The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is a resounding success, with more than 25,000 registrations in Europe

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA has marked the start of an ambitious commercial offensive by the Stuttgart firm. This new saloon with a fully electric powertrain, has had the honour of debuting the new MMA platform –Mercedes Modular Architecture–, the main pillar of the brand’s strategic change of course in favour of the transition to electric mobility.

After a first stage of this path that was not very successful with the EQ family, characterised by designs very different from the combustion models, Mercedes-Benz has now opted with the CLA, as a pioneer, for a return to classic aesthetics and familiar names, while also integrating electric propulsion. A decision that appears to be paying off, at least in the European market.

This is shown by the registration figures for the new CLA. Since deliveries of this electric saloon began in August of last year until February 2026, almost 25,500 units have been placed in the hands of their new European owners. As expected, Germany leads the ranking of countries with the highest number of registrations of the new CLA, with a total of 9,600. It is followed by the United Kingdom with 3,700 and Belgium with 2,400, completing the podium.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a hit in Europe

Another figure worth noting is the upward trend in registrations of the new CLA since last summer, peaking in December with 4,750 units. Although January and February tend to be slower months for the sector, the CLA has managed to stay above the figures recorded in its first months on sale, thus exceeding the company’s initial expectations. To date, Mercedes-Benz says that with the number of orders received, the waiting list already extends well into the second half of 2026.

The good reception the new CLA is enjoying in Europe contrasts, however, with the results achieved in the Chinese market. The long-wheelbase version built locally has not managed to replicate the European success of the model produced in Rastatt. Since its launch in October, about 1,600 units have been sold. Even in its best month, December, sales in China did not even reach the volume of the month of the CLA’s debut in Europe.

This cool reception from Chinese buyers is partly explained by the cancellation of state subsidies in the Asian giant, which has affected the whole electric vehicle market. Although the CLA has managed to outsell other models in the EQ range in China, the figures remain modest, with just 220 units sold in January, which poses a challenge to Mercedes-Benz’s global expansion plans, which aim to launch up to 40 new or revised models by the end of 2027.