2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA EV premiered

Mercedes-Benz is testing a prototype of an electric compact sedan that will be the next-generation CLA-Class.

Its design was previewed last year by the Concept CLA-Class, which Mercedes has confirmed will go on sale in 2025.

Another prototype has just been spotted, and the elements on the test vehicle point to it possibly being an AMG-tuned variant.

Clearly visible are the large wheels that house a powerful braking package. Rotors that appear to be cross-drilled nearly fill the wheels. At the rear, there is a large camouflage that appears to conceal an active rear wing. New details can also be seen, including taillights that incorporate the Mercedes star logo that was previewed on the concept CLA-Class.

On the interior, the meter cluster, infotainment system, and a third screen for the passenger are integrated into a single panel that runs the length of the dashboard. The panel also incorporated air conditioning vents.

The redesigned CLA-Class and other members of Mercedes' next-generation compact family will ride on a newly developed platform called MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture), which is believed to support both hybrid and fully electric powertrains The new CLA-Class will be the first of its kind. The redesigned CLA-Class will be the first model to use this platform. This platform will eventually be used in all Mercedes models up to the C-Class segment. Test runs of the electric C-Class have also been witnessed.

According to the photographer, the AMG-tuned CLA-Class prototype is all-wheel drive. Every time the vehicle accelerated from a standstill, all four wheels kicked up snow.

The redesigned CLA-Class will be part of a slimmed-down compact range that Mercedes calls Entry Luxury (further up are Core Luxury and Top End Luxury). Other models in the Entry Luxury group include the CLA-Class Shooting Brake, the GLA-Class, and a redesigned version of the GLB-Class.