Third-Gen Mercedes-Benz CLA Gets Wild Hot Wheels Concept Treatment

No, you're eyes aren't deceiving you. What you see pictured is indeed a life-sized Hot Wheels concept toy car based on the third-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA fastback saloon.

The new third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA fastback saloon is set to see itself reimagined in 1:64-scale die cast toy car form. That’s because the three-point star marque recently collaborated with the famed Hot Wheels brand for which.

Part of this collaboration sees both brands creating the life-sized and rather wild-looking ‘concept’ pictured that previews the upcoming new miniature toy mentioned, which is set for release sometime next year (2026).

This one-off boasts exaggerated proportions, bright colours plus the fun, playful aesthetics all Hot Wheels miniatures are renowned for.

Pictured here is latest result from the Hot Wheels brand’s "multi-collaboration series with the Mercedes-Benz CLA," presented last weekend in California. The massive replica is also part of the toy car brand's ‘Play Beyond Limits: Hot Wheels’ effort.

The one-off creation features exaggerated proportions, bright colours, and the unmistakable fun, playful look all Hot Wheels toy cars are famed for. Included too are a wild pink and blue colourway plus oversized flames and Hot Wheels script graphics.

A 1:64-scale miniature die cast version is set for market release sometime next year (2026).

Other key additions include massive diffusers, an equally gargantuan rear wing, not forgetting mismatched wheels, widebody kit and pink glass. Overall, the design harks back to the retro-futuristic looks inspired by 1980s pop culture.

Ultimately, this collaboration is meant to bolster promotional efforts for what German luxury automaker touts as its most ground-breaking small car yet. As a refresher, the new third-gen CLA only just bowed in March this year.

The third-gen Mercedes-Benz CLA in both fastback saloon (right) and new long-roofed 'shooting brake' (left) guise pictured.

All-electric Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology pictured above. As reported prior, ROI for which has opened locally, and a launch seems imminent.

Previewed as the Concept CLA-Class in 2023, the new CLA underpins a trick new 800-volt Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform base that, notably, accommodates both combustion (ICE) and fully electric (EV) powertrain options.

Besides a long-roofed ‘shooting brake’ or estate offshoot, the new third-gen CLA is also set share its MMA platform bones and spawn both the next-gen GLA and GLB crossover SUVs. Recent rumours also indicate it could possibly grow further to include an A-Class hatchback successor too.

Closer to home, the third-gen CLA in EV form appears set make landfall soon as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) opened online Registration of Interest (ROI) for it back in Aug this year. You can get up to speed about the third-gen CLA EV by clicking here.