The legacy high-performance brands are gradually transitioning from traditional internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. BMW has been developing an electric M3 for years, and its release seems imminent. Meanwhile, Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its electric performance vehicle, the CLA 45 4MATIC+.
The new electric CLA 45 replaces the former gasoline version powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Buyers can choose between a four-door saloon and a stylish wagon-style Shooting Brake. With this model, AMG aims to attract a younger audience, blending classic design elements with cutting-edge technology.
The performance specifications represent a significant upgrade over the previous generation. The older gasoline variant produced 421 horsepower, while the new electric powertrain boasts a peak output of 500 kW, equating to an impressive 680 horsepower, along with an astounding 1,759 Nm of torque. This power enables the saloon to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds, with tests using an American one-foot rollout achieving a lower figure of 2.7 seconds. In standard configuration, the AMG reaches an electronically controlled top speed of 250 km/h, which can be increased to 270 km/h with an upgrade package.
Three independent electric motors drive the vehicle, providing a fully variable all-wheel-drive system, with one motor located on the front axle and two on the rear. These motors utilize a compact axial flux technology, allowing the magnetic flux to run parallel to the motor axis. The front motor measures only 9 cm in width, while each rear motor is approximately 8 cm. The front motor serves as an intelligent booster, generating up to 225 kW (360 horsepower) when required, and can completely disconnect under low load conditions to reduce drag and conserve energy.
The new model weighs 2,280 kg, making it heavier than its gasoline predecessor. The vehicle is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable energy capacity of 94 kWh. Advanced battery cells featuring a silicon oxide and graphite mix enhance energy density by up to 20 percent compared to older models, giving the saloon a maximum driving range of over 670 km and the Shooting Brake version up to 640 km on a full charge.
The 800V battery system supports a peak DC charging power of up to 330 kW. Under ideal conditions, drivers can recharge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes. In urgent situations, a ten-minute charging stop can add approximately 270 km of range. A sophisticated multi-source heat pump optimizes charging efficiency by managing temperatures, utilizing waste heat from the ambient air, powertrain, and battery to precondition the cells before reaching a charging station.
The sports suspension incorporates steel springs and an adaptive three-way damping system. The front suspension features a three-link design with forged aluminum components, while the rear utilizes a multi-link setup to enhance cornering stability. The braking system heavily relies on electric regeneration, capable of decelerating at rates of up to 5 m/s² before stopping entirely. For high-demand situations or track usage, powerful hydraulic brakes take control with 390 x 36 mm ventilated discs and six-piston calipers at the front, and 350 x 22 mm discs with single-piston floating calipers at the rear. Standard 19-inch wheels are fitted with staggered tires, while 20-inch alloy or forged options are also available.
The new AMG CLA 45 offers five standard drive modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, ECO, and Individual. An upgraded performance package introduces the RACE mode. In a bid to replicate the sound experience of a traditional AMG, Mercedes has implemented the "AMGFORCE S+" mode, which simulates internal combustion engine sounds with 1,600 audio files recorded from a classic AMG A 45 S hatchback. This system provides real-time mixing of simulated engine noises both inside and outside the car, complemented by built-in seat shakers that vibrate during simulated gear changes. The vehicle emits a heartbeat sound when locked and a deep thump when plugged in, showcasing the brand's innovative approach.
Visually, the new CLA maintains a look reminiscent of its gasoline predecessors, albeit without tailpipes. Its front end features a distinctive grille with ten vertical chrome slats, paired with narrow headlights that overlook the horizontal light bar of the standard model. Active aerodynamics play a crucial role in extending driving range, with the front bumper concealing active radiator fins that remain closed up to 250 km/h to reduce air resistance, only opening when cooling air is needed. The saloon's active rear spoiler and the Shooting Brake's roof-edge spoiler adjust their angles based on speed and drive modes but can also be manually activated via steering wheel buttons.
Inside, the cabin is designed as a four-seat configuration, sporting heavily contoured front sports seats covered in synthetic leather and microfiber. Practical storage includes a 390-liter trunk for the saloon and a 450-liter cargo area for the Shooting Brake, along with an additional 101 liters of space in the front trunk (frunk). The dashboard features the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system powered by MB.OS software, incorporating AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini into a virtual assistant avatar. For track enthusiasts, an optional digital racing coach app comes pre-loaded with tracks such as the Nürburgring, displaying ideal braking points directly on the head-up display.
Undoubtedly, Mercedes-AMG has edged out BMW in the electric performance segment. While rumors suggest that the upcoming new M3 will boast around 1,000 horsepower, the AMG is poised to sell swiftly as it offers electric sedans and wagons, while BMW appears to be lagging behind. By the time the M3 launches, Mercedes-AMG may even introduce a more extreme "55" variant of the CLA featuring four electric motors for those who require more than 680 horsepower for everyday driving.
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