Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Electric (2026): 671 Horsepower, 670-km Range, and Fake V8
Sounds Revealed
Mercedes-AMG has done something truly remarkable. Their hot-hatch CLA 45 downsized to a fully electric powertrain for the first time in its existence. This small but powerful AMG model saw its petrol-fueled 2.0-litre turbocharged engine replaced by three electric motors, a huge battery pack, and a bunch of other tech to mimic the sound of the old powerplant.
And here's everything you need to know
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about it in simple terms.
The TL;DR Version
Power: 671 hp (500 kW) / 1,759 Nm
0–100 km/h: 2.7 seconds (with rollout) / 3.0 seconds (standard)
Top speed: 250 km/h (optionally 270 km/h)
WLTP range: Up to 670 km (Sedan) / 640 km (Shooting Brake)
Max AC charging speed: From 10 to 80% in 22 minutes
Body styles: Sedan and Shooting Brake (Wagon)
Three Electric Motors, One Amazing Car
At the heart of the new electric CLA 45 lies three axial-flux electric motors. Two of them are mounted at the rear axle while the third one powers the front wheels. Compared to traditional EV motors, axial-flux ones are exceptionally compact and lightweight while providing insane
performance.
The combined power of all three electric motors is 671 horsepower and 1,759 Nm of torque. That's enough to propel the CLA 45 from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds with rollout or 3 seconds without. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, but with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package, it can be increased to 270 km/h.
Meanwhile, the combination of independent motors for the left and right rear wheels enables active torque distribution and outstanding dynamics. Along with the front motor, they form the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system.
Hold On, Does It Sound Like a Normal AMG?
That's actually the most impressive trick up Mercedes-AMG's sleeve.
Electric cars are notoriously silent, and the last thing any performance-oriented brand would want is a hushed electric powerplant. So, to give the new CLA 45 a familiar exhaust note, AMG engineers developed a system called AMGFORCE S+.
Unlike other manufacturers who utilise artificially generated sounds for their EVs, Mercedes captured the unique noise of their 2.0-litre A 45 S four-cylinder petrol engine. It was recorded using 13 microphones, capturing more than 1,600 individual sounds. All of these sounds can be heard in the cabin, where they're recreated using powerful audio speakers. As a result, the electric CLA 45 can emulate the sound of a high-performance petrol engine with all its characteristic noises.
But that's not all. The AMGFORCE S+ also employs a clever simulation of a traditional geared powertrain. The system imitates the feeling of upshifting and downshifting using torque interruptions and special seat vibrations. Additionally, a virtual rev counter on the car's display mimics the experience of a conventional manual gearbox, while the driver can change the gear using the steering wheel paddles.
As for the simulated engine sound, customers can choose between different modes, from Powerful to Minimal.
Range and Charging Speeds – How Far Can It Go?
The electric CLA 45 features a 94 kWh battery with silicon-oxide enhanced anodes and an 800V power architecture. The latter is standard in several current EVs, including the Porsche Taycan and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
For charging, the 800V architecture enables ultra-fast charging:
DC: up to 330 kW
Only 22 minutes from 10 to 80%
Plus 10 minutes of charging provides more than 270 km range
AC: Up to 22 kW
A coffee break charge is enough to provide a range for a long-distance drive on the highway.
Sedan or Shooting Brake?
Mercedes-AMG presents the CLA 45 hatchback in two body styles:
The Sedan is sportier in design and offers more driving pleasure and a longer range, while the Shooting Brake offers a larger boot volume of 60 litres compared to the Sedan version. In addition, both models have a front trunk volume of 101 litres where the charging cable can be stored.
Smart aerodynamics for efficiency
The AMG CLA 45 is equipped with AMG RIDE CONTROL adaptive suspension made of steel and features special aerodynamic details such as an active rear spoiler that opens at a certain speed to increase downforce for better grip on the road or open to reduce air resistance when driving at a steady speed. Thanks to this feature, along with the optimization of other details, the drag coefficient of the Sedan is only 0.23 Cd. A slightly higher value of 0.26 Cd is noted for the Shooting Brake due to its
increased height.
There are also six driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, AMGFORCE S+, ECO, and Individual, with the option to customize individual settings for each mode. If you choose the Dynamic Plus Package, you will also get the option to use the RACE mode.
Smart cockpit with artificial intelligence
The car’s infotainment system runs on the latest MB.OS operating system. The 4th generation of MBUX (“Mercedes-Benz User Experience”) includes an enhanced cockpit with artificial intelligence functions. For the first time, AI technologies from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing chat, and Google Gemini are integrated into the MBUX voice assistant in the car, enabling more natural two-way conversations. The system boasts a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch main display. An additional 14-inch display (MBUX Superscreen) is available as an option for the front passenger, enabling him or her to watch videos while the driver
focuses on the road. For the most enthusiastic driver’s needs, there’s also a 12.3-inch AMG-specific display with real-time information on performance, battery status, and energy management. AMG Track Pace is also available as an option, enabling drivers to analyze more than 80 parameters for each lap during a track day. If you wish, the Burmester’s Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos 360 technology will create a three-dimensional soundscape throughout the cabin, including the ability to hear the simulated engine noise from different parts of the vehicle.
Is it worth wanting?
Mercedes-AMG’s electric CLA 45 model is set to demonstrate that giving up internal combustion engines will not mean having to give up driving dynamics. Whether the driver will find the simulation of a real engine satisfying, only testing the car will show. However, the power of 671 hp, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds, and the range of up to 670 km will most likely satisfy even the most demanding customer. It’s too early to say about the cost of this innovation and when it will be available in the local dealer’s showrooms. We will keep you posted as soon as Mercedes-Benz announces the release of the CLA 45.
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