The first-ever Mercedes-AMG CLA Electric has made its world debut at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it beats the Tesla Model 3 Performance in nearly every regard, from performance to charging speed and range.
We had a chance to check out the Mercedes-AMG CLA Electric in person at its premiere in the UK, and here are some interesting observations we made:
Design
The Mercedes-AMG CLA Electric stands out from the regular CLA with an AMG-specific radiator grille with active fins, which features ten vertical Panamericana struts finished in gloss or dark chrome. The AMG variant does away with the light band between the headlamps, adopting a relatively conventional look.
However, customers will be able to add the light band as an option, along with backlighting for the radiator grille. The uniquely designed front apron improves aerodynamic performance, although the changes are rather subtle.
Widened front fenders with flared wheel arches make room for the car’s wider front axle. 20-inch forged alloy wheels and wider side skirts featuring a gloss black finish and matte chrome trim further make the side profile look sportier.
A wide rear apron, an active rear spoiler, and an aggressive rear diffuser with six fins complete the exclusive look of the Mercedes-AMG CLA Electric.
Interior
Inside, the Mercedes-AMG CLA Electric has a host of small changes to convey an added sense of sportiness. It features sports seats with integrated shakers, brushed stainless-steel sports pedals with rubber studs, AMG-branded black floor mats, black fabric headliner, and brushed stainless-steel AMG front door sills.
An AMG Performance steering wheel is standard, but it doesn’t look much different from the unit in the CLA Electric. A rather interesting detail is the AMG logo’s black racing stripes on the center console, although the example we saw didn’t have this feature.
For pure driving enthusiasts, Mercedes-AMG will offer an option for AMG Performance seats with integrated headrests, larger side bolsters, and built-in shakers. Red MANUFAKTUR seat belts will also be available.
A digital racing coach called AMG Track Pace, an optional dashcam that can be used to additionally record racing footage, and artificial ICE AMG sounds, including filters, burbling effects, and acceleration sequences, are also among the interior highlights.
Experience in the Mercedes-AMG CLA Electric
The Mercedes-AMG CLA Electric’s low, sloping roofline requires some care while entering, particularly for taller occupants. Once inside, the cabin feels suitably sporty.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel combines Alcantara and leather and offers plenty of grip. It also features two configurable rotary controllers for functions such as the drive mode, throttle response, suspension, traction control, regenerative braking, and battery preconditioning.
The front seats have substantial side bolsters, firm cushioning, and good back support. A manual cushion extender improves under-thigh support. Although the headrests are fixed, they still provide adequate support.
With the seat adjusted for my six-foot frame, I had about 3.9 inches of headroom beneath the glass roof. Outward visibility is more restricted than in an SUV because of the low roof and relatively small windows. The base of the A-pillar is also slightly thick.
The pedal box could have been wider for someone with my large shoe size. My thighs brushed against the steering wheel when exiting even with it raised to its highest position.
The MBUX Superscreen system responded quickly during my brief experience. Mercedes-AMG integrates the climate controls into a narrow digital strip rather than providing physical switches, which is not my preferred setup.
Rear-seat access also requires care because of the sloping roofline. Headroom was limited to about 1.6 inches for me, while the small rear quarter windows did little to improve outward visibility.
With the front seat set for my height, I sat in a knees-up position and had only about 1.6 inches of knee room. My shoes also struggled to slide beneath the front seat.
The sculpted center section of the rear bench makes the CLA better suited to four occupants than five. It includes a recessed area for placing a phone or another small device, but it is not a wireless charging pad.
Rear passengers also get a fold-down armrest with two cupholders and a phone holder, separate air vents, and two 100-watt USB-C ports. Overall, the Mercedes-AMG CLA Electric is clearly a front-seat-focused performance sedan rather than a car designed around rear-seat comfort.
Specifications
The Mercedes-AMG CLA Electric sports two axial-flux motors on the rear axle and one on the front axle. This setup gives the car fully variable all-wheel drive capability.
The three motors produce 500 kW (671 hp) of power and 1,759 Nm (1,297 lb.-ft.) of torque. They enable the Mercedes-AMG CLA Electric to hit 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.0 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph) but can be increased to 270 km/h (168 mph) with an AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package.
A 94 kWh battery pack with an operating voltage of 800 volts powers the three motors. It supports charging at up to 22 kW (AC)/330 kW (DC), and Mercedes-AMG expects it to deliver a WLTP range of over 670 km (416 miles).
The Mercedes-AMG CLA Electric will be available as a Shooting Brake as well, featuring the same powertrain and battery pack. While the performance figures mirror the sedan, the company expects the WLTP range to be slightly lower – over 640 km (398 miles).
Release Date
According to a report from Car & Driver, the Mercedes-AMG CLA Electric will not be available in the U.S. In the UK, it is likely to be launched in early 2027, with prices starting at around GBP 70,000 (USD 93,814).
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
