New Mercedes CLA Base Trim Loses Turbine Vents And Passenger Screen

Mercedes has just launched the new 2026 CLA, starting things off with a high-spec trim that looks pretty slick. But now that the base version is up on the German configurator, it’s clear they’ve trimmed some of the flash. What happened to the fancy 14-inch passenger screen? Gone—replaced with a glossy panel covered in little three-pointed stars. And those cool turbine-style vents in the middle? Also history.

You still get a big 14-inch infotainment screen in the center, but other things have been scaled back. The seats come in synthetic leather by default, though you can still upgrade to the real deal.

Climate controls aren’t separate anymore, and oddly, there are just two window switches now. The steering wheel gets touch-sensitive controls too, finished in the same piano black plastic.

This minimalist setup will likely show up in other future Mercedes models like the CLA Shooting Brake, GLA, and GLB.

From the outside, the base Mercedes CLA rolls on 17-inch wheels, but you can bump up to 18s or 19s. Just keep in mind, on this fully electric model, bigger wheels can cut into your driving range.

You do still get the full-width light bars front and rear, and Mercedes has added a fun little detail: tiny stars scattered inside the headlights, taillights, and even the closed-off grille panel. Pricing for the 2026 Mercedes CLA starts at €55,858 (about $63,600) in Germany.