Mercedes has unveiled the new range-topping all-electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+, powered by three axial-flux electric motors that deliver an impressive 680 PS (612 PS continuous output) and 1,759 Nm of torque. That’s more than 250 PS above the previous combustion-powered Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic, which produced 421 PS and 500 Nm.
Mercedes is bringing flagship AMG technology from the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe to the compact segment, including axial-flux motors and active aerodynamics.
Three Axial-Flux Motors and a Larger 94-kWh Battery
Built on the same MMA multi-energy platform as the standard CLA, the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+ is powered by three Yasa axial-flux motors—two at the rear and one at the front—fed by a 94-kWh net NMC battery, which is larger than the 85-kWh net battery used in the CLA 250 and CLA 350 4Matic.
It is essentially the same battery as in the new GLC 400 4Matic EQ, which explains why charging power increases to 330 kW, compared with 320 kW in the other CLA variants.
The electric motors are integrated into a High Performance Electric Drive Unit (HP.EDU) on each axle.
The rear HP.EDU consists of two motors, each housed in its own casing and paired with a single-speed gearbox (the CLA 250 and CLA 350 4Matic use a two-speed transmission for the rear motor). Both rear motors are oil-cooled. The front HP.EDU comprises the front axial-flux motor and a single-speed gearbox with an integrated parking lock.
The two rear motors deliver a combined output of up to 680 PS, while the front motor contributes up to 360 PS. The system also features two silicon-carbide inverters, one for each axle.
In axial-flux motors, the electromagnetic flux runs parallel to the motor’s axis. Their core components are designed as flat discs, with the stator sandwiched between two rotors. This design, known as the H-configuration, enables highly efficient transfer of magnetic flux from the stator to the rotors. The two rear axial-flux motors are only 8 cm wide, while the front motor measures 9 cm in width.
The front motor acts as a boost motor and can be engaged or disengaged within a fraction of a second via the Disconnect Unit (DCU).
The AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system is fully variable, allowing torque distribution both between the rear wheels (torque vectoring) and between the front and rear axles.
Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the 94-kWh battery can be charged at up to 330 kW, replenishing from 10 to 80% in just 22 minutes. In only 10 minutes, enough energy can be added for 270 km of driving. Mercedes quotes a WLTP range of up to 640 km for the CLA Shooting Brake and up to 670 km for the CLA Sedan.
Adaptive suspension
While the standard Mercedes CLA does not offer adaptive suspension even as an option, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+ introduces the AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension for the first time. It features a conventional steel-spring setup with three-stage adaptive damping: Comfort, Sport, and AMGFORCE S+. Drivers can choose from six driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, AMGFORCE S+, ECO, and Individual.
In AMGFORCE+ mode, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+ delivers a soundtrack that closely resembles the AMG four-cylinder combustion engine. Combined with an immersive haptic experience, including brief interruptions in traction during simulated gear shifts, it creates a highly engaging driving experience that makes the car’s performance feel even more tangible.
In addition to the driving modes, a button on the left spoke of the steering wheel allows the driver to adjust the accelerator pedal response and the ESP intervention level independently of the selected driving mode. Like other Mercedes-AMG models, the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package includes AMG Track Pace, whose high-end software records more than 80 vehicle-specific data points up to ten times per second.
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+ comes as standard with 19-inch wheels fitted with 245/40 ZR19 98Y XL tyres at the front and 265/40 ZR19 102Y XL tyres at the rear. Optional 20-inch wheels are available with 255/35 ZR20 97Y XL front tyres and HL 275/35 ZR20 104Y XL rear tyres.
Active aerodynamics
Both the AMG CLA and AMG CLA Shooting Brake feature an active rear spoiler that operates according to the selected driving mode. In Eco, Comfort, and Sport modes, it deploys at speeds above 145 km/h, while in AMGFORCE+ and Race modes it remains permanently extended.
The radiator is also equipped with active louvers that open and close depending on cooling requirements. Unlike the standard model, the louvers can remain closed until almost the electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h, reducing aerodynamic drag and increasing driving range. In addition, the airflow is directed towards the underbody to reduce front-axle lift.
Sporty appearance
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+ comes standard with a panoramic roof featuring a heat-reflective coating, just like the standard CLA, and is fitted with an AMG body kit that includes wider AMG side skirts finished in high-gloss black with matte chrome trim. The exterior mirrors are mounted on the doors, as on pure AMG sports cars.
At the rear, the eye is drawn to the AMG diffuser with six fins, which extends forward into the centre of the vehicle. Optionally, customers can choose the AMG Dynamic Plus package with red brake calipers featuring black AMG lettering, or black brake calipers with white AMG lettering, as well as the Night Package I and Night Package II.
Inside, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+ comes standard with AMG sports seats upholstered in a combination of ARTICO man-made leather in Nappa look and black MICROCUT microfibre, highlighted by red contrast stitching typical of AMG models. Optional AMG Performance seats feature integrated headrests, more pronounced lateral bolsters, memory and multicontour functions, and are available upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather, a combination of ARTICO/MICROCUT microfibre, or genuine leather.
| Technical data | Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+ EQ | Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+ EQ Shooting Brake |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 rear, 1 front | 2 rear, 1 front |
| Max output (PS) | 680 | 680 |
| Max torque (Nm) | 1,759 | 1,759 |
| Traction | awd | awd |
| Gearbox | 1 gear | 1 gear |
| L x w x h (mm) | 4,742 x 1,859 x 1,469 | 4,742 x 1,859 x 1,471 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,790 | 2,790 |
| Curb weight/payload (kg) | 2,345/na | 2,370/na |
| Boot volume (l) | 390/101 | 450/101 |
| Battery capacity net (kWh) | 94 | 94 |
| AC charging (kW) | 22 | 22 |
| AC charging time (h) | na | na |
| DC charging (kW) | up to 330 | up to 330 |
| DC charging time 10-80% (minutes) | 22 | 22 |
| Performances | ||
| 0-100 kph (s) | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Top speed (kph) | 250 | 250 |
| Energy cons. WLTP ( kWh/100 km) | 16.5-18.7 | 17.4-19.6 |
| CO2 emissions (g/km) | 0 | 0 |
| Range WLTP (km) | 670 | 640 |
