Stepping into the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV feels like entering a luxury lounge that happens to have wheels. After spending time researching this completely redesigned cabin, it’s clear that Mercedes has crafted something special—a space that balances cutting-edge technology with genuine comfort for everyday driving.
A Dashboard That Changes Everything
The most striking feature you’ll notice is what Mercedes calls the “Superscreen.” Imagine three large displays seamlessly integrated under a single piece of glass that spans the entire width of your dashboard. The setup includes a 10.25-inch driver display directly in front of you, a massive 14-inch center touchscreen, and—here’s where it gets interesting—an optional 14-inch display for your front passenger.
This isn’t just about showing off with screens. The passenger display means your co-pilot can handle navigation, entertainment, or climate control without reaching across your line of sight. During long road trips, this setup transforms how couples or friends interact with the car. Your passenger becomes more involved in the journey rather than just along for the ride.
The center 14-inch screen runs Mercedes’ brand-new MBUX infotainment system, which now uses artificial intelligence to learn your preferences. Think of it as having a digital assistant that remembers you like the temperature at 72 degrees, your favorite morning radio station, and the route you take to work. Over time, it anticipates your needs before you even ask.
Space That Surprises You
Despite its sleek, coupe-like silhouette, the CLA EV’s interior feels surprisingly open and airy. Much of this comes from the panoramic glass roof that stretches from the windshield all the way to the back of the car. This isn’t just a sunroof—it’s essentially the entire ceiling made of specially treated glass that keeps the cabin cool while flooding it with natural light.
For those worried about getting cooked on sunny days, Mercedes has equipped the glass with heat-insulating technology and an infrared-reflecting film. There’s even an optional feature that can make the glass go from transparent to opaque in just 10-20 milliseconds—like having automatic sunglasses for your entire roof.
The seating arrangement accommodates four adults comfortably, which is impressive for a compact luxury sedan. While rear legroom isn’t as generous as you’d find in a larger sedan, the increased headroom from that glass roof makes the back seat feel more spacious than the measurements suggest. If you’re around six feet tall, you’ll fit back there, though you might prefer the front seats for longer journeys.
Materials That Make the Difference
Walking around the cabin, you’ll encounter a thoughtful mix of premium materials. Mercedes offers multiple upholstery options, including a newly developed seat fabric with a pearl effect available in striking Black/Crystal White combinations. There are also more adventurous choices like cream-colored leather and even a panda-inspired black and white scheme for those who want something unique.
The center console appears to float in mid-air—a design choice that enhances the feeling of spaciousness while providing practical storage underneath. It features a three-dimensional trim surface and includes thoughtful touches like an integrated double cup holder and an optional wireless charging cradle for your smartphone.
Premium trim options include open-pore wood, brushed aluminum, and something Mercedes calls “Gold Anthracite anodized look.” These aren’t just fancy names—they represent real texture and visual interest that elevate the daily driving experience beyond what you’d expect in this price segment.
Technology That Actually Helps
Beyond the impressive screen setup, the CLA EV includes four fast-charging 100-watt USB-C ports scattered throughout the cabin. This means everyone can keep their devices powered without fighting over charging cables—a small detail that makes a big difference on family trips.
The ambient lighting system connects to those 158 integrated stars in the glass roof, creating what Mercedes describes as an “illuminated starry sky.” While this might sound gimmicky, it’s actually quite magical during evening drives, creating a premium atmosphere that helps justify the luxury car price tag.
Heated front seats come standard, along with power adjustments and automatic climate control. If you opt for the AMG Line package, you’ll get sporty details like a flat-bottomed steering wheel, red contrast stitching, and brushed stainless steel pedals that add visual excitement without compromising comfort.
Practical Innovations
One of the most practical innovations is the CLA EV’s “frunk”—a front trunk that provides 2.5 cubic feet of additional storage space. This is perfect for keeping charging cables, emergency supplies, or items you want to separate from your main cargo area. Combined with the 14.3-cubic-foot rear trunk, you have more storage options than many larger sedans.
The flat floor throughout the cabin (thanks to the electric platform) makes the most of available space and creates easier movement between seats. This is especially noticeable in the rear, where your feet aren’t fighting with a transmission tunnel.
How It Compares to the Competition
When you compare the CLA EV’s cabin to competitors like the Tesla Model 3, the differences become clear. While Tesla focuses on minimalism with a single central screen, Mercedes offers a more traditional luxury approach with multiple displays and premium materials throughout. The Tesla might have more standard features like cooled seats and rear heating, but the Mercedes provides a more sophisticated ambiance.
The BMW i4 and Audi A3 e-tron offer their own interpretations of electric luxury, but neither matches the CLA EV’s combination of space efficiency, screen technology, and material quality at this price point.
Living With the CLA EV Daily
What really matters is how this cabin enhances your daily driving experience. The AI-enhanced MBUX system learns your routines and preferences, making common tasks more intuitive over time. The spacious feeling from the glass roof transforms mundane commutes into more pleasant experiences. The multiple charging ports and smart storage solutions address real-world needs without requiring you to change your habits.
The screens might seem overwhelming at first, but they’re designed to reduce complexity, not add it. Important information stays in your line of sight while passengers can handle secondary tasks on their dedicated display.
Mercedes has created a cabin that feels genuinely premium while remaining practical for everyday use. It’s sophisticated without being intimidating, spacious despite its compact exterior, and technologically advanced while remaining user-friendly.
The 2026 CLA EV’s interior represents Mercedes’ commitment to making electric luxury accessible and appealing to a broader audience. It’s a space designed for real people with real needs, wrapped in the kind of thoughtful luxury that makes every drive feel special.
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