Mercedes-Benz CLA trim comparison
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology vs CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology
The CLA CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology starts at $47,250 while the CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology is $49,800. That $2,550 gap buys 4 meaningful differences.
The CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology adds AWD instead of RWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $2,550 by itself. If not, the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology saves you the money.
The CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology is the cleaner fit if RWD already covers the job. The CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology only earns the extra money when AWD is the reason you are shopping up.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology adds about $45/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $2,700 more overall with interest. The real question is whether AWD changes your day-to-day use enough to justify paying above RWD.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
The CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology and CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 2-speed automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $2,550 for 3 measurable differences, which works out to about $850 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 4 specification differences, 2 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology | CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $47,250 | $49,800 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | electric | electric |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 349 hp |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft | 380 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic | 2-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,530 lbs | 4,530 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 109.8" | 109.8" |
| Length | 185.9" | 185.9" |
| Width | 73.0" | 73.0" |
| Height | 57.8" | 57.8" |
| Safety | ||
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology vs CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Mercedes-Benz CLA lineup, the Mercedes-Benz brand hub, the Compact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 CLA CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology cost than the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology?
The CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology starts at $49,800 compared to $47,250 for the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology. That is a $2,550 difference, or approximately $45/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology and CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the electric producing 268 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2026 CLA CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology come with AWD?
No. The CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology comes standard with RWD while the CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA come with?
All 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA trims, including both the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology and CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology, come with Mercedes-Benz's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology worth $2,550 more than the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology?
The $2,550 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $2,550 Gap
The CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology earns its premium. For $2,550 more, you get horsepower, torque, and AWD, making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the CLA lineup.
How the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology and CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology Feel Different
The CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology produces 81 more hp. That is enough to feel in every merge and every pass. 133 more lb-ft for the CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology. A noticeable difference in low-end acceleration. The CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology has AWD while the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology has RWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.
The Short Version
The CLA CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology costs $2,550 more than the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology (about $45/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 3 meaningful changes at $850 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.