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Sedans are back: CLA demand outpacing production

The sedan has risen again! Merc's production boss says there's been a "very encouraging order intake" for the new CLA.
Sedans are back: CLA demand outpacing production
I don't love the look, but I will defend this thing to the death if it's selling well

Despite having one of the most unfortunate faces I've seen on a sedan in a long time, orders for the new 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA are apparently coming in so strong that the company is putting on a third production shift to keep up.

At two shifts, there's capacity for around 50,000 cars in a year, so the need for a third slot suggests I might be in a small minority of people who don't enjoy looking at the new CLA.

But, because it's not yet another SUV, I will defend this thing to the death if it's drawing people back to conventional passenger cars. Obviously a wagon would be the ideal outcome, but I'm not here today to be difficult. (For once.)

Luckily, a CLA wagon is in the works. We might not see it in Australia, but cross those fingers fellas.

Do we not agree, at least, that the dashboard looks like a toddlers' PlaySkool set?

The new CLA will launch first as an electric model, its full mouthful of a name being – hold on, I need to look this up again – okay, it's CLA+ with EQ Technology. You can probably expect most journos to call it simply CLA EQ, if they're not charging by the word.

As an EV, the CLA EQ (I don't charge by the word, or get paid at all) is built on an 800V architecture, allowing for a speedy charge from 0 to 325km of range in just 10 minutes.

The range opens with the rear-wheel-drive CLA 250+ with EQ Technology (or ‘CLA250+ EQ’), packaged with an 85kWh lithium-ion battery system and outputs of 225kW and 335Nm. Driving range is claimed at up to 792 kilometres.

The CLA 350+ EQ hops up to a dual-motor arrangement and all-wheel drive, boosting numbers to 260kW, 515Nm, and a claimed driving range between 672-770km off the same 85kWh battery.

Hybrid and petrol models will join the range later in 2026.

I've said all I've got in me to say about this thing, but I did write about it in a lot more detail for WhichCar back in March. Take a look.

The styling, though. I dunno...

I feel like we'd have a nicer result without the light bar on the front.

I made a quick edit below to delete the glowing monobrow. I think it looks better, at least, but not good.

For my money, an evolution of the EQE's face would've been a nicer outcome.

👇 This feels far more cohesive.

🙋
Do you like the look of the CLA? ARE YOU GLAD that a sedan is proving popular?

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