and an optional passenger's-side screen—distracts from the less impressive materials, and there are many interesting trim and upholstery choices. You can go in a sporty direction with carbon-fiber trim and stripes on the seats with the AMG Line package or opt for classier environs with wood and high-end leather options. How Does It Drive? We've already detailed the technical aspects of the CLA's innovative powertrain, including its highly efficient electric motors, its two-speed transmission, and its 85-kWh battery pack. The main info left to glean was how it drives. During our drive in Copenhagen, Denmark, we spent most of our time in the rear-wheel-drive CLA250+, which has a 268-hp electric motor on the rear axle. The acceleration wasn't neck-snapping, but it felt responsive, and the single-motor setup offered an appropriate level of power for a vehicle of this size. The steering effort is light and lends the car a nimble feel. With an estimated curb weight of around 4500 pounds, the CLA isn't quite a featherweight, but the nicely tuned chassis avoids the heavy-handed feel of other EVs. We also liked the tuning of the regenerative braking, which offers four settings: automatic recuperation (D Auto), no recuperation (D+), standard recuperation (D), and enhanced recuperation (D-). The D+ setting lets you coast effortlessly on the highway, while the D- mode allows for one-pedal driving. The shifting of the two-speed transmission—with the second, higher gear used mostly for greater efficiency at higher speeds—is barely noticeable. We also briefly drove the dual-motor, 349-hp CLA350, which offers considerably more grunt and all-wheel drive. It's quicker for sure, but we missed the 250+ model's agility, as the CLA350 4Matic felt heavier and less playful, with a firmer suspension tune. Some may prefer the extra scoot, but this model feels out of step with the CLA's less-is-more approach. The CLA350 also gives up quite a bit of range and efficiency compared to its lower-powered sibling. Range and Charging Specifics As for range, U.S.-specific EPA estimates aren't yet available, but based on everything we know so far, the numbers should be big. We're expecting upwards of 350 miles of range in CLA250+ form. Mercedes also makes big claims in terms of charging, thanks to the 800-volt electrical system, saying that it will charge at up to 320 kilowatts and that it will be able to go from 10 percent to 80 percent charge in 22 minutes. There's been a bit of a hullabaloo about the U.S.-spec car, with its NACS port, and its ability, or lack thereof, to use 400-volt Tesla Superchargers, but Mercedes seems to have fixed this issue. Depending on the CLA EV's starting price, it could be a compelling contender among other electric sedans. Its chief rivals will be the BMW i4, the Hyundai Ioniq 6, and the Tesla Model 3. If this smart-driving Mercedes can match or offer more range than them for a similar starting price, it could land with a splash when it arrives in the U.S. later this year. Specifications Specifications 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology Vehicle Type: rear- or front- and rear-motor, rear- or all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE (C/D EST) Base: CLA250+, $55,000; CLA350 4Matic, $65,000 POWERTRAIN (CLA250+) Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 268 hp, 247 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 85 kWh Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 320 kW Transmission: 2-speed automatic POWERTRAIN (CLA350 4Matic) Front Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 107 hp Rear Motor: current-excited synchronous AC, 242 hp Combined Power: 349 hp Combined Torque: 380 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 85 kWh Onboard Charger: 9.6 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 320 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive/2-speed automatic DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 109.8 in Length: 185.9 in Width: 73.0 in Height: 57.8 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/38 ft3 Trunk Volume: 14 ft3 Front Trunk Volume: 3 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 4600–4800 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 4.7–6.5 sec 100 mph: 11.6–12.6 sec 1/4-Mile: 13.4–14.4 sec Top Speed: 130 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST) Range: 354–367 mi Reviewed by Joey Capparella Deputy Editor, Rankings Content Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City. Read full bio This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

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