THIS model is actually coming out…
Mercedes-Benz to launch EV version of CLA
Can it hold up amid fire controversies?
Car manufacturers often develop concept designs to showcase their vision and technological prowess, but these designs rarely make it to mass production. They primarily serve to highlight future capabilities and innovation. The new EV from Mercedes-AMG, based on the CLA, initially seemed like one of these visionary concepts destined to remain as a prototype.
However, a test vehicle that closely resembles the concept design has recently been spotted. This electric version of the Mercedes-AMG CLA has moved beyond the concept stage and is now undergoing real-world testing. Several photos of the test vehicle had previously surfaced, but the latest leak offers the clearest view yet. The design of this test vehicle mirrors the CLA Concept, which was first showcased just before the 2023 Munich Motor Show, suggesting that Mercedes-Benz is preparing to bring this concept to life.
A Closer Look at the Electric CLA Prototype
The concept design for the Mercedes-AMG CLA EV made it unmistakably clear that it was an EV. It featured a fully sealed front grille and an illuminated three-pointed star emblem, which is iconic to Mercedes-Benz. Its smooth, streamlined design further emphasized the futuristic feel of the EV. In January 2024, leaked images of a test vehicle confirmed the transition from concept to reality, with a camouflaged CLA model running through snowy terrain. The fully covered grille confirmed it was an EV.
The snow-covered footage also confirmed that this CLA model is all-wheel drive, as all four wheels were engaged in the snowy conditions. The test vehicle was also spotted driving on the Nürburgring track, where its sleek roofline—very similar to the concept design—was verified. However, there was one notable difference: the front and rear fenders appeared wider than those on the original CLA prototype, suggesting that the production version may feature slight design tweaks for added performance or stability.
Signature Design Features: Star-Laden Lights
The front headlights of the Mercedes-AMG CLA EV test vehicle were carefully concealed with camouflage, making it difficult to discern their exact design. However, the taillights were left uncovered, revealing circular LEDs similar to those featured in the concept design. The taillights also retained the distinctive triangular star design seen in the concept version, and it appears this same triangular star design is also present in the headlights.
Mercedes-Benz design chief Gordon Wagener has confirmed that the three-pointed star motif, which is present in both the front and rear daytime running lights (DRLs), will become a recurring design feature for future models. While there haven’t been many interior images, a partial leak from January showed part of the dashboard. Based on this glimpse, the design is expected to closely follow that of the concept vehicle, with the dashboard extending seamlessly to the passenger side, maintaining the futuristic, minimalist aesthetic of the concept.
Powertrain Details and Rivalry with Tesla Highland
The new AMG CLA EV could be launched as a vehicle with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive and is expected to travel around 750 kilometers (466 miles) on a single charge. The concept design vehicle featured an 800-volt architecture, a 250-kW fast-charging capability, and a 235-horsepower electric motor. Still, the powertrain that will be installed in the vehicle is questionable.
The vehicle is expected to be launched in 2025 and will compete with the Tesla Model 3. The Model 3 was recently launched as a facelift. The body size of the facelift version of the Model 3, launched under the name Highland, is 4,720 mm (185.8 inches) in length, 1,850 mm (72.8 inches) in width, and 1,440 mm (56.7 inches) in height. It is equipped with a 67.2 kWh battery, allowing it to travel about 480 kilometers (298 miles) in pure electric mode.
Most Commented