Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the new CLA 45 4MATIC+, and for the first time, it is all electric. This is the successor to the brand’s compact performance sedan and it ditches its iconic hand-built 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine for a three-motor electric powertrain that produces over 600hp.
Despite the switch to electric power, AMG says the new CLA 45 still delivers the emotional driving experience its fans expect, complete with the characteristic sound of an AMG four-cylinder engine, simulated gear shifts and even seat vibrations.
Available either as a Sedan or Shooting Brake, the flagship electric CLA also gets a new 800V architecture, AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, active aerodynamics and the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS).
Three axial-flux motors produce 500kW
The CLA 45 gets three axial-flux electric motors, with two mounted on the rear axle and one at the front. Compared to typical electric motors, axial-flux motors are more compact and offer higher power density, allowing AMG to extract more performance while using less space.
Combined, they produce 500kW (671hp) of peak power, 450kW (603hp) of continuous power and 1,759Nm of torque. Mercedes-AMG claims the CLA 45 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds using the industry’s one-foot rollout measurement, or 3.0 seconds using the conventional method. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, or 270km/h with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package.
The three motor setup also enables AMG Performance 4MATIC+, a fully variable all-wheel-drive system that can distribute torque independently between the rear wheels for improved traction, stability and cornering performance.
AMGFORCE S+ recreates the feel of a petrol-powered AMG
One of the key highlights of the new CLA 45 is AMGFORCE S+, which is aimed at recreating the experience of driving AMG’s petrol-powered performance cars.
Instead of generating synthetic engine sounds, Mercedes-AMG recorded an actual AMG A 45 S using 13 microphones and more than 1,600 audio recordings. The system reproduces the characteristic soundtrack of the AMG four-cylinder engine in real time, complete with acceleration, burbles and engine characteristics.
On top of that, the AMGFORCE S+ also simulates gear shifts with traction interruptions, while seat shakers mimic engine vibrations. Drivers will also get a virtual rev counter, gear indicator and the ability to “shift” gears manually using the steering wheel paddles. Drivers can choose from multiple sound profiles ranging from “Powerful” to “Minimal”.
94kWh battery with over 670km WLTP range
Powering the high-performance EV is a 94kWh lithium-ion battery featuring silicon oxide-enhanced anodes and an 800V electrical architecture.
Mercedes-AMG claims the sedan offers more than 670km of WLTP-rated range, while the shooting brake version delivers over 640km. It supports DC fast charging up to 330kW, and you can charge from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes.
It claims that a quick a 10-minute charging session is enough to add more than 270km of WLTP range. Meanwhile, it supports AC charging up to 22kW.
Shooting Brake offers more cargo space
Besides offering a more practical body style, the CLA 45 Shooting Brake gets a larger 450-litre boot compared to the Sedan’s 390 litres.
Both body styles also feature a 101-litre front trunk (frunk), providing extra storage for charging cables, cabin luggage or other smaller items.
Active aerodynamics improve efficiency and stability
The CLA 45 comes with AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension featuring steel springs and adaptive three-way damping. Drivers can choose between Slippery, Comfort, Sport, AMGFORCE S+, ECO and Individual drive modes, while the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package adds a dedicated RACE mode.
Mercedes-AMG has also equipped the CLA 45 with active aerodynamic elements to balance performance and efficiency. There are active rear spoilers that automatically deploy to improve high-speed stability or reduce aerodynamic drag for greater efficiency.
The new CLA 45 is also fairly efficient with the sedan having a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.23, while the shooting brake is higher at 0.26 Cd.
AI-powered MBUX with AMG-exclusive performance apps
Inside, the CLA 45 runs the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) with the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system. Mercedes-Benz says this is the first MBUX generation to integrate artificial intelligence from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini, enabling the MBUX Virtual Assistant to carry out more natural, multi-turn conversations.
It comes with a 10.25″ digital instrument cluster and a 14″ central touchscreen. There’s also the option for MBUX Superscreen, which adds a dedicated 14″ passenger display, allowing the front passenger to access entertainment and apps independently.
The cabin also gets AMG-specific displays and apps that provide real-time information including power delivery, battery status, energy flow, tyre temperatures and tyre pressures.
Drivers can also customise various vehicle settings through AMG Set-Up, while AMG Track Pace records more than 80 vehicle-specific data points for telemetry, lap timing and performance analysis on the circuit.
For audio, buyers can specify a Burmester Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos support. Besides delivering immersive music playback, the audio system also reproduces the simulated AMG four-cylinder engine soundtrack and other AMGFORCE S+ sound effects throughout the cabin.
