2026 Mercedes-Benz Cars Lineup: The CLA-Class Goes Electric

10.03.2026 9 min read 0 views

Plus, new sporty and ultra-variants for the automaker’s most iconic nameplates.

Some would argue that the key to luxury automaking is ensuring that customers can get exactly what they want, provided they have the requisite funds. It appears Mercedes-Benz has embraced this philosophy with its 2026 lineup, which includes a dizzying array of cars in a spectacular range of sizes and body styles offered with an extraordinary variety of powertrain choices.

Beyond adding niche-filling models to the Three-Pointed Star’s portfolio, updates to the 2026 Mercedes-Benz cars lineup focus on increased customization options for existing models. Get the full scoop on everything that has changed for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz cars lineup below.

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Two generations of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class overlap for the 2026 model year. The German automaker sends off the prior incarnation of the subcompact sedan with a Final Edition variant of the range-topping Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S, available only in Manufaktur Mountain Grey Magno paint.

Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition Exterior design highlights include model-specific graphics in black and yellow, black 19-inch wheels with yellow accents, gloss black brake calipers with white AMG logs, and a chrome fuel cap with a black AMG logo. Mercedes also equips the AMG Night Package Plus and the AMG Aerodynamics Package Plus for an even edgier look with functional aero elements. Inside the cabin, the sporty compact gets 45 S branding and yellow accents.

Other changes that apply to the previous-generation CLA-Class include the availability of Sage Grey and black MB-Tex upholstery at no additional cost, an AMG Line Lite package with 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler as a no-cost option, and an available Night package as a standalone option.

As for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, the third-generation sedan arrives with a fresh exterior design, new headlights and taillights, and illuminated stars on the grille. The 2026 CLA-Class is longer, higher, and wider than the model it replaces, with a 2.0-inch-longer wheelbase. Though the CLA-Class debuts as an EV with 800-volt architecture, a hybrid model will also be available due to the flexibility of the Mercedes-Benz MMA platform.

Mercedes offers the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology as the base model with rear-wheel drive developing 268 hp 247 lb-ft of torque. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive CLA 350 with EQ Technology produces 349 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. With an 85-kWh battery, the CLA is expected to have around 350 miles of range.

Hybrid models are set to use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder developing 188 hp with 48-volt assistance. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has an integrated electric motor supplying an additional 27 hp, allowing the CLA-Class to drive on all-electric power at lower speeds.

The CLA-Class gets a new interior for 2026 with an available Superscreen that spans the dashboard. If equipped, Mercedes-Benz outfits its subcompact model with a 10.3-inch driver display, a 14.0-inch infotainment screen, and a 14.0-inch passenger display behind a glass surface. It’s the first vehicle to use the new Mercedes-Benz Operating system with over-the-air update capability.

MotorTrend Ranked: #3 in subcompact luxury cars (2025 model)

Read Our Experts’ Full Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Review

2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class receives a wealth of minor changes, starting with 19-inch wheels available as a no-cost option. For those desiring a sportier C-Class, Mercedes-Benz offers the AMG Lite Plus package with 19-inch AMG wheels, a panoramic roof, and a rear spoiler. The AMG Line package can now be had with or without the Night package.

Inside the cabin, Mercedes offers more customization with the Black Fine Structure center console. Digital upgrades include MBUX Entertainment Plus for the Pinnacle trim and Surround View system as a standalone option.

MotorTrend Ranked: #5 in compact luxury sedans (2025 model)

Read Our Experts’ Full Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class

Situated between the C- and E-Class sedans, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class is privy to several slight changes for the new model year. The CLE Coupe is offered with a new Engineering package with 2.5-degree rear-axle steering and adaptive suspension. Additionally, a 360-degree camera is offered as an à la carte option.

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLE-Class is offered with a Manufaktur Edition, equipping the coupe with model-specific design accents, finishes, and equipment. All AMG variants receive AMG branding for the center console. For both AMG and non-AMG models, Mercedes makes its Black Fine Structure center console available.

Changes are slightly different for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Cabriolet. The automaker offers adaptive suspension as an option but doesn’t include rear steering in the package. All models are available with the Black Fine Structure Center Console, and non-AMG convertibles are offered with a 360-degree camera as an option. There’s also a Manufaktur Edition with cosmetic upgrades available for the 2026 CLE-Class Cabriolet.

Read Our Experts’ Full Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Review

2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Our 2025 Car of the Year is back with a new variant, the 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid Wagon. Mercedes equips its high-performance wagon with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine and an electric motor good for up to 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Models equipped with Race Start, available as part of the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, develop 604 hp. The Mercedes-AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system is standard along with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes equips standard rear-axle steering and the AMG Ride Control suspension system with adjustable adaptive damping.

The E53 Hybrid Wagon is offered with the MBUX Superscreen package, adding an additional 12.3-inch display for the front passenger along with the standard 12.3-inch driver display and 14.4-inch central touchscreen. The high-power wagon rides on 21-inch wheels. Those who spring for the Edition 1 variant, offered for the first model year, receive a graphics package with distinctive interior accents and 21-inch wheels with a cross-spoke design.

The rest of the E-Class lineup receives a standard biometric fingerprint scanner for MBUX profile authentication.

MotorTrend Ranked: #1 in midsize luxury sedans (2025 model)

Read Our Experts’ Full Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE-Class

The midsize 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE-Class just got a price cut for the new model year. For 2026, the EQE-Class starts just over $66,000, a decrease of nearly $10,000 below the 2025 model. To justify the change, Mercedes-Benz renames the EQE350 and EQE350 4Matic as the EQE320+ and EQE320 4Matic. Despite the name change, the sedans actually receive a slight bump in output from 288 hp to 315 hp, an adjustment the automaker says improves 0–60-mph acceleration.

To help with public charging access, the 2026 EQE-Class is now standard with a North American Charging System (NACS) adapter. Other changes are minor, such as Fractal Fusion and Granular Fuzz sound experiences to play under acceleration. The EQE-Class can also be had with new 20- and 21-inch wheels designs. Inside the cabin, the MBUX Hyperscreen is now available across the entire range.

MotorTrend Ranked: #3 in midsize electric luxury cars (2025 model)

Read Our Experts’ Full Mercedes-Benz EQE-Class Review

2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class

The biggest electric car in the Mercedes-Benz lineup gets a small number of changes for 2026. All EQS-Class sedans receive Fractal Fusion and Granular Fuzz Sound Experiences that play under acceleration. Like the EQE-Class, a NACS adapter is now standard.

MotorTrend Ranked: #4 in electric flagship cars (2025 model)

Read Our Experts’ Full Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class Review

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Customization is essential in the world of marketing luxury cars, and Mercedes-Benz steps up its game with the 2026 S-Class sedan. The automaker introduces 40 new exterior colors and 25 new Nappa leather upholstery choices. AMG and Maybach variants are offered with 50 more paint colors, including Moonlight White Magno.

Inside the cabin, there’s a new Executive Rear Seat Package Plus with rear folding tables, a full-length center console, rear wireless charging, and a temperature-controlled rear cupholder. An Exclusive trim is available with Mercedes-Benz’s front-cabin Energizing Comfort feature, heated and ventilated rear seats, heated armrests, power outboard rear seats with memory settings, heated rear seats, and automatic rear seat-belt tensioners. Mercedes also expands availability of the existing Pinnacle trim to the S500 4Matic.

Other options include the Edition 580 Design package with Manufaktur paint and Exclusive Nappa leather, a new 19-inch wheel design, deleted badging for the S500 4Matic S580 4Matic, and AMG Carbon Fiber trim for the S580 4Matic and S580e 4Matic.

The Maybach S-Class sees a new S680 Edition Emerald Isle added to the lineup with flourishes invoking the California Central Coast. Just 25 examples will be offered. Finally, trunk badge deletion is available for those that don’t want to shout their status from the rooftops.

MotorTrend Ranked: #3 in full-size luxury cars (2025 model)

Read Our Experts’ Full S-Class Review

2026 Mercedes-AMG GT

Highlighting changes to the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GT lineup is a limited Mercedes-AMG GT 63 APXGP Edition inspired by the F1 movie. Its black and gold livery is inspired by the car driven by Brad Pitt’s character in the film. It rolls on forged 21-inch wheels. Inside the cabin there are backlit sill plates with gold AMG logos and gold contrast stitching throughout the interior. Only 52 units are planned for production.

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG GT receives more than 50 additional Manufaktur Exclusive paint colors. Inside the cabin, Yacht Blue and Black join the options list along with Rosé Grey Nappa leather. Finally, AMG badging for the center console is standard.

Read Our Experts’ Full Mercedes-AMG GT Review

2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door

First introduced for 2019, the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door sticks around for another model year with mere cosmetic changes. Four new Manufaktur exterior colors are now available: Green Hell Magno, Copper Orange Magno, Kalahari Gold Magno, and Côte d’Azur Light Blue Metallic.

MotorTrend Ranked: #6 in midsize luxury fastbacks (2025 model)

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2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Minor changes arrive for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class lineup. All AMG variants receive a revised center console featuring physical soft top controls and a lid with the AMG badge. Ireland Mid-Green Magno, Côte d’Azur Light Blue Metallic, and Orange Flame Metallic join the list of available Manufaktur paints. Manufaktur Exclusive paint choices swell by over 50 shades and hues. Inside the cabin, the SL-Class is now available with Classic Red and Black Nappa leather or a combination of Tobacco Brown and Black Nappa leather.

The introduction of a 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL680 marks the first time the Maybach ultra-luxury brand has offered an SL-Class model. Eschewing AMG’s sporty chassis tuning, the Maybach variant’s suspension is set up for relaxed cruising. There’s a Maybach drive mode that deepens the convertible’s preference for the plushest steering, suspension, and powertrain settings.

MotorTrend Ranked: #6 in premium performance convertibles (2025 model)

Read Our Experts’ Full Mercedes-AMG SL-Class Review