It’s a 1.5-liter four-cylinder called the M252, which is related to Mercedes’ larger 3.0-liter straight-six, the M256, but its focus is purely on efficiency. It meets the stringent new EU7 emissions standard, which will be enforced starting in 2026, which aside from exhaust will also take tire and brake emissions into account.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is poised to vault from the bottom of the lineup to the pinnacle, at least in terms of powertrain tech, when the next-generation model goes on sale next year. The first model on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) introduces an 800-volt battery pack that unlocks blazing fast charging,

Mercedes has dropped more details of the powertrains that feature in next year’s 2026 CLA sedan and its SUV offshoots due later. EV models get single- and dual-motor options with up to 375 hp, 800-volt charging tech and an expected 466-mile range.