Excitement is in the air as the sleek, all-electric Mercedes CLA has just made its debut, and the thrill doesn’t stop there! A high-performance AMG variant is on the horizon, and we’ve caught it in action during testing, eagerly awaiting its grand entrance later this year. The standard model has already given us a glimpse into the future, revealing how the Mercedes-AMG CLA will look, both inside and out. However, expect many distinctive features, both visually and technically, that will highlight the AMG as the ultimate performance machine. Thanks to our latest spy shots, the anticipation is tangible as we stare down the details that lie ahead.
Despite the cover of camouflage, we can make out the aggressive intentions behind the AMG’s design. It’s set to sport a striking custom front bumper that exudes powerful aesthetics, boasting larger air intakes ready to gulp in air and unleash the beast within. While the iconic ‘Panamericana’ grille remains a familiar face across AMG models, we anticipate an eye-catching design unique to this electric marvel. The pre-production prototype showcases production-ready lighting front and back, flaunting the signature three-pointed star design shared with its regular CLA sibling. Additionally, we spy a sleek pre-production body that promises to turn heads. The rear design maintains similarities to the standard CLA EV, but true to its all-electric nature, the new AMG CLA will forego the traditional quartet of exhaust pipes tucked under the bumper. Instead, we can look forward to another unique rear bumper and the prestigious AMG badging that signifies its high-performance lineage.
As we jump into the technical aspects, the AMG model will boast slightly flared wheel arches accompanied by a prominent AMG badge on the front wing, setting the stage for a commanding look that houses wider wheels and beefier tyres. This isn’t just about visual flair either; performance is the order of the day! The standard CLA 250+ kicks off with a single rear-mounted electric motor generating an impressive 200 kW (268 hp), capable of launching from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 6.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 209 km/h. Meanwhile, the dual-motor CLA 350 elevates the stakes with a robust power output of 260 kW (348 hp), slashing the 0-100 km/h time to a thrilling 4.9 seconds. Now, as for the AMG model, we expect it to harness dual-motor power, cranking up the output to around 335 kW (450 hp), and we hear whispers that the clever folks at Yasa will be supplying the motors, much like they’re doing with the much-anticipated Mercedes-AMG EV super-saloon. While prioritizing unadulterated performance may overshadow efficiency, the AMG CLA might not hit the same maximum range of 780 kilometers as the standard CLA EV, yet we anticipate an exhilarating figure from its formidable 85 kWh battery—potentially soaring past the remarkable 500-kilometer mark.
In the competitive arena, the all-electric Mercedes-AMG CLA seems poised to stand alone initially within the German performance compact EV space. With rivals like BMW M and Audi Sport shifting their focus toward larger electric models such as the upcoming iM3 and RS 6 e-tron, the AMG CLA will carve out its own niche. Yet, don’t count out the new-age challengers! Brands like Hyundai and Tesla are leading the charge and setting the pace within this dynamic segment. As we revel in the possibilities, keep your eyes peeled for more updates on the finest electric vehicles available today, as the road ahead is electric and electrifying!
