Mercedes-AMG has officially pulled the curtain back on the next-generation CLA 45 — and it’s fully electric. Revealed on July 9, 2026, the new model marks the end of the legendary turbocharged four-cylinder era and the beginning of a high-performance electric chapter for AMG’s compact flagship.
With up to 680 horsepower, 1,759 Nm of torque, a 2.7-second 0-100 km/h sprint, and up to 416 miles (670 km) WLTP range, the electric CLA 45 is positioned as one of the most powerful and practical performance cars in its class. It also introduces a Shooting Brake (wagon) body style for the first time in this high-performance lineup.
Previous-generation Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S (gas-powered Final Edition). The new electric model adopts a more aggressive, wider stance with Panamericana grille elements.
Key Specifications (Electric CLA 45)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power (Peak) | 500 kW / 671–680 hp (overboost) |
| Power (Continuous) | 450 kW / ~603–612 hp |
| Torque | 1,759 Nm (1,298 lb-ft) |
| 0-100 km/h | 2.7–3.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 249 km/h (155 mph) standard; up to 285 km/h with Driver’s package |
| Battery | 94 kWh (800V architecture) |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 670 km (saloon) / ~637 km (Shooting Brake) |
| Max DC Charging | 330 kW |
| 10-80% Charge Time | ~22 minutes |
| Drivetrain | Fully variable 4MATIC+ AWD with torque vectoring |
| Body Styles | Saloon (4-door coupe) & Shooting Brake wagon |
| Motors | Three axial-flux motors (1 front + 2 rear) |
Exterior Design: More Aggressive AMG Look
The electric CLA 45 sits on the advanced platform shared with the new Mercedes-Benz CLA EV family but receives significant AMG-specific styling upgrades:
- Wider front fenders and axle
- New front bumper with larger air intakes
- Panamericana grille with ten vertical struts (optionally illuminated)
- Deleted front light strip for a cleaner, more aggressive face
- Active rear spoiler (flush at low speeds, rises automatically for high-speed stability)
- New 19-inch wheels standard (20-inch optional)
- Revised rear diffuser and quad exhaust-style design elements (even though it’s electric)
The result is a wider, more planted stance that clearly differentiates it from the standard electric CLA models.
New-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA EV platform (standard model shown). The AMG CLA 45 features wider arches, a Panamericana grille, and more aggressive bumpers.
Powertrain & Performance
The electric CLA 45 uses three axial-flux electric motors (technology developed with Yasa and shared with the electric AMG GT 4-Door).
- One motor sits at the front
- Two motors are packaged together on the rear axle
This setup enables extremely quick torque vectoring between the rear wheels. The front motor can disconnect under light load for efficiency or to allow a rear-wheel-drive bias.
Performance is explosive. The car is quicker than the outgoing CLA 45 S (which needed 4.0–4.1 seconds for 0-100 km/h with its 416 hp 2.0L turbo four-cylinder). The new electric version delivers instant torque and supercar-rivalling acceleration in a compact package.
Drive modes include Comfort, Sport, Eco, Slippery, and AMG Force S+, which activates the full sensory package (synthetic sound + seat vibrations).
Battery, Range & Charging
A 94 kWh battery (larger than the standard CLA EV’s ~85 kWh pack) powers the car.
Thanks to the 800-volt architecture, it supports up to 330 kW DC fast charging. Mercedes claims around 270 km of range can be added in just 10 minutes under ideal conditions.
Real-world range will vary, but the WLTP figures (up to 416 miles / 670 km for the saloon) position this as one of the most practical high-performance EVs available.
Interior & The “AMG Experience”
Mercedes-AMG has worked hard to preserve the emotional connection that made the old CLA 45 S special:
- Synthetic engine sound — Carefully engineered using over 1,600 measurements from the outgoing A45 S / CLA 45 S four-cylinder. It includes pops, crackles, and simulated gear shifts via the paddles.
- Seat shakers — Front seats deliver vibrations that mimic combustion engine feedback, especially in AMG Force S+ mode.
- Performance-oriented bucket seats
- Unique AMG steering wheel with satellite controls and scroll wheels
- AMG-specific graphics across the multiple digital screens
It’s an EV that tries (successfully, according to early descriptions) to feel like a proper AMG.
Saloon vs Shooting Brake Wagon
One of the biggest highlights is the availability of a Shooting Brake (estate/wagon) version.
This gives buyers significantly more practicality and cargo space while retaining the same powertrain and performance credentials. The wagon gets its active spoiler mounted on the roof edge. For enthusiasts who want performance without sacrificing family or luggage duties, this could be the standout variant.
How It Compares
| Model | Power | 0-100 km/h | Range (WLTP) | Body Styles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 EV | 680 hp | 2.7s | Up to 670 km | Saloon + Wagon | New electric flagship |
| Outgoing CLA 45 S (petrol) | 416 hp | ~4.0s | N/A | Coupe/Saloon | Final Edition already out |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 N | ~600+ hp (boost) | ~3.0s? | Lower | Fastback | Strong rival in EV performance |
| Upcoming BMW M3 EV / Audi equivalents | Expected high | Expected competitive | TBA | Sedan | Direct rivals expected soon |
India Launch & Pricing Expectations
Mercedes-Benz India has been steadily expanding its electric and performance lineup. While official pricing and launch timeline for the electric CLA 45 have not yet been confirmed, here’s what to expect:
- The outgoing petrol CLA 45 S already commands a significant premium in India.
- The new electric version, with its advanced tech and performance, is likely to be positioned as a halo model.
- Expected ex-showroom price range in India: Starting from approximately ₹1.9 – 2.6 Crore+ (depending on variant, options, and Shooting Brake availability), before taxes and registration. Final pricing will depend on government EV policies and import/local assembly decisions.
Launch is expected to follow the standard electric CLA models, possibly in late 2026 or 2027 in major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc.). Availability in smaller cities like Dhanbad would come later through dealership networks.
Final Thoughts
The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Electric represents a bold evolution. It sacrifices the raw character of the old turbo four-cylinder but gains massive performance, better efficiency, and the practicality of a wagon option — all while trying to retain the emotional “AMG feel” through sound synthesis and haptic feedback.
It’s not just a fast EV. It’s AMG’s statement that high-performance compact cars have a very exciting electric future.
