The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ uses three electric motors and all-wheel drive. Photo: Auto Express / Mercedes-AMG
The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is electric: 680 hp, three motors and 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds
Mercedes-AMG has opened orders in some European markets for the new CLA 45 4MATIC+, a model that drops the previous generation’s 2.0-litre turbo engine and switches entirely to electricity. The system develops up to 500 kW (680 hp) temporarily and uses three axial-flux electric motors.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is quoted in 2.7 seconds, but the figure includes a measurement procedure with a 30.48 cm “rollout”. Mercedes-AMG states that the time obtained from a complete standstill is about 3 seconds. Top speed reaches 270 km/h with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package.
Two motors on the rear axle and one at the front
The configuration differs from that found on most all-wheel-drive electric cars. Two motors are grouped in a compact unit on the rear axle, and the third drives the front axle.
The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system can distribute torque between the axles and separately between the rear wheels. The architecture thus offers a rear-biased split and allows torque vectoring without a conventional mechanical differential.
The maximum power of 680 hp is available in peak mode. In normal use, the three motors deliver 450 kW (612 hp), according to data communicated when orders opened.
94 kWh battery and 330 kW charging
The CLA 45 uses a battery with a usable capacity of about 94 kWh and an 800 V electrical installation. Maximum DC charging power is 330 kW, and the move from 10% to 80% should take 22 minutes in favourable conditions.
Mercedes-AMG indicates more than 670 km of WLTP range for the saloon and says a ten-minute stop can add up to 270 km of range calculated in the same cycle. Combined consumption published for the saloon is 16.1 kWh/100 km.
Consumption and range figures are still preliminary. The manufacturer warns that there is not yet, for all the data presented, final confirmation from a type-approval organisation and that the figures may be changed before deliveries.
The dashboard can include three screens, and AMG controls are grouped on the steering wheel. Photo: Auto Express / Mercedes-AMG
Simulated shifts and vibrations in the seats
The switch to electric propulsion has not eliminated every element associated with the old CLA 45. The AMGFORCE S+ programme digitally reproduces the sound of the four-cylinder turbo engine and simulates gear changes, including a short interruption of torque.
The driver can command the virtual gears from the steering-wheel paddles. The seats have devices that generate vibrations synchronised with the sound and acceleration. According to Mercedes-AMG, the sound was recorded with 13 microphones and reconstructed after more than 1,600 measurements.
The car has up to seven driving programmes, AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension and, with the Dynamic Plus package, Race and Drift modes. The cabin is configured for four people, and the sports seats and AMG steering wheel are specific to this version.
Active aerodynamics and two body types
The rear spoiler remains integrated into the body at low speeds and automatically changes position depending on driving programme, speed and acceleration. Active shutters at the front can remain fully closed up to almost 250 km/h if the cooling system does not require a greater airflow.
The CLA 45 can be ordered as a coupé-profile saloon or as a Shooting Brake. Both have the AMG grille with ten vertical slats, flared front wings and 19-inch wheels as standard. The options list includes 20-inch wheels and AMG Night exterior packages.
The Shooting Brake version keeps the same three-motor configuration. Photo: Auto Express / Mercedes-AMG
It is more powerful than a BMW M3, but the comparison has limits
The 680 hp places the new CLA 45 above the 530 hp of a BMW M3 Competition xDrive. The quoted time for acceleration to 100 km/h is also better, even if the 2.7-second measurement includes the rollout explained by Mercedes-AMG.
The two cars are not perfectly comparable rivals, however. The CLA is electric, more compact and uses three motors, while the M3 has a six-cylinder petrol engine and belongs to a higher class. The new AMG’s mass approaches 2.3 tonnes, which reduces part of the power advantage once the discussion moves beyond straight-line acceleration.
Prices communicated so far for the CLA 45 refer to other European markets. Mercedes-Benz Romania had not published a local tariff for the new version at the time of writing, so the price difference versus the BMW M3 cannot be transferred directly to the Romanian market.
Frequently asked questions
Does the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 still have a petrol engine?
No. The new CLA 45 4MATIC+ generation is fully electric and uses three axial-flux motors.
What power does the electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 have?
Maximum power is 500 kW (680 hp), available temporarily. Continuous power announced when orders opened is 450 kW (612 hp).
What is the range of the new CLA 45?
Mercedes-AMG indicates combined range of more than 670 km WLTP for the saloon. The figure is preliminary and can vary by version and equipment.
How long does battery charging take?
At a compatible station and in optimal conditions, the battery can go from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes, at a maximum power of 330 kW.
Will there also be a Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Shooting Brake?
Yes. Mercedes-AMG has presented both the saloon and the Shooting Brake variant with the same basic three-motor configuration.
How much does it cost in Romania?
The price for Romania had not been announced on 28 August 2026.
