Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan will come as both an EV and a hybrid, and feature over-the-air updates and AI-based infotainment.

The first modern Mercedes-Benz model with a front trunk in decades has arrived during an "electrifying" even in Rome, complete with MHEV and EV powertrains

Mercedes-Benz CLA may be an entry-level model, but it's leading the way with new tech and EV hardware improvements.The Latest Tech News, Delivered to Your Inbox

The German luxury marque unveiled the latest version of the CLA-Class sedan on Thursday. The sleek four-door will only be available as an EV at launch and offers up a preview of what to expect from the marque’s battery-powered models going forward.

The new CLA also marks a change in strategy for Mercedes. Rather than have different line-ups for electric cars – badged EQ – the CLA is available as an EV with two versions and a full hybrid with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and small battery. In a further twist, Mercedes has said that both petrol and EV models should be priced similarly.

BMW surpassed Mercedes-Benz and Audi in EV sales last year. The maker of the i4 sold roughly 20,000 more EVs than its two competitors combined. BMW’s electric vehicles had a “significant” increase in global sales last year.

The automaker plans to offer electric, hybrid, and gas versions of the upcoming model — all built on the new MMA platform.

With a profile that renders the larger CLS-Class in miniature, the Mercedes-Benz CLA gets a more curvaceous look come fall when it goes on sale. Looking much like the 2023 Concept CLA-class, the entry-level 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is still as sexy as ever.