The legacy high-performance brands are slowly transitioning from traditional internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. BMW has been working on an electric M3 for years, and it will soon be unveiled. Meanwhile, Mercedes-AMG has taken the lead with the official launch of its electric performance car, the CLA 45 4MATIC+.
This updated electric CLA 45 succeeds the previous gasoline variant that utilized a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Buyers can choose between two styles: a four-door sedan and a stylish wagon-style Shooting Brake. The AMG division aims to attract a younger audience with these models, blending classic design elements with cutting-edge technology.
The performance specs mark a significant improvement over the former model. The previous gasoline version produced 421 horsepower, while the new electric powertrain boasts a peak output of 500 kW, equating to 680 horsepower and an impressive 1,759 Nm of torque. This power enables the sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds, with tests using an American one-foot rollout yielding a time of 2.7 seconds. In its standard configuration, the car reaches a governed top speed of 250 km/h, which can be increased to 270 km/h with an optional upgrade package.
The vehicle is powered by three independent electric motors, facilitating a fully variable all-wheel-drive system: one motor on the front axle and two on the rear. These motors utilize an advanced axial flux technology design, allowing for a compact layout with the front motor measuring only 9 cm in width and each rear motor around 8 cm. The front motor serves as an intelligent booster, offering up to 225 kW (360 horsepower) when needed, and can disconnect under low loads to conserve energy.
Weighing in at 2,280 kg, the new model is significantly heavier than its gasoline predecessor. A lithium-ion battery pack with a usable energy capacity of {{94 kWh}} powers the vehicle. The advanced battery cells include anodes combining silicon oxide with graphite, enhancing energy density by up to 20% compared to older technologies. This configuration provides the sedan with a maximum driving range exceeding 670 km, while the Shooting Brake wagon can achieve up to 640 km on a full charge.
The 800V battery system supports peak DC charging power of up to 330 kW. Under ideal circumstances, drivers can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 22 minutes. In a rush? A quick ten-minute charging session can add approximately 270 km of range. Additionally, a sophisticated multi-source heat pump optimizes charging efficiency by regulating temperatures; it extracts waste heat from the ambient air, powertrain, and battery pack to precondition cells before charging.
To manage its weight, the sports suspension employs steel springs along with an adaptive three-way damping system. The front suspension features a three-link setup with forged aluminum components, while the rear employs a multi-link design to enhance cornering stability. The braking system focuses heavily on electric regeneration, capable of deceleration at up to 5 m/s², bringing the car to a stop. For more demanding situations, robust hydraulic brakes are deployed, with 390 x 36 mm internally ventilated discs and six-piston fixed calipers in the front and 350 x 22 mm discs with single-piston floating calipers at the rear. Standard 19-inch wheels come equipped with staggered tires, and 20-inch alloy or forged wheels are available as options.
The AMG CLA 45 features five standard drive modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, ECO, and Individual, with a RACE mode available through an upgraded performance package. To replicate the thrilling auditory experience of traditional gas-powered AMGs, Mercedes has implemented the "AMGFORCE S+" mode, which simulates an internal combustion engine using over 1,600 audio files collected from the classic AMG A 45 S hatchback. This system mixes real-time engine sounds inside and outside the vehicle while coordinating built-in seat shakers to mimic vibrations during gear changes. Additionally, the car emits a heartbeat sound when locked and a deep rumble when charging—evidence of AMG's unique approach to electric performance.
From a visual standpoint, the fastest CLA maintains a reassuring resemblance to its older gasoline counterparts, even in the absence of tailpipes. The front features a distinctive grille adorned with ten vertical chrome slats, accompanied by narrow headlights that forgo the horizontal light bar present in the standard model. Active aerodynamics are crucial for extending driving range; the front bumper conceals active radiator fins that remain closed at speeds up to 250 km/h to minimize drag, only opening when components require cooling. At the rear, the active spoiler adjusts its angle automatically based on speed and driving modes, though drivers can manually control it using steering wheel buttons.
Inside, the CLA 45's cabin offers a dedicated four-seat layout with ergonomically designed front sports seats wrapped in synthetic leather and microfiber. The cargo area includes a 390-liter trunk for the sedan, while the Shooting Brake provides a more spacious 450-liter capacity, alongside an additional 101 liters in the front trunk (frunk). The dashboard showcases the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system, powered by the new MB.OS software, which integrates AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini into a virtual assistant. For motorsport enthusiasts, an optional digital racing coach app pre-loaded with circuits like the Nürburgring is available, displaying ideal braking points directly on the head-up display.
It is undeniable that Mercedes-AMG has outpaced BMW in this electric performance space. While rumors suggest that the upcoming M3 will deliver around 1,000 horsepower, it is Mercedes that will bring rapid electric sedans and wagons to market, leaving BMW to catch up. Who knows? By the time the M3 arrives, AMG might surprise us with a top-tier "55" version of the CLA featuring four electric motors for those who believe 680 horsepower is insufficient for everyday commutes.
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