AMG’s New 500 Hp CLA-Class Is Almost Ready For Action

Mercedes-Benz launched its brand-new CLA-Class in March. The electric model was the first one to appear, and it showed up with a larger size, a world of stars in its eyes (and everywhere else), high tech, and exceptional range. Now that the concept car looks have come to life in standard form, it’s time for the faster models.

With the basic CLA shape already well known, AMG can pull some of the covering off of its take on the CLA, and that’s when the CarBuzz spies can snap it in photos. So take a good look at the faster Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class and what parts AMG has tweaked and which ones it hasn’t.

From the front, it’s immediately obvious that this car will have an AMG face. The entire grille is covered, likely disguising the vertical slats of the Panamericana-style opening. They’re covered up, but we can see larger inlet openings at the left and right corners of the front bumper. It also appears that the lower opening will be wider than on other versions of the car.

Wider Fenders, Bigger Brakes

Move around to the side, and we can see wider front fenders than standard. That change will let wider (and likely stickier) tires fit to deliver AMG handling. Large twin-spoke wheels give us a solid look at the brake calipers. Six-piston calipers on very large brake rotors promise quick stopping along with the ability to do it over and over again without fade.

New side skirts will likely give the new CLA AMG a more aggressive stance, helping to make the car visually wider and lower on the road.

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From winter testing photos in March, we already know that the AMG CLA will have active aero. A dynamic rear wing was in operation in that test, and we can see the lines for it on this latest prototype. We can also expect changes at the back, including a new rear bumper with integrated diffuser, AMG-specific trim, and possibly changes to the rear lamp signature.

AMG Likely To Get 510 Hp From Electric Motors

While we don’t know exactly what will power the new AMG-spec CLA, we do expect the system to deliver plenty of horsepower. Reports from earlier this year claim that the AMG model will deliver 510 horsepower, and that’s for the electric version of the car. More power than the standard BMW M3, but this model will also likely be heavier.

Since it is AMG, there will likely be more than one. In this case, as many as four, with a lower-power model (i.e., CLA35) in gas and electric, and a high-power model (CLA45) in both gas and electric. Because this model is one down from the C-Class sedan, it’s not likely to get a CLA63 version. Though that’s more about names than actual performance.

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Electric versions of the CLA can expect Benz’s new axial-flux motors developed by YASA Limited. The motors were first on display in the 1,920 horsepower Vision One-Eleven concept, and they are both smaller and lighter than standard electric motors.

Expect more details on the AMG versions of the CLA-Class in the coming months.