Mercedes-Benz CLA Drive Assist Pro 2026: S-Class Tech for the $50k Entry-Level EV

High-end autonomy is no longer reserved for the elite. Mercedes-Benz is flipping the script by bringing its most advanced 'Drive Assist Pro' suite to the new entry-level CLA EV, bridging the gap between luxury and accessibility.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Drive Assist Pro 2026: From Radar to Reality

The journey began in 1999 with the S-Class, which introduced radar-enabled adaptive cruise control. Since then, we've moved from simple speed maintenance to complex lane-keeping and GPS-geofenced systems. Now, the goal is shifting from highway cruising to tackling the unpredictability of lower-speed surface streets.

Conquering the Concrete Jungle

Recent demos in San Francisco reveal that the new CLA isn't just a budget EV—it's a tech powerhouse. Priced under $50,000, it features a sophisticated version of the Drive Assist suite that handles braking and deceleration with newfound grace. One standout feature is the ability to use the brake while Adaptive Cruise Control is active without canceling the system, allowing for a more seamless 'collaboration' between human and machine.