Yikes: The Mercedes CLA EV Is Heavier Than a Base S-Class

That awkward moment when the smallest sedan weighs more than the biggest.

2026 Mercedes CLA

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

Adrian Padeanu

By: Adrian Padeanu

Updated: Mar 14, 2025 at 8:48am ET

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This just in: EVs are heavy. Ok, you knew that already, but that doesn’t make it any less of a surprise to see that the electric CLA weighs more than a base S-Class. Look beyond the glitzy appearance with abundant illuminated stars and screens; one number on the specs sheet stands out. The (takes deep breath) 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology weighs 2,135 kilograms in European guise. That’s 4,706 pounds.

It weighs 143 pounds (65 kilograms) more than the standard-wheelbase, six-cylinder S450 4Matic sold in Europe. It’s also 100 pounds (45 kilograms) heavier than the equivalent long-wheelbase model. The stretched S-Class is 22.2 inches (56.6 centimeters) longer than the CLA. You could argue that we cherry-picked the CLA and S-Class versions to make our point. However, the fact remains that it’s highly unusual for a company’s smallest car to weigh more than its biggest.

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

Then again, the new CLA isn’t such a small car after all, even if it sits at the bottom of the lineup. At 185.9 inches (4.72 meters) long, it’s only 1.1 inches (2.8 centimeters) shorter than a C-Class. Mercedes won’t do another A-Class Sedan, a shorter car than the CLA, effectively turning the new swoopy sedan into the entry-level model.

It’s worth noting that published figures include a driver weighing 150 pounds (68 kilograms) and 15 pounds (7 kilograms) of luggage. For the S-Class, the measurements also account for a fuel tank filled to 90 percent capacity. The German luxury brand will still sell a CLA with a combustion engine, but weight numbers haven't been published yet. However, with a tiny 1.3-kilowatt-hour battery instead of the EV's 85.0-kilowatt-hour pack, the mild-hybrid version with its 1.5-liter turbo gas engine will be substantially lighter.

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Even for being so heavy, the CLA still delivers impressive range. The dual-motor version will do a claimed 479 miles (771 kilometers) on a single charge in the WLTP cycle, making it one of the longest-range EVs on sale. There are also plans for a smaller battery in some markets, a lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) with a usable energy content of 58 kWh. It’ll be available near the end of the year, but the car’s maximum range with this battery isn’t disclosed.

For extra practicality, Mercedes will launch another CLA Shooting Brake, although it’s unclear whether the compact wagon will get a US visa this time. We wouldn't hold our breath.

Mercedes Has More EVs On The Way:

Electric Mercedes GLC: First Official Look

An AMG Electric Supercar Is Coming Soon: Report

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