The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 has established a new benchmark for compact performance electric vehicles after setting a class record at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife. Mercedes-AMG announced that the 671-horsepower EV completed the 12.9-mile circuit in 7:32.070, outperforming several significantly more powerful electric cars while reinforcing its performance credentials.
Record Lap Highlights the CLA 45’s Performance
The all-electric CLA 45 is powered by three axial-flow electric motors producing a combined 671 horsepower and 1,297 lb-ft of torque. The model accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.7 seconds, but its Nürburgring performance demonstrated more than straight-line speed.
According to Mercedes-AMG, the record lap showcased the effectiveness of the car’s chassis, intelligent 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, and Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires in tackling the demanding circuit.
The run took place in air temperatures of approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit, providing favorable conditions for the attempt.
Mercedes-AMG Celebrates the Achievement
Dr. Stefan Weckbach, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH and Head of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class & Mercedes-Maybach business units, praised the accomplishment.
“AMG was born on the racetrack. In almost 60 years, we have proven with numerous vehicles that this DNA remains intact to this day,” Weckbach said. “The CLA 45 now writes the next chapter of this story. It is the fastest vehicle in its class on the world’s most demanding racetrack. A huge thank you to all the colleagues who made this record possible. I am certain: It will not be the last AMG record on the Nordschleife.”
How the CLA 45 Compares With Other Performance EVs
The new lap time places the CLA 45 ahead of several well-known electric performance models.
- Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: 7:32.070
- Porsche Taycan Turbo S (2022): 7:33
- Tesla Model S Plaid (2021, without Track Pack): 7:35.579
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 N: 7:35.42
The result is particularly notable considering the original Tesla Model S Plaid produces more than 1,000 horsepower.
Among gasoline-powered compact performance cars, the CLA 45 trailed the BMW M2 CS, which recorded 7:25.5, but finished around one second quicker than the Audi RS3‘s lap from last year. It also edged out the Porsche 911 GT3 (991) by a narrow margin.
What the Record Means for Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG said it is working to restore the character that defined many of its vehicles throughout the 2000s and 2010s by updating its traditional V8 engine while expanding its lineup of high-performance electric models, including the CLA 45.
The company also plans to launch 27 new models over the next three or so years. The CLA 45 gives Mercedes-AMG a compact high-performance EV with few direct rivals in the U.S. lineup today, although an expected M version of the new BMW i3 is anticipated to become a future competitor.
The Nürburgring record marks an early milestone for the electric CLA 45 and highlights Mercedes-AMG’s latest achievement on one of the world’s most demanding racetracks.
