Mercedes has shown off how it sees the future of the electric performance car in the shape of a 680hp all-battery version of the new CLA four-door coupe. Meet the CLA 45 AMG.
680hp…
Yup, for those of you listening in metric, that's 500kW, or half a megawatt, of peak power from three ultra-slim 'Axial Flux' electric motors, driven by a 94kWh battery pack.
Crikey. What are the performance figures like?
Impressive. With all three motors turning and (not) burning, Mercedes claims a 0-100km/h time of just 2.7 seconds. Because there are two motors at the back, one for each wheel, the CLA 45 AMG can shuffle power with incredible alacrity between the rear wheels, allowing the driver to play incredible tunes with the handling. And there's a top speed of 270km/h.
I presume all that performance means bugger-all range?
You presume wrong! Thanks to the fact that the front motor can disengage for more economical cruising, this all-battery muscle car boasts a WLTP range of up to 670km. Mercedes says that particular attention has been paid to the battery's temperature management, not only to ensure maximum possible driving performance, but also good charging - thanks to a peak 330kW DC charging rate, the CLA 45 AMG can swallow a 10-80 per cent top-up in just 22 mins, or add as much as 270km of extra range in ten minutes, assuming you can find a sufficiently powerful charging point.
OK, now tell me more about the electric tech…
This isn't just a case of bunging in some big motors and calling the job a good 'un. Mercedes-AMG has really gone to town on the CLA 45's technical spec. Those ultra-slim axial flow motors (developed by UK-based YASA, which Mercedes bought out in 2021) are incredibly clever. Each rear motor gets its own single-speed planetary gearbox, and everything is oil-cooled for maximum performance. There are even two water-cooled silicon carbide (SiC) inverters (one per motor) that help keep everything efficient and running smoothly.
What about the suspension?
No air springs, but you do get fully adaptive suspension dampers to go with the three-link front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. There are three modes for those dampers - Comfort, Sport, and AMG Force S+. Guess which one is the stiffest setting? In a mechanical sense, the suspension gets forged aluminium links for the front units.
There are more driving modes, too - as well as three suspension settings, there are multiple setups for the rest of the car, adapting the steering, throttle response, and safety aids to your tastes. Those include Slippery, Comfort, Sport, AMG Force S+, ECO, and Individual modes, and there's an extra Race mode - if you've gone for the optional AMG Dynamic Plus spec - for if you ever fancy chucking your electric AMG CLA around on a track day.
Race is described as an 'uncompromising track mode for the best lap times' and includes bespoke settings for traction control, response control, and agility control. Driver assistance systems intervene less in this mode while there's permanent all-wheel drive, immediate throttle response, firm suspension and a lower ride height. Race also activates Launch Control enables maximum acceleration from a standstill with a choreographed build-up which includes sound, automatic seatbelt tensioning, specific lighting and vibrations 'before the explosive start.'
Hang on. Sound? Vibration? I thought this was an electric car?
It is, but Mercedes-AMG has decided to bring back a bit of the classic combustion-engine spirit in an artificial form. So, the CLA 45 AMG has a sound generator, both inside and outside, which mimics the noises of the four-cylinder turbo engine from the A45 AMG, and the sports seats can vibrate to replicate the feel of a revving engine. The sound design was based on recordings captured by 13 microphones positioned in different locations, which recorded more than 1,600 detailed measurements, both inside and outside. There's also, in AMG Force S+ mode, a simulated gearbox effect, which creates the sensation of peaking engine revs, followed by a 'gearchange' and then another build-up of power, as you tug on the paddles behind the steering wheel.
Anything else?
Just the usual - a muscular AMG bodykit with active aerodynamics and the option of 20-inch alloy wheels (19-inch rims are standard) and a luxurious interior with high-backed bucket seats and the option of a three-screen dashboard layout. While we wait for this AMG version to hit Ireland, you can check out our full review of the standard electric CLA here and the hybrid CLA here.