Mercedes Gears Up for Electric Showdown: CLA EV Crossover Set to Challenge Tesla Model Y in 2026

Mercedes-Benz is reportedly gearing up to introduce an electric variant of its future CLA-Class sedan, as well as a crossover SUV derivative.

According to a Tuesday publication by Automotive News, Mercedes-Benz is set to start manufacturing an electric variant of their CLA four-door sedan. Following the sedan's production, there could be a potential release of a crossover model inspired by the electric CLA, anticipated to debut in the early months of 2026.

AutoForecast Solutions reports that the manufacturing of the electric crossover, similar to the CLA model and seen as a competitor to Tesla's Model Y, is slated to commence in October 2025 at the Rastatt facility in Germany.

The Mercedes model that will rival the Model Y is internally referred to as X174. Mercedes has not disclosed any plans regarding future products.

Mercedes-Benz introduces the CLA-Class concept model.

Mercedes-Benz offered a sneak peek of the future 2023 electric CLA coupe through the unveiling of the Concept CLA-Class. This prototype aimed to highlight the capabilities of the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), a platform designed to underpin four distinct compact electric vehicles in various designs. Among these will be a stylish four-door sedan and a small crossover known by its project title, X174.

The new crossover model is expected to take over from the existing EQB EV crossover, an electric vehicle modeled after the current GLB with a combustion engine. Sam Fiorani, Vice President at AutoForecast Solutions, informed Automotive News that the EQB, introduced in 2022, will not have a successor once its manufacturing ceases towards the end of 2025.

The MMA platform is equipped with an 800-volt electrical system, reportedly allowing for quick charging speeds of up to 250 kilowatts. This rapid charging could potentially replenish 248 miles worth of battery life in just 15 minutes. Additionally, the system is designed with the ability to supply power back to the grid or directly to a home, known as V2G and V2H capabilities.

Mercedes has boasted about its new MMA platform, which revolves around an exceptionally compact battery pack that incorporates different chemical compositions. Entry-level versions will employ a battery based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology, whereas the more premium variants will feature a silicon oxide-based anode. This battery configuration is reported to be less heavy than current batteries on the market, and it also enhances the vehicle's structural rigidity.

In 2022, Mercedes engineered a prototype named EQXX which achieved a remarkable 746-mile range with just one charge. The principal aim for this vehicle centered on maximizing efficiency. It was reported that the Concept CLA incorporated various elements from the EQXX, including silicon-carbide power electronics, the design of the battery cells, and the heat pump system.

In February, Mercedes postponed its goals for exclusively selling electric vehicles in certain areas by 2030. According to Automotive News, a new gasoline-fueled CLA is expected to launch in 2026, following the release of the electric version. It's said that the gasoline and electric versions of the CLA will have a comparable design and will both utilize the newly developed MMA platform.

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