A new generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLA is in the works and will spawn both ICE and EV versions of the sleek four-door sedan, including several AMG models. One of these new AMGs will be driven purely by electricity, with heavily disguised prototypes filmed on the move at the Nurburgring. Whether you like it or not, the age of all-electric AMGs has arrived.
Much like the concept launched 12 months
ago, the production-spec CLA adopts a sleek, swooping roofline that looks
absolutely fabulous. Mercedes-Benz’s engineers have done a good job of hiding
the headlights but it hasn’t done so well masking the taillights. Heading into
several braking zones at Green Hell, we can see the brake lights flash to life,
revealing circular LED signatures almost identical to the concept.
AMG has also influenced the design. It has
slightly wider front and rear fenders than standard CLA prototypes we’ve seen
in the past and has also grown a huge ducktail lip spoiler. While this is
likely just a placeholder, a pronounced spoiler/wing or some sort can be
expected to feature on the production model. Standard Mercedes-Benz CLA models
with the optional electric powertrain should be good for around 750
km of range, matching the CLA Concept, but little is known about the AMG
model. It will surely benefit from a boost in power but also limit the driving
range. It’s also bound to rock unique wheels shod in grippy tires and hiding
bigger brakes.
The new CLA AMG EV is expected to land
next year, although no official launch date has been announced.
