Mercedes-AMG has opened German orders for the all-electric CLA 45 4Matic+, pairing 500kW of peak output with a claimed WLTP range of more than 670km in saloon form.
The compact performance EV uses three axial-flux motors — one at the front and two at the rear — producing a combined 1,759Nm. Mercedes-AMG quotes 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds, but the figure uses a one-foot rollout, excluding the first 30.48cm of travel.
An 800-volt electrical architecture cuts the quoted 10-80% DC fast-charging time to 22 minutes at a suitable charger.
The CLA 45 is only the second fully electric Mercedes-AMG production model to use axial-flux motors, after the AMG GT 4-Door Coupé.
The front motor primarily acts as a booster when extra power is needed, while the two rear units handle individual torque distribution.
Combined energy consumption is rated at: 16.5–18.7kWh/100km for the saloon and 17.4–19.6kWh/100km for the Shooting Brake.
Its three motors work with a newly developed AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. Torque can be varied between the front and rear axles, while the two rear motors can distribute drive individually between the rear wheels.
Steel-sprung AMG Ride Control suspension uses adaptive three-way damping. Mercedes-AMG said the wheel-guiding components, springs and dampers were reworked to increase lateral performance while keeping the car controllable near its limits.
The saloon gets an active rear spoiler, while the Shooting Brake uses an adjustable roof-edge spoiler.
Their angle changes according to the selected drive programme or manual setting, reducing drag or adding downforce. Active front grille shutters open when extra cooling is required.
The CLA 45 4Matic+ has already posted a 7:32.070 lap of the 20.832km Nürburgring Nordschleife, which Mercedes-AMG described as a segment record. The record car ran on Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tyres and used the Race drive programme from the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package.
German pricing starts at €79,039 (RM370,000) including VAT for the saloon. The Shooting Brake starts at €80,408 (RM376,000).
