2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Night Edition C118
By Lorenzo Bianchi March 16, 2026
Limited 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Night Edition C118 finished in MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey.
Powered by the CLA 200 mild-hybrid drivetrain producing 120 kW and 270 Nm.
Features AMG-Line styling, AMG alloy wheels and a dual-screen MBUX cockpit.
A Darker Expression of the CLA Design
Mercedes-Benz South Africa has introduced the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Night Edition C118, a special version of the brand’s compact four-door coupe that leans heavily into darker styling cues and distinctive detailing.
The CLA has always been the design statement within Mercedes-Benz’s compact lineup. With the Night Edition, the company takes that familiar shape and gives it a more dramatic tone. The silhouette remains recognisable: low roofline, elongated profile and the coupe-inspired stance that helped define the model when it first appeared.
What changes here is the atmosphere. The Night Edition wraps the same design in darker accents and exclusive trim elements, creating a more deliberate visual character without altering the underlying proportions.
The model is priced from R958,418 in South Africa and includes a five-year / 100,000 km service and maintenance plan.
Alpine Grey Finish and Black Exterior Details
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Night Edition C118 is finished in MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey, a colour chosen specifically to highlight the coupe’s sharp body lines and flowing profile.
Against that light grey paint, Mercedes-Benz applies the Night Package, which introduces gloss-black exterior elements. Mirror housings, window trim and other details adopt the darker finish, while the grille features the brand’s distinctive star pattern framed by black accents.
The Night Edition also receives exclusive AMG alloy wheels, which contribute to a slightly more assertive stance. Standard AMG-Line body styling remains part of the package as well, bringing the familiar “shark-nose” front end and a rear apron with diffuser-style detailing.
None of these changes alter the car’s basic architecture, but together they shift the tone toward something more purposeful and visually striking.
Cabin Built Around Digital Interfaces
Inside, the CLA Night Edition keeps the design approach already familiar to Mercedes-Benz compact models. The dashboard is dominated by a floating widescreen cockpit, combining a digital instrument display with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen running the latest MBUX system.
The design is still clear and driver-focused. The car's athletic nature is further enhanced with a Nappa leather steering wheel and sports seats, and the model's premium standing is reflected in the materials and trim elements.
The 64-colour lighting system interacts with turbine-style air vents finished in silver chrome, creating a distinctive atmosphere after dark.
Standard equipment also includes the Mirror Package and LED High Performance headlights with Adaptive High Beam Assist, features aimed at improving everyday usability as well as visibility on longer drives.
Mild Hybrid Power for Everyday Driving
Under the bodywork, the CLA Night Edition C118 uses the CLA 200 drivetrain, which pairs a petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.
The system produces 120 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque. The mild-hybrid assistance supports smoother starts and improved responsiveness during acceleration while also contributing to efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.
Rather than chasing outright performance, the setup focuses on balance. It delivers the kind of steady, refined driving experience expected from a compact premium sedan while maintaining the responsive character associated with the CLA.