LoginThis Hot Wheels Mercedes Comes With A Warning Label For Grown-Ups
- Mercedes and Hot Wheels have unveiled a sporty CLA concept.
- It pays tribute to the diecast cars many of us played with as kids.
- The car will spawn a real Hot Wheels variant in the spring of 2026.
Mercedes and Hot Wheels have joined forces to unveil a one-off CLA. It’s the latest in a Class of Creators series, which also includes the “molten chrome” CLA that was made in collaboration with Ice Spice.
Thankfully, the latest concept is far better as it pays tribute to the “boundless imagination of childhood, when cars were not just a means of transport but also an invitation to dream.” The model also celebrates automotive passion, which tends to be sparked at a young age by 1:64-scale diecast cars.
More: Starry But Soulless 2026 Mercedes CLA Leans On AI And Electric Power
As a result, the CLA has been Hot Wheels-ified as it features pink glass, a widebody kit, and a massive diffuser. They’re joined by a sizable rear wing, mismatched wheels, and a colorful livery.
According to Mercedes, the color scheme draws from the classic Hot Wheels aesthetic, mixing bright orange, pink, and blue tones. The company added the “oversized flames lend a retro-futuristic look reminiscent of 1980s pop culture.”
Road-Going Model Arrives Later This Year
The concept was shown at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour in El Segundo over the weekend and it will be transformed into a diecast toy next spring. As for the road-going model, the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC EVs are scheduled to land in America later this year.
The former has a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 6.6 seconds, before hitting a limited top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).
Likewise, the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra power and traction, 60 mph (96 km/h) comes in 4.8 seconds.
Of course, you’ll probably want to avoid the launch model as it won’t work with 400-volt DC fast chargers. Vehicles with that capability won’t arrive until the spring of 2026 and the company is already warning consumers to “contact your dealer to confirm [compatibility] before purchase.”
