Mercedes is also bucking the traditional method of introducing a new platform as an ICE vehicle and then wedging the design into an EV platform. Instead, the company is going “EV first,” launching the CLA as an EV first and then later as an internal combustion with a mild hybrid in 2026.

Mercedes splits the CLA-Class into EV and hybrid offerings, as it tackles some of the most efficient small cars on the road.

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.