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Mercedes AMG CLA 45 arrives in Goodwood with 680 hp and three axial-flux motors

Merceds took the wraps off its new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, with jaw-dropping specs, staggering acceleration, and rising Formula 1 star Kimi Antonelli behind the wheel.

Beneath the slippery silhouette of Mercedes’ raciest compact four-door coupe sit three axial flux electric motors – one tightly packaged in the front axle and two at the rear – delivering a massive 500 kW of power (680 hp) and mind-bending 1,759 Nm (~1,295 lb-ft) of torque. (!)

The 2027 model year Mercedes AMG CLA 45 puts that power to the ground effectively enough to launch the car from 0-100 kmh (~62 mph) in a supercar-baiting 2.7 seconds (with a one-foot rollout) on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (or 167 mph with an optional ‘AMG Dynamic Plus Package’).

“Dynamic Plus” means more money


Kimi Antonelli didn’t disappoint; via Goodwood FoS.

While we’re talking about speed, the new CLA 45 doesn’t just move fast. The new Mercedes charges pretty fast, too.

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Every second counts, even during charging stops. The 800-volt architecture enables charging power of up to 330 kW, taking the battery charge level from 10 to 80% in 22 minutes. Ten minutes is enough to add more than 270 km of range. The standard multi-source heat pump conditions the battery for rapid charging while on the move. More than 670 km of WLTP range means fewer stops and more road ahead.

MERCEDES-AMG

That 670 km (~420 miles) of range is more impressive given the CLA 45’s relatively small 94 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (up from 84 kWh in the standard, non-AMG variant). Mercedes credits that feat to the new car’s slippery bodywork and adjustable aerodynamic bits.

“With increasing speed, airflow becomes an active part of the driving dynamics,” reads the official copy. “At lower speeds, the active rear spoiler remains seamlessly integrated into the bodywork. Depending on the selected drive program, vehicle speed and longitudinal acceleration, it automatically adopts the ideal position – enhancing stability or reducing drag to extend range. At the same time, the active radiator fins can remain fully closed at speeds of up to almost 250 kmh, depending on cooling demand.”

An adjustable suspension system, more powerful brakes, and a more aggressive aero package to generate more downforce for greater stability at high speeds. You can read more about the standard CLA in Peter Johnson’s excellent summary here, and check out Merceds’ official launch photos, below.

Pricing wasn’t announced – but, if you have to ask …


SOURCES: Goodwood FoS, Mercedes-Benz.


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Author

Avatar for Jo Borrás Jo Borrás

I’ve been involved in the electric vehicle transition in one way or another since 1997, and have covered the industry as a journalist since 2008. You can catch more of my work on Quick Charge and The Heavy Equipment Podcast.

NOTE: any opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the State of Illinois or its agencies. Nothing here should be interpreted as official policy, legal guidance, or an endorsement.