2025 Mercedes-AMG CLA EV Returns Home, Continues Testing on Public Roads

Mercedes-Benz signaled it might retire its EQ brand of electric vehicles and return to its classic nomenclature. This has become clear after the German brand introduced the CLA concept at last year's IAA Mobility auto show in Munich. The concept previewed an electric compact sedan built on the upcoming MMA architecture reserved for entry-level models. The MMA has been developed specifically, but not exclusively for electric vehicles, as Mercedes-Benz wants both EV and ICE variants of its compact models in the near future.

The platform will underpin the brand's compact models like the A-Class, CLA, GLA, and GLB, although it's unclear whether Mercedes-Benz will keep them all in its future lineup. Previous rumors indicated that the German brand would likely push the compact models higher up the luxury ladder while axing some that don't offer enough sales margins. The upcoming CLA looks like a safe bet, though, considering the price premium the four-door coupe commands.

We've already seen prototypes of the upcoming electric CLA tested in cold-weather conditions in the Arctics, and we've also seen its AMG variant. Although initial rumors indicated that AMG might use its own architecture, it doesn't seem to be the case with the CLA. After all, it doesn't make much sense in this segment, technically and financially. This is even clearer as the Mercedes-AMG CLA EV has been spotted testing on public roads in Germany.

Based on what we know so far, the high-performance variant of the electric CLA will not be visually that much different from the regular trims. Expect a sportier front bumper and bigger brakes, although not carbon-ceramic like on the larger AMG models. Given the regenerative braking capabilities of the electric variant, perforated steel brakes will provide enough stopping power even at racetrack pace.

The most in-your-face but also intriguing feature of the AMG variant is its huge ducktail spoiler. Mercedes-Benz is so secretive that the latest prototype we encountered still has it covered with a ridiculous amount of camo tape. Speculations abound that this is an active spoiler extending at higher speeds. Even though we haven't seen it yet, AMG will likely want to test it on a racetrack before starting production next year. And when it does, we'll ensure our cameras are ready.

The electric CLA AMG will use an 800-volt architecture with a dual-motor architecture. There's no word about the power available, but the AMG version of the electric CLA will need at least 500 horsepower to compete with the soon-to-be-released Tesla Model 3 Performance. Tesla intends to make its electric sedan better suited for the racetrack, although many see it as a competitor to the upcoming electric C-Class rather than the CLA EV.