I have taken a new spy video of the next generation Mercedes-AMG CLA EV during some hot laps on the Nürburgring. The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is coming with a combustion engine and as a pure electric model while the AMG version is only pure electric. Prototypes of the regular Mercedes-Benz CLA EV have been caught winter testing Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Prototype and this time the AMG version is testing at the Nürburgring and the public roads around it.
Mercedes-AMG CLA EV Prototype Pure Electric 4-Door Coupe Caught Testing At The Nürburgring
We’ve known for some time that the next-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is in the works. Based on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture platform, the new compact sedan will be offered in both ICE and electric guises. Now, the battery-powered AMG variant has been spied testing at the Nürburgring, giving us an early look at its dynamic capabilities.
How do we know it’s the electric version? There are several clues, the biggest one being the lack of a sporty exhaust note. The electric AMG demonstrates surefootedness as it makes its way around the development track. Body roll appears minimal, with the CLA cornering flatly through bends. It’s safe to assume the AMG variant will have a stiffer suspension setup, aimed at increasing cornering speed and grip during high-performance driving.
Impressive Range Estimates Can Be Expected
Aside from that, there’s not much we know about the upcoming AMG. However, the MMA setup will reportedly provide a WLTP-estimated range of up to 466 miles. The sophisticated 800-volt electric architecture will reportedly provide up to 249 miles of range in just 15 minutes when plugged into a fast charger.
Whereas the current ICE-powered CLA 45 develops 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, we expect the battery-powered replacement to bring more impressive figures. If Mercedes wants to take on the accomplished Tesla Model 3 Performance, the CLA AMG EV will need at least 510 hp and 547 lb-ft. However, it’s more likely that the task of battling the M3P will fall to the electric C-Class, which is due next year.
An Evolution Of The Existing CLA Design
On the design front, the electric CLA continues the four-door coupe theme adopted by its predecessors. While it’s tough to tell because of the camouflage, the upcoming model appears more bulbous than before, with a large grille and rounded body panels. The rear end boasts a prominent ducktail spoiler that will likely be refined for the production model; we expect something much smaller for a car of this size.
It will be interesting to see whether AMG introduces a static spoiler or an adaptive version that improves range or handling, depending on the configuration. As for the lights, the new CLA will boast shapely front clusters, bringing it in line (design-wise) with the rest of the lineup. Round back, we can see the small sedan has round lighting elements that appear to feature the Three-pointed Star. This motif has already been applied to the new E-Class, and other models are starting to get it too. Mercedes has yet to announce the reveal date, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it makes its first appearance sometime in 2025. Based on what we’ve seen so far, the new CLA-Class will be worth the wait.
