High-performance automotive brands are gradually transitioning from traditional internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. While BMW has long been developing an electric M3, Mercedes-AMG has taken the lead with the official unveiling of the CLA 45 4MATIC+.
This new electric CLA 45 replaces the previous gasoline-powered version equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Buyers can choose from two distinct body styles: a four-door sedan and a stylish Shooting Brake wagon. The AMG division aims to attract a younger audience by blending classic design elements with advanced technology.
The performance of the new model represents a significant leap from its predecessor. The previous gasoline variant produced 421 horsepower, whereas the new electric powertrain delivers a peak output of 500 kW, translating to 680 horsepower, alongside a formidable 1,759 Nm of torque. This immense power propels the sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds, with some tests recording a blistering 2.7 seconds using an American one-foot rollout benchmark. In standard configuration, the AMG reaches a governed top speed of 250 km/h, which can be increased to 270 km/h with an upgraded performance package.
Powering the CLA 45 are three independent electric motors, creating a fully variable all-wheel-drive system—one motor on the front axle and two on the rear. These motors utilize advanced axial flux technology, allowing for a compact design. The front motor, measuring only 9 cm in width, serves as an intelligent booster, delivering up to 225 kW (360 horsepower) when needed, while decoupling under low loads to minimize drag.
The CLA 45 has a weight of 2,280 kg, making it notably heavier than its gasoline counterpart. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable capacity of {{94 kWh}}. This system incorporates advanced anodes that combine silicon oxide with graphite, enhancing energy density by up to 20% compared to older designs, offering a maximum driving range of over 670 km for the sedan and 640 km for the Shooting Brake.
The 800V battery system supports rapid DC charging of up to 330 kW, allowing drivers to charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes. A quick ten-minute charge can add approximately 270 km of range. An innovative multi-source heat pump optimizes charging efficiency by managing battery temperatures through waste heat from the ambient air, powertrain, and battery itself.
To manage its considerable weight, the CLA 45 features a sports suspension with steel springs and an adaptive three-way damping system. The front suspension employs a three-link configuration with forged aluminum components, while the rear uses a multi-link design to enhance cornering stability. Regenerative braking plays a significant role, capable of slowing the vehicle at rates of up to 5 m/s², with massive hydraulic brakes for demanding situations. The front brakes consist of 390 x 36 mm internally ventilated discs with six-piston fixed calipers, while the rear uses 350 x 22 mm discs with single-piston floating calipers. The vehicle comes standard with 19-inch wheels and offers optional 20-inch alloy or forged wheel options.
The AMG CLA 45 includes five standard drive modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, ECO, and Individual, with a RACE mode available through an upgraded performance package. Remarkably, Mercedes aims to replicate the auditory experience of traditional AMGs in this electric vehicle. The "AMGFORCE S+" mode utilizes a simulation of an internal combustion engine, employing over 1,600 audio files from an older AMG A 45 S hatchback to create immersive sounds both inside and outside the vehicle. It even synchronizes built-in seat shakers to vibrate in response to simulated gear changes, while the car emits unique sounds upon locking and when charging, offering a playful touch that may be seen as excessive yet undeniably entertaining.
Visually, the CLA 45 retains a familiar appearance to its gasoline predecessors despite the absence of tailpipes. The front features a distinctive grille with ten vertical chrome slats, accompanied by narrow headlamps, skipping the horizontal light bar of the standard model. Active aerodynamics enhance driving range by utilizing active radiator fins that remain closed at speeds up to 250 km/h, opening only when cooling is required. Additionally, the saloon has an active rear spoiler, while the Shooting Brake features a roof-edge spoiler that can independently adjust based on speed and driving modes, although they can also be manually activated from the steering wheel.
The interior is designed with a strict four-seat configuration, featuring contoured front sports seats upholstered in synthetic leather and microfiber. The saloon offers 390 liters of trunk space, while the Shooting Brake provides a larger 450 liters, plus an additional 101 liters in the front trunk. The dashboard is equipped with the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system, powered by the new MB.OS software, which incorporates AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini into a virtual assistant avatar. For track enthusiasts, there’s an optional digital racing coach app pre-loaded with key circuits, displaying ideal braking points directly on the head-up display.
Without a doubt, Mercedes-AMG has outpaced BMW in this transition. Although rumors suggest that the upcoming M3 will boast around 1,000 horsepower, Mercedes will be the one delivering rapid electric saloons and wagons while BMW continues to develop its electric models. Who knows? By the time the M3 launches, Mercedes-AMG might roll out an even more powerful “55” version of the CLA featuring four electric motors for those who think 680 horsepower is insufficient for everyday driving.
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