2026 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA EV tests at the ‘Ring

• A redesigned Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class compact sedan is coming soon
• The new CLA-Class will offer hybrid and electric powertrains
• A prototype for an AMG-tuned version of the new CLA-Class has been spotted

Mercedes-Benz is out testing prototypes for a compact sedan that will serve as the next-generation CLA-Class.

The new design was previewed last year by the Concept CLA-Class, and Mercedes has confirmed the start of sales in 2025. The timing suggest an arrival as a 2026 model in the U.S.

The new CLA-Class will feature both hybrid and electric powertrains, with the latter to serve as the basis of an AMG model. A prototype for the AMG model has been spotted again, with the latest test vehicle filmed while lapping Germany’s Nürburgring racetrack.

Clearly visible are large wheels housing a powerful brake package. The rotors, which appear to be cross-drilled, almost fill the wheels. The rear also features a large section of camouflage likely hiding an active rear wing. New details can also be spotted, like taillights that integrate Mercedes star logos, a design feature previewed on the Concept CLA-Class.

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While our spy photographer didn’t get a shot of the interior, the Concept CLA-Class showed a single panel running the length of the dash and integrating digital screens for the gauge cluster, infotainment system, and a third screen for the front passenger. The panel also integrated vents for the climate control system.

The new CLA-Class, and other members of Mercedes’ next-generation compact family, will ride on a newly developed platform called the MMA (Mercedes Modular Architecture), which supports both hybrid and electric powertrains. The redesigned CLA-Class will be the first model on the platform. An electric C-Class and electric GLC-Class have also been spotted testing, with these models to use a dedicated EV platform known as the MB.EA. Separately, AMG is working on its own AMG.EA EV platform, which is expected to debut next year in a GT 4-Door Coupe successor.

According to our photographer, the prototype for the AMG-tuned CLA-Class has all-wheel-drive. During the winter testing, all four wheels kicked up snow whenever the vehicle accelerated from a standstill.

The new CLA-Class will be part of a slimmed-down compact range Mercedes refers to as Entry Luxury (further up are Core Luxury and Top-End Luxury). Other models in the Entry Luxury group will include redesigned versions of the CLA-Class Shooting Brake, GLA-Class, and GLB-Class, all of which are likely to have their own AMG-tuned variants.