Mercedes-AMG has taken the wraps off the next-generation of high-performance CLA 45. Now powered by electricity in place of the previous model’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the new CLA 45 pumps out a huge 500kW of power (or 680 horsepower), which is enough grunt for a claimed 2.7-second 0-100km/h sprint time. Both sedan and Shooting Brake wagon bodystyles have been revealed, the former due in Australia from early 2027.

Using a lot of technology that recently debuted in the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, such as its axial flux motors, AMG is now “bringing a top-of-the-range technological concept to the CLA”. It features three e-motors with two motors on the rear axle and one on the front to make a fully variable all-wheel drive system that can switch from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive to ensure optimum traction. 

The constant power of the electric motors combined is 450kW (torque is yet to be announced), but depending on the drive mode, the maximum power is 500kW. That’s enough to hit 100km/h in just 2.7 seconds with a one-foot rollout or 3.0 seconds from a standstill, and a top speed of 270km/h with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package. 

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As we’ve seen with the regular CLA range, the AMG CLA 45’s battery and charging statistics are impressive. Underneath is a 94kWh lithium-ion battery that’s large enough for a claimed 670km of WLTP driving range and an 800-volt architecture, which allows it to charge at up to 330kW for a claimed 10-80 per cent charge time of as little as 22 minutes. According to Mercedes-Benz, 10 minutes of charging will supply a range of over 270km in ideal situations. 

As usual with its models, AMG has added a number of performance features to the exterior of the CLA 45, including 19-inch AMG alloy wheels (20s are available), pumped up guards with more aggressive bumpers, active aerodynamics from the active spoiler on both bodystyles and active radiator fins to reduce drag. 390mm front discs with six-piston callipers and 350mm rear discs with a one-piston calliper provide the necessary stopping power.

The new active aerodynamics are a first in the class, according to Mercedes-AMG, and adopt different angles to either ensure the necessary driving stability or minimise aerodynamic drag. In eco, comfort and sport driving modes, the speed threshold is 145km/h, but in the AMGForce S+ and Race modes, they are activated immediately. They can also be manually controlled from the buttons on the steering wheel. 

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The interior of the CLA 45 follows on from the regular CLA range with its fourth-generation MBUX infotainment software, huge ‘Hyperscreen’ touchscreen and impressive practicality. Above the CLA, the AMG 45 adds a number of sportier details, such as the sports seats, flat-bottomed steering wheel with suede trimming and AMG features such as the brushed stainless-steel sports pedals. 

Mercedes-Benz’s ‘MBUX’ infotainment software adds new features for the AMG CLA 45, including the AMG Performance Menu, AMG Set-Up and AMG Track Pace menus for drivers to see important driving data in real time.

AMG Performance Menu visualises the energy flow, shows the power output for each of the motors and indicates when tyres have reached their optimum temperature. AMG Set-Up allows various functions like the order of the drive programmes and drive mode selectors on the steering wheel to be configured to a driver’s liking, while the sound can also be changed.

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AMG Track Pack is a personal racing coach, and records over 80 vehicle-specific data points 10 times per second to coach drivers on tracks such as the Nurburgring and Spa. The system provides drivers smart race navigation through the head-up display and visualises braking points and corner radii, thereby helping drivers find the ideal racing line.

The front seats feature what AMG calls ‘AMGForce’ shakers, which emit vibrations calibrated to mimic those of a combustion engine for more emotional engagement. The optional AMG Performance seats feature integrated headrests, larger side bolsters, heating and memory and multi-contour functions, as well as the shakers. Customers can choose between synthetic leather or that plus suede seat and real leather trims.

In the AMGForce driving mode, the sound of an original AMG four-cylinder engine is “meticulously documented” for a realistic engine noise while driving. 

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Unlike the standard CLA models, the AMG 45 is only available as a four-seater, with the former middle rear seat now a storage bin. Mercedes-AMG insists that practicality has not been compromised with the AMG CLA 45 compared to regular electric CLA models. As such, the 101-litre front boot remains, and the 390 litre (450 litres for the Shooting Brake) boot is only 15 litres less than lesser electric CLA models. 

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 will go on sale in Australia in early 2027, with local pricing and specifications due to be announced closer to the launch date. So far, just the sedan is confirmed for our market, with the Shooting Brake still under consideration.