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Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ Debuts with 680hp, three motors and 2.7 second sprint

Der neue elektrische Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+. Exterieur Farbe: MANUFAKTUR graphit grau magno Interieur Polster: ARTICO/Microcut schwarz / racegelb Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 18,7‒16,5 kWh/100 km | CO₂-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km | CO₂-Klasse: A Die Angaben sind vorläufig. Es liegen bislang weder bestätigte Werte von einer amtlich anerkannten Prüforganisation noch eine EG-Typgenehmigung noch eine Konformitätsbescheinigung mit amtlichen Werten vor. Abweichungen zwischen den Angaben und den amtlichen Werten sind möglich. // The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ electric. Exterior color: MANUFAKTUR graphite grey magno Interior color: ARTICO Microcut black / race yellow Energy consumption combined: 18.7–16.5 kWh/100 km | Combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A The figures are provisional. To date, there are no confirmed figures from an officially recognised testing organisation, nor is there an EC type-approval or a certificate of conformity containing official figures. There may be discrepancies between the figures provided and the official figures.

Mercedes-AMG has taken the covers off the all-new CLA 45 4MATIC+, and it is unlike any AMG compact before it. Swapping its turbocharged four-cylinder engine for a triple-motor electric powertrain, the new performance EV produces a staggering 680hp and can sprint from 0-100kmph in just 2.7 seconds.

Three motors, 680hp, and AWD

At the heart of the CLA 45 4MATIC+ are three axial flux electric motors, two at the rear and one at the front.

Performance highlights:

680hp peak power
1,759Nm of torque
0-100kmph in 2.7 seconds
Top speed of 250 km/h (270 km/h with AMG Dynamic Plus Pack)
Fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive
Rear torque vectoring
94kWh battery pack
800V architecture
Up to 670km WLTP range (saloon)

Mercedes says the front motor disengages during light loads to improve efficiency, while the rear motors handle most driving duties.

Fast charging and track-focused hardware

The new CLA 45 supports DC fast charging at up to 330kW, allowing a 10-80 percent charge in just 22 minutes. Mercedes also claims a 10-minute charge can add over 270km of range.

The chassis has also received AMG treatment with:

AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension
Seven drive modes
Active rear spoiler (saloon)
Active roof spoiler (Shooting Brake)
Large performance brakes
AMG Track Pace telemetry system
Predictive Performance Manager for track driving

The exterior gets a proper AMG makeover

The CLA 45 gets a more aggressive look than the standard CLA with:

AMG Panamericana grille
Wider wheel arches
New AMG front bumper
Active aerodynamic elements
19-inch wheels as standard (20-inch optional)
AMG-specific rear diffuser
Optional illuminated grille

Mercedes will offer the performance EV in both Saloon and Shooting Brake body styles.

Interior focuses on performance

Inside, the cabin gets several AMG-specific upgrades.

Key highlights include:

AMG Performance seats
AMG steering wheel
Latest MBUX infotainment with AI integration
AMG Performance displays
AMG Track Pace
Seat shakers that simulate combustion engine vibrations
Artificial V8-inspired driving sounds with simulated gear shifts

Mercedes says the AMGFORCE S+ mode recreates the sound and feel of one of its turbocharged four-cylinder engines to make the EV feel more engaging.

Also read: https://fly-wheel.com/dodge-charger-enters-a-new-dawn-blending-heritage-with-modern-design/

Final take

A compact AMG producing 680hp and hitting 100kmph in 2.7 seconds would have sounded impossible just a few years ago. But while the performance is undeniable, the fake engine sounds, simulated gear shifts and vibration effects also show that even Mercedes-AMG knows raw speed alone isn’t enough. Drivers still miss the drama of a real AMG engine, and the CLA 45 seems determined to recreate it digitally.

Jeevan Boby