671-HP Mercedes-AMG CLA45 EV Packs Three Axial-Flux Motors, Simulated Shifts, and GT 4-Door Tech

Mercedes-AMG has electrified its iconic compact-sedan hot hatch with the new CLA45 EV, unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The all-electric CLA45 delivers a headline-grabbing 671 horsepower—up from 416 in the outgoing gas model—via a trio of axial-flux electric motors.

Two motors power the rear axle for instant torque vectoring, while the third drives the front axle, which can disconnect to boost efficiency. Peak output from the front motor alone is 360 horsepower.

The setup catapults the CLA45 from 0 to 62 mph in 2.7 seconds, outpacing the Tesla Model 3 Performance’s 3.1-second sprint. Top speed is 155 mph in standard trim or 168 mph with the AMG Dynamic Plus package.

The EV’s 94-kWh lithium-ion battery underpins a WLTP-certified range of 416 miles for the sedan and 398 miles for the Shooting Brake wagon. Charging is rapid thanks to an 800-volt architecture, enabling 10% to 80% replenishment in 22 minutes at up to 330 kW, or roughly 170 miles in just 10 minutes.

The CLA45 borrows tech from AMG’s 1,153-horsepower GT 4-Door, including the same axial-flux motor architecture. It also channels the gas-powered AMG experience with a dedicated AMGFORCE S+ drive mode that simulates a four-cylinder’s exhaust pops, bangs, and even gearshifts—complete with active seat shakers and a customized driver display.

The noises aren’t synthetic: AMG recorded 1,600 audio files from an old A45 S using 13 microphones. These theatrics are exclusive to AMGFORCE S+; all other drive modes keep things quiet.

The CLA45 rides on adaptive dampers, active grille shutters, and an active rear spoiler that adjusts to speed and drive mode. Standard brakes include 15.4-inch ventilated discs with six-piston calipers up front and 13.7-inch discs with single-piston calipers at the rear, though regen braking handles most slowing.

AMG’s Predictive Performance Manager optimizes power delivery and energy flow for consistent lap times. Styling is aggressively AMG, with an illuminated Panamericana grille, power domes on the hood, optional light bar, wider front fenders, side skirts, and a rear diffuser that hints at four massive tailpipes.

Standard wheels are 19 inches, with optional forged 20-inchers. The Shooting Brake wagon model, equipped with the same powertrain, features aero tech shared with high-end sports cars.

Despite its performance focus, the CLA45 remains practical for daily use, though U.S. buyers will have to look elsewhere: Mercedes confirmed the CLA45 EV won’t arrive in America. The next-gen GLA could inherit the powertrain, offering hope for stateside fans.