Fans of the three-pointed star – the Mercedes logo – may think that the new Mercedes CLA embodies pure German engineering, but the truth is different this time, after the official unveiling of the 2026 Mercedes CLA Hybrid, a car that combines elegant German design and hybrid technologies with an engine developed and manufactured in China.
Yes, your next German car may have a Chinese heart without you realizing it from the outside.
Mercedes CLA Hybrid 2026 when the German star meets the Chinese engine
An unexpected machine under the hood
The Mercedes CLA 220 Hybrid is based on a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, which features a high compression ratio of 12:1, which is an uncommon ratio in this type of engine.
Although Mercedes confirmed that it developed this engine, Chinese reports revealed that it was developed in cooperation with the Geely Group, and will be entirely manufactured in China before being shipped and integrated into Mercedes 2026 cars.
The engine runs on the Miller Cycle, known for its high efficiency, and comes with:
- Full aluminum construction
- Nanoslide coating for cylinder liners to reduce friction
- Improvements to increase reliability and reduce fuel consumption
To keep the cabin quiet, Mercedes added additional sound insulation in the engine compartment, on the A-pillars, and also under the floor.
Balanced performance and lower consumption
The gasoline engine is linked to an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the 2026 Mercedes CLA Hybrid, with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.3 kWh.
Result:
- Total power: 208 hp
- Torque: 380 Nm
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 7.1 seconds
- Maximum speed: 209 km/h
Interestingly, the CLA 220 can drive on electric power only up to a speed of 96 km/h (60 mph), and can recover energy of up to 25 kW during braking.
The total weight of the car is 1,630 kg, which is a reasonable number for the hybrid compact sedan category.
You may be interested in: A tour of the 2026 CLA, the smartest and most advanced car in the Mercedes fleet
Familiar interior with new touches
From the inside, the Mercedes CLA Hybrid 2026 maintains the identity of the well-known class, with standard equipment that includes:
Fixed glass panoramic roof
The possibility of ordering a giant Superscreen screen that includes:
- 10.25-inch instrument screen
- 14 inch entertainment screen
- 14-inch front passenger screen
But the most notable updates appear in the new steering wheel:
- Improved tactile buttons
- The return of physical volume control buttons
- A traditional switch to control the cruise control system instead of a touch
- Small changes, but welcome from drivers who previously complained about the tactile buttons.
Conclusion
The Mercedes CLA 220 Hybrid represents a new direction for the German brand, where “pure Germanness” is no longer a prerequisite, but rather efficiency and global cooperation have become top priorities.
This step may not appeal to lovers of strict originality, but it certainly reflects the reality of today’s automotive industry, where performance and efficiency do not recognize geography.
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