In Brief
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ with electric power moves the game forward with 680 horsepower and up to 1,759 Nm of torque, matching the output of a C63 S E-Performance hybrid. It stands out thanks to all-wheel drive powered by three electric motors, a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.7 seconds using the American “1-foot rollout” measurement, and a maximum range of up to 670 kilometers depending on the version. Its sporty chassis, multiple drive modes, and innovative design demonstrate that an electric compact can take on large, traditional sport sedans. It will reach U.S. showrooms for the 2027 model year.
Mercedes-AMG used the Goodwood Festival of Speed to lift the veil on the CLA 45 4MATIC+ in both sedan and Shooting Brake bodystyles. With 680 horsepower under the right foot, this Affalterbach electric hot hatch delivers the same horsepower as a C63 S E-Performance. Call that progress.
Three motors and 680 hp for the CLA 45 electric
The technical recipe of the new CLA 45 rests on a trio of electric motors. A axial-flux unit drives the front axle, while two motors power the rear. The result is all-wheel drive with a combined output of 680 horsepower (500 kW) and a prodigious 1,759 Nm of torque. In other words, power comparable to the latest-generation C63 S E-Performance—but with even more torque to unleash.
The figures don’t lie: 0 to 60 mph is dispatched in 2.7 seconds using the American 1-foot rollout method. Or exactly 3.0 seconds on standard timing. Top speed is 155 mph (250 km/h), with a limiter pushed to 167 mph (270 km/h) when you opt for the Mercedes-AMG Dynamic Plus package.
Torque is distributed continuously between the axles, with torque vectoring across the rear wheels as a bonus. The chassis doesn’t miss a beat either: an AMG Ride Control suspension with steel springs and three-mode damping (Comfort, Sport, and AMGForce S+)… plus six driving modes that tune steering, throttle, stability control, and energy recuperation. In short, this CLA 45 electric behaves like a true hot hatch.
Generous range and lightning-fast charging
Powered by a 94 kWh battery, the sedan variant runs more than 670 kilometers WLTP; the CLA 45 Shooting Brake offers about 640 kilometers, compensated by 60 liters of additional cargo space. On charging, the architecture accepts up to 330 kW of direct current. The 10 to 80 percent charge takes 22 minutes, and ten minutes yields about 270 kilometers of range recovery.
Braking performance isn’t left behind, with six-piston front calipers biting 390 mm discs, 350 mm units at the rear, and five levels of regenerative braking. A polarizing detail: the AMGForce S+ mode turns the CLA 45 into a thermal simulator. It includes seat-mounted vibrators, interruptions in propulsion to emulate gear changes, and digitally reproduced exhaust notes from the old 2.0-liter turbo four.
Visually, the CLA 45 commands attention with a fully solid Panamericana grille, star-studded headlights with a starry pattern, and a light bar, with an optional illuminated grille. The aggressive lower fascia houses an active-air intake that can stay closed up to about 155 mph to optimize efficiency.
Wheels range from 19 to 20 inches, active spoilers… all of which mark a first in the segment. The diffuser features slats in place of conventional exhaust outlets. Inside the Mercedes-AMG, the atmosphere is relentlessly sporty: faux-leather and microfiber sport seats with red contrast stitching, stainless steel pedals, an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, and the familiar three-screen cockpit—10.25 inches and two 14-inch displays.
The only surprising compromise is the rear center seat giving way to a simple storage pocket. With the CLA 45, AMG proves that an electric compact can hold its own against the heftiest internal-combustion sedans. Whether the seat vibrations and synthetic engine note will win over purists remains to be seen. Expect an answer when it lands in showrooms for the 2027 model year.
Comparative Table
| Model | Max Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | 0-60 mph (s) | Range (km) | Battery (kWh) | Top speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA 45 4MATIC+ electric (sedan) | 680 | 1,759 | 2.7 (1-foot rollout) 3.0 (traditional) |
more than 670 | 94 | 155 167 (with Dynamic Plus) |
| CLA 45 4MATIC+ electric (shooting brake) | 680 | 1,759 | 2.7 (1-foot rollout) 3.0 (traditional) |
640 | 94 | 155 167 (with Dynamic Plus) |
| C63 S E-Performance | 680 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
The Key Takeaways
- The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ electric delivers 680 hp and 1,759 Nm of torque thanks to three electric motors.
- It goes toe-to-toe with the C63 S E-Performance hybrid in power.
- 0 to 60 mph happens in 2.7 seconds (American timing) and 3.0 seconds by traditional timing.
- Range exceeds 670 km for the sedan and about 640 km for the Shooting Brake.
- The 94 kWh battery charges 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes, with up to 270 kilometers recovered in 10 minutes.
- Distinct styling, advanced chassis tech, and a sporty cabin ambiance.
- Arrival in U.S. dealers is planned for the 2027 model year.
FAQ
What is the power output of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ electric?
The CLA 45 4MATIC+ electric develops a maximum of 680 horsepower, equal to a C63 S E-Performance.
How long does it take to charge the CLA 45’s battery?
It takes about 22 minutes to move from 10% to 80% on a fast charger, and 10 minutes can yield about 270 kilometers of range.
What is the range for the CLA 45 electric?
The sedan can exceed 670 kilometers WLTP, while the Shooting Brake version offers around 640 kilometers.
What interior innovations does the CLA 45 offer?
The interior features sport seats in faux leather and microfiber, a stainless-steel pedal set, an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, and a trio of displays, though the center rear seat makes way for a storage pocket.
When will the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 reach dealerships?
It is slated to arrive in dealerships for the 2027 model year.
