Mercedes-AMG has officially unveiled the next generation of its high-performance compact flagship, the CLA 45, marking a radical departure from its internal combustion heritage toward a fully electrified future. The new model, debuting with a staggering 671bhp, matches the power output of the current C63 S E Performance while arriving at a significantly more accessible price point. Starting at £66,750 for the four-door saloon and £67,750 for the versatile Shooting Brake variant, the new CLA 45 is positioned to disrupt the premium electric performance market by offering supercar-level acceleration and advanced torque-vectoring technology for approximately £34,000 less than its plug-in hybrid stablemate.
The transition to electric power represents a pivotal moment for the Affalterbach-based performance division. Traditionally defined by the "One Man, One Engine" philosophy and the aggressive acoustics of turbocharged four-cylinder and V8 engines, AMG is now tasked with translating that visceral appeal into a digital, electron-fed format. To achieve this, the new CLA 45 utilizes a sophisticated tri-motor arrangement and a suite of "emotional" technologies designed to bridge the gap between traditional mechanical feedback and modern electric efficiency.
Technical Architecture: The Yasa Axial-Flux Revolution
At the heart of the CLA 45’s performance is a specialized tri-motor powertrain that sets it apart from the standard Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric. While the base models focus on efficiency and range, the AMG variant prioritizes power density and dynamic handling. The system incorporates three axial-flux electric motors developed by the British company Yasa, a firm Mercedes-Benz acquired in 2021 specifically to bolster its high-performance EV credentials.
Axial-flux motors are significantly lighter and more compact than the radial-flux motors commonly found in most contemporary electric vehicles, such as those from Tesla or Volkswagen. Despite their smaller footprint, they offer substantially higher torque and power density. In the CLA 45, two of these drive units are situated on the rear axle, with a third motor positioned at the front. This configuration allows for a combined maximum output of 671bhp, delivered through an intelligent all-wheel-drive system.
A critical aspect of this powertrain is its energy management. The total output is limited not by the motors themselves, which are capable of even higher peaks, but by the maximum discharge rate of the battery. The CLA 45 utilizes a 94kWh battery pack—the same unit slated for the upcoming C-Class Electric—featuring an 800V architecture that enables rapid charging speeds and consistent performance under heavy thermal loads. This high-capacity battery ensures that the vehicle can maintain its performance during spirited driving or track sessions without immediate power derating.
Performance Benchmarks and Competitive Positioning
The performance figures for the new CLA 45 place it in an elite category of acceleration. The 2.3-tonne saloon can sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 3.0 seconds, while the slightly heavier Shooting Brake achieves the same feat in 3.2 seconds. These figures not only eclipse the outgoing petrol-powered CLA 45 S, which recorded a 4.0-second sprint, but also outperform legendary AMG icons. For comparison, the SLS AMG Black Series—a halo car of the previous decade—required 3.6 seconds to reach the same speed. The CLA 45 now sits just a tenth of a second behind the F1-derived Mercedes-AMG One hypercar in terms of initial off-the-line acceleration.
The vehicle’s top speed is electronically governed at 155mph in its standard configuration. However, customers opting for the AMG Dynamic Plus package can see this limit raised to 168mph. To manage this speed, AMG has equipped the car with high-performance braking systems and a chassis tuned for high-speed stability, utilizing active aerodynamics to balance downforce with the aerodynamic efficiency required to maintain a competitive electric range.
Driving Dynamics: Torque Vectoring and Drift Mode
Beyond straight-line speed, the tri-motor setup provides AMG engineers with unprecedented control over vehicle dynamics. By placing two independent motors on the rear axle, the CLA 45 can employ true torque vectoring. This allows the car to send varying amounts of power to each individual rear wheel instantaneously, effectively "rotating" the car into corners and neutralizing understeer.
One of the most anticipated features for AMG enthusiasts is the inclusion of a dedicated "Drift Mode." Because the rear motors can combine to deliver the full discharge capacity of the battery to the rear wheels alone, the car can easily break traction in a controlled manner. In this mode, the front motor is decoupled, and the electronic stability programs are recalibrated to allow for sustained oversteer, maintaining the "hooligan" character that defined previous generations of the 45-series cars. Conversely, during high-speed track driving or in inclement weather, the front motor engages to provide maximum traction and stability.
Replicating the ICE Experience: The AMGForce System
Perhaps the most controversial and innovative aspect of the new CLA 45 is the "AMGForce" system. Recognizing that many AMG loyalists value the sensory experience of a combustion engine, Mercedes has developed a simulated engine and gearbox environment. This system is designed to mimic the power delivery and acoustic profile of the M139 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which previously held the title of the world’s most powerful series-production four-cylinder.
When AMGForce is engaged, the electric motors modulate their power delivery to simulate the "steps" of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The acceleration is slightly slowed to provide the sensation of gear shifts and the building of boost pressure. Accompanying this is a sophisticated soundscape projected through internal and external speakers. The sound profile includes the signature "pops and bangs" on the overrun—a hallmark of performance exhausts—and a deep rumble that increases in frequency with speed.
To further enhance the illusion, vibrating actuators are embedded in the front seats. These motors create a physical "thrum" in the occupants’ backs, synchronized with the simulated engine RPM, providing a tactile connection to the vehicle that is often missing in silent EVs. Mercedes claims the "loud" mode of this system is comparable in volume and impact to high-end aftermarket exhaust systems, though a "quiet" mode remains available for discreet urban driving.
Design and Aerodynamics
The exterior design of the CLA 45 reflects its performance intentions while adhering to the sleek "sensual purity" design language of the modern Mercedes EQ line. The front fascia features a closed-off version of the Panamericana grille, optimized for airflow. Large air intakes at the corners of the bumper are functional, directing cooling air to the battery’s thermal management system and the front brakes.
The "Shooting Brake" estate version continues to be a unique selling point for the CLA line, offering a blend of lifestyle practicality and aggressive styling. Both the saloon and the estate feature a wider track than the standard CLA, housed under flared wheel arches. The rear of the vehicle is dominated by a prominent diffuser and a subtle lip spoiler (or a more aggressive wing on the Dynamic Plus models) to ensure rear-axle stability at triple-digit speeds.
Market Implications and the Path to 2030
The pricing strategy for the CLA 45 is a clear indicator of Mercedes-AMG’s intent to dominate the "entry-level" performance EV segment. By matching the price of the previous petrol model despite the inclusion of significantly more expensive battery and motor technology, Mercedes is signaling that the era of the "EV premium" may be coming to an end in the performance sector.
The CLA 45 enters a market that is becoming increasingly crowded. Its primary competitors include the Tesla Model 3 Performance, the BMW i4 M50, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. While the Tesla offers raw speed and the Hyundai has been praised for its driver engagement, the AMG CLA 45 leans on its luxury heritage, the sophisticated Yasa motor technology, and its unique Shooting Brake body style to carve out a niche.
From a broader strategic perspective, the CLA 45 is a bellwether for the future of the AMG brand. As the European Union and other global markets move toward a ban on new internal combustion engine sales, AMG must prove that it can retain its brand identity without the internal combustion engine. The success of the CLA 45 will likely dictate the engineering direction for future electric versions of the E-Class and S-Class AMG models.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Affalterbach
The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 represents a bold gamble. By prioritizing digital engagement and simulated mechanical feedback, AMG is betting that the "feeling" of performance is more important to its customers than the specific method of propulsion. With 671bhp, a sophisticated tri-motor setup, and a price tag that undercuts the larger C63, the CLA 45 offers a compelling package on paper.
As deliveries begin in 2026, the true test will be whether the "vegan burger" approach to performance—recreating the experience of the original with entirely different ingredients—can satisfy the appetites of some of the most demanding drivers in the automotive world. For now, the CLA 45 stands as a testament to the rapid pace of electric development, offering performance that was once the exclusive domain of million-dollar hypercars in a package accessible to the premium mainstream.
