The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ drives on electricity, but simulates the behavior of a gasoline engine

The German sports car manufacturer Mercedes-AMG presented the new, fully electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ model. This compact sports car brings a technological concept that debuted in the Mercedes-AMG GT model with four doors, and comes to the market in two body versions – as a sedan (Saloon) and a station wagon (Shooting Brake). Logically, it shares the architecture of its sister model Mercedes-Benz CLA, which won the title of European Car of the Year for 2026 and was declared the safest vehicle tested by the organization Euro NCAP in 2025.

The heart of the new model consists of three revolutionary electric motors with axial flow, two on the rear axle and one on the front, which together develop a peak power of 500 kW, i.e. 680 horsepower, with a maximum torque of 1,759 Nm. Thanks to this, the CLA 45 4MATIC+ accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds with a standard “rollout” of one foot, that is, in three seconds, if measured from a complete standstill. The maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, and with the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package it rises to 270 km/h.

Innovative engines

The technology of axial motors (where the electromagnetic flux is directed parallel to the axis of the motor, and not vertically) enabled extremely compact dimensions of the drive units. The front engine is only nine centimeters wide, while the rear ones are eight centimeters wide. The motors are integrated into high-performance oil-cooled electric drive units, while each axle has a silicon carbide inverter designed for high voltages and temperatures.

The 225 kW front engine serves as a “booster” and is equipped with a cut-off unit (i.e. a special automatic clutch) which, under low load, disconnects it from the drive in a fraction of a second to reduce losses. This allows the car to drive exclusively in rear-wheel drive if necessary. Power is transferred to the road via AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive with independent rear-wheel torque control.

Fast charging

The car is equipped with an adaptive suspension system and active aerodynamics. There is also an active rear spoiler, while the Shooting Brake version uses a roof spoiler that optimizes aerodynamic balance depending on speed and driving style. Thanks to the battery with a capacity of 94 kWh and advanced thermal management with a heat pump, the sedan achieves a range of up to 670 kilometers according to the WLTP standard, while the Shooting Brake offers up to 640 kilometers of autonomy.

Using an 800-volt architecture, the vehicle can be charged with a power of up to 330 kW on fast direct current (DC) chargers, which enables charging from 10 to 80 percent capacity in 22 minutes, i.e. adding 270 kilometers of range in just ten minutes of charging.

Engine and gearbox simulation

Despite the fully electric drive, Mercedes-AMG has incorporated the AMGFORCE S+ system, which offers the driver a distinctive AMG multisensory experience. Using the actual sounds of the AMG four-cylinder petrol engine recorded by microphones on the track, the car replicates the sound of an internal combustion engine in real time. The experience is completed by simulated interruptions in the delivery of torque that faithfully depict physical gear changes.

The sporty atmosphere in the cabin is further emphasized by the introduction of technology in the seats that enhances driving dynamics. Mercedes-AMG has included in the standard equipment special vibration motors in the front seats, which transmit authentic physical stimuli to the driver and passenger. They emit precisely calibrated vibrations that faithfully haptically simulate the operation of an internal combustion engine.

Artificial intelligence in driving

The technological revolution in the interior is led by the fourth generation MBUX multimedia system, which is based on the company’s new, proprietary operating system called MB.OS. This system integrates advanced artificial intelligence systems such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini. The key element of this system is the virtual assistant MBUX Virtual Assistant, which represents a new evolutionary step of voice control. Instead of just executing simple commands, the assistant is capable of conducting complex, multi-part dialogues with the user. It is visually displayed as an animated avatar with dynamic colors on the so-called MBUX Zero Layer screen, providing an intuitive and personalized user experience during every ride.