2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shows Sleek Design In CGI-Infused Photos

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has been a common sight for the past couple of years. However, with the impending debut, the brand’s premium subcompact four-door coupe has started dropping camouflage, revealing its sleek design.
 

We have seen the model plenty of times, and with the debut believed to be imminent, the rendering crowd has started going all-in on it. The latest digital illustrations we came across were posted by Kolesa recently, and they build on the latest spy shots, thus making for a very realistic approach.
 
The profile is identical to the real thing, including the sloping roofline, flush-mounted door handles, mirrors, side skirts, etc. The muscular hood was also replicated here, and there is a generous dose of ‘trust me, bro’ when it comes to the front fascia, which features star-studded LED DRLs incorporated into the main clusters, a thin light strip linking them together, the usual side vents in the new bumper, a thin and wide central air intake, and a single-slat grille.
 
Out back, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has new taillights, a light strip in the middle of the trunk lid, vents to the sides of the bumper, and large tailpipe trim. Speaking of the latter, it’s likely that regular Benz models will have hidden exhaust tips, yet these should be visible on the upcoming AMGs. The pixel manipulator chose the shadowline approach for a sportier stance, dressed the car in yellow, and fit it with bi-tone alloys.
 

The three-pointed star brand announced that the ICE and EV versions of the next-gen CLA will look almost identical. The differences will be found on the grille’s pattern, lack of tailpipes on the all-quiet models, and perhaps various emblems. The base EV will have a rear-mounted electric motor rated at 268 hp (272 ps/200 kW), and a 4Matic derivative will add a 107 hp (109 ps/80 kW) motor at the front. The 800V electrical architecture has also been confirmed, and the new CLA EV will have charging speeds of up to 320 kW.
 
Those who do not give a flying hoot about the EV game can pick a gasoline-fed model that will make use of the company’s new four-pots. A partially-electrified 1.5L unit will be offered in the United States, with the ICE mill kicking out 188 hp (190 ps/140 kW) and the tiny motor housed inside the 8sp auto ‘box generating 27 hp (27 ps/20 kW). As usual, the lesser variants will have to make do with front-wheel-drive, yet the brand’s 4Matic AWD system will be available as an option.
 
Chances are the all-new Mercedes CLA will debut shortly, and we expect the first copies to land in the New World for the 2026 model year. So, what’s your take on the design as imagined by the quoted outlet?