Electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: 500 kW from around €80,000

Mercedes-AMG launches the electric CLA 45 from around €80,000

Mercedes-AMG is expanding the electric CLA family with a clear flagship performance model: the CLA 45 4MATIC+. It is available to order now as both a sedan and a Shooting Brake. Prices in Germany start at €79,039 for the sedan and €80,408 for the Shooting Brake, plus delivery or factory pickup costs.

The move is also strategically significant: Mercedes is aiming for high volumes and rapid production of the electric CLA. According to the manufacturer, demand has already prompted the Rastatt plant to introduce three-shift operation, and the CLA is regarded internally as an important part of the group’s efforts to increase EV volumes again.

Three axial-flux motors, 800 volts, and torque vectoring

The technical centerpiece is a powertrain with three axial-flux motors. Two motors are located at the rear axle and one at the front. Together, they deliver peak output of 500 kW, continuous output of 450 kW, and maximum torque of 1,759 Nm.

For driving dynamics, it is not just the sheer power that matters, but also how precisely it can be controlled. According to Mercedes-AMG, the three electric motors can operate independently of one another, allowing torque to be distributed highly variably between the front and rear axles. At the rear axle, power can also be distributed between the left and right wheels—classic torque vectoring for greater traction and more stable turn-in.

This is based on an 800-volt architecture, which offers advantages both when charging and in thermal management under heavy loads. For a broader overview of the topic, see: 800V vs. 400V: which EV architecture you need in 2026.

0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, up to 270 km/h

AMG quotes acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds for the CLA 45 4MATIC+. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h as standard. With the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package, up to 270 km/h is possible.

This clearly puts it in a class where buyers are interested not only in everyday efficiency, but also in repeatable performance. In everyday driving in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—the DACH region—it is less about sustained flat-out driving on the autobahn and more about having immediate punch available for overtaking, plus a substantial safety margin from the extra performance, provided the chassis and tires can put it down cleanly.

94 kWh battery, up to 330 kW DC, and 22 minutes from 10 to 80%

AMG uses a 94 kWh battery for energy storage. This is larger than the batteries in the regular CLA variants, which offer up to 85 kWh depending on the version. Charging is possible at up to 330 kW DC and up to 22 kW AC.

For long-distance travel, charging time is particularly important: AMG quotes 22 minutes to charge from 10 to 80% at a suitable fast-charging station. Combined energy consumption ranges from 16.5 to 19.6 kWh per 100 km, depending on the variant.

Range: up to 670 km for the sedan, up to 640 km for the Shooting Brake

Mercedes-AMG quotes a range of up to 670 km for the sedan and up to 640 km for the Shooting Brake. Those are impressive figures for a 500 kW vehicle, although one thing is clear: drivers who regularly use the available performance will see real-world range fall much more quickly. Exploiting the performance and setting long-distance records rarely go hand in hand for long.

Dimensions and aerodynamics: active elements for greater downforce

The CLA 45 4MATIC+ measures 4.74 m long, 1.86 m wide, and 1.47 m tall, with a wheelbase of 2.79 m. AMG combines the overall package with adaptive suspension and active aerodynamic elements that, depending on the model, use a rear spoiler or roof-edge spoiler to increase downforce at higher speeds.

Visually, it remains unmistakably AMG: sporty exterior details, an accentuated rear end with a diffuser-style design, plus performance seats and sporty features in the interior.

Assessment: Mercedes sharpens the electric CLA’s performance edge

The electric CLA 45 demonstrates quite clearly how electric performance is evolving: high system output, strong charging and range figures, plus sophisticated control technology for traction and dynamics. For Mercedes, it also signals that the CLA lineup is not limited to efficiency and everyday usability, but can also support a flagship AMG model with genuine engineering pedigree.

Anyone considering the CLA in the context of other electric premium models can also visit the Mercedes CLA-Class model page or compare how Tesla’s bestseller performs in efficiency testing: Tesla Model Y Standard: efficiency test shows strong range. From a Tesla performance perspective, developments in software and driver-assistance systems also remain worth watching: Tesla FSD v15, HW4, and Optimus: what Tesla is promising investors.