[Auto] The new electric Mercedes CLA with the AMG seal surprises in the winter tests, the drifts and a more striking image give it away

[Blexfraptor]

The development of the new Mercedes CLA has reached a new level. The star brand has been surprised during tests on one of the icy tracks in northern Sweden with the first prototype of the AMG sports variant. Some spy photos loaded with interesting details in this very high-performance electric vehicle that will arrive in 2026.

For just a few days now, the star brand has been in northern Sweden testing prototypes of the new Mercedes CLA. A third installment of the po[CENSORED]r sports sedan that represents the firm among the Premium compacts and that will be added to the electric range next year, although it will also offer hybrid versions.

The last look allowed us to take a look at a completely new and unprecedented interior at Mercedes, but these new spy photos are more than interesting. For the first time, the top-of-the-range variant of the Mercedes-AMG CLA has been hunted. A very high-level electric car that has been caught performing drifts and other high-speed maneuvers on frozen lakes converted into special tracks to calibrate the chassis settings.
Spy photos Mercedes CLA AMG 2026 in winter testing
A version that has given itself away for a couple of key features: The most notable is the new rear spoiler hidden under a dense layer of camouflage, a very peculiar way of hiding this aerodynamic element that draws powerful attention from a distance, but that may be an indication of an active spoiler that varies its position depending on driving modes or situations.

On the other hand, the alloy wheels painted in black and with a typical AMG design that, until now, had not been seen on board any other prototype of the model. A closer look reveals large brake discs on both running gears that will most likely be perforated. What you can see in the photo gallery is that this unit has all-wheel drive and, therefore, two powerful electric motors. Developed by AMG, these units will have axial flow technology, which will allow them to offer high performance with very low energy consumption.
450 HP and almost 700 km of autonomy in the new Mercedes CLA AMG
One more detail is also found on the front. The air intake under the grille shows a lattice with a honeycomb of diamonds, unlike the perforated grille of other units. The electric CLA AMG will hit the market in mid-2026, equipped with a battery that will have a higher net usable capacity of around 110 kWh, so the range will be around 700 kilometers on a single charge. A configuration that will make your hair stand on end thanks to a power close to 450 HP, and that will set the bar very high for rivals.