Mercedes-AMG CLA45 Electric Revealed with 671bhp

Even with a kerb weight of 2,280kg, the CLA45 Saloon hits 62mph from rest in just 3.0 seconds – a figure matched by the 15kg heavier Shooting Brake. Top speed is limited to 155mph, rising to 168mph with the Dynamic Plus Package specified, matching its petrol-powered predecessor.

All models feature MacPherson struts up front with multi-link suspension at the rear. Three-stage adjustable dampers are fitted, with their firmness dependent on the selected driving mode. Comfort, Slippery and Eco are the everyday driving settings, with the latter allowing the front motor to disconnect in order to improve efficiency. 

Sport mode increases the steering weight and throttle response while retaining the typical single-speed power delivery of an EV, but AMG Force S+ adds the option of shifting through seven simulated gears using the steering wheel-mounted paddles. Sound generators play the tones of the M139 four-cylinder engine outside and in, and the seats vibrate to emulate the natural vibrations of a combustion engine.

Cars with the Dynamic Plus Package gain Race mode for maximum circuit performance. This permanently engages all-wheel drive, lowers the ride height, dials back the stability control and allows for Launch Control to be engaged. The driving modes can be selected via a rotary selector on the right hand side of the steering wheel, while a secondary dial on the left allows for specific parameters to be altered. An Individual mode allows the driver to personalise the car’s set-up further. 

Five energy recovery stages can be selected, and Mercedes-AMG claim most deceleration will be done by regenerative braking – even when the ABS system is activated. Regardless, the CLA45 is fitted with 390x36mm discs and six-piston calipers on the front axle, with 350x22mm discs and single-piston floating calipers at the rear.

Active aerodynamic elements are found at both ends of the car, with radiator fins at the nose which open in eight stages as powertrain and battery cooling demands change. When closed, air is directed underneath the car. At the rear, a lip spoiler sits flush most of the time, rising at 90mph to improve high-speed downforce and stability. In AMG Force S+ and Race driving modes, the spoiler is always up.

The CLA45 gets a distinct visual makeover comprising a new bumper, AMG grille with ten vertical strakes, flared arches, 19 or 20-inch wheels with staggered tyre sizes, front wing badging and an enlarged rear diffuser. Two nose designs will be offered: one with an illuminated grille, badge and light bar, and one without.

Within the 2,790mm wheelbase sits a 94kWh usable capacity battery – up 9kWh compared to the standard CLA. It features graphite-silicon oxide anodes that increase energy density by 20 per cent, returning a WLTP range up to 416 miles for the Saloon, and up to 398 miles for the Shooting Brake. An 800-volt electrical architecture allows for DC rapid charging at up to 330kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up takes just 22 minutes. Using a 7.4kW home wallbox, a full charge will require just over 13 hours.

Inside, AMG touches are added to the CLA’s screen-first cabin. Unique graphics appear on each of the three dashboard-mounted screens, and three AMG-specific applications can be accessed: AMG Performance Menu shows real-time data, Set-Up lets drivers quick-select vehicle settings, and Track Pace logs data on circuit.

Unlike the regular CLA, the new electric CLA45 is only available as a four-seater, with all variants featuring a shallow storage area in lieu of the central perch on the rear bench. Behind the rear seats, the Saloon has a 390-litre boot while the Shooting Brake offers 450 litres, and both have a 101-litre frunk under the bonnet.

UK pricing and specifications are yet to be announced, but we expect two equipment levels to be offered at launch, and a starting price around £63,000. This would pitch the new CLA45 directly against the Hyundai Ioniq 6N – a car also equipped with virtual gear shifting and over 600bhp.