The new AMG CLA 45 marks one of the most dramatic changes in Mercedes-AMG’s current lineup, replacing a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a tri-motor electric powertrain while landing at almost exactly the same price as the model it replaces. In the UK, saloon pricing starts around $91,000, while the Shooting Brake estate costs about $92,300. Deliveries are scheduled to begin next year, with the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, priced from $89,500, emerging as its closest rival.
AMG CLA 45 Gets a Completely New Powertrain
Mercedes-AMG built the CLA 45 around three axial-flux electric motors supplied by British firm Yasa. The motors are paired with the 94kWh battery that is destined for the upcoming C-Class Electric.
Combined output reaches 671 hp and 1,297 lb-ft of torque. AMG says those figures directly match the outgoing C63, despite the C63 being a considerably larger and heavier plug-in hybrid super-saloon.
The CLA 45 has already demonstrated its performance credentials on track. AMG says the car recently set a Nürburgring lap record for its segment, surpassing times recorded by more powerful EVs from Porsche and Tesla.
The car is rated for 416 miles of range under Europe’s WLTP testing cycle. Under the stricter EPA testing methodology used in the United States, that figure typically translates to somewhere closer to 350 miles.
Charging System Prepares the Battery for the Route
The AMG CLA 45 also takes an unusual approach to charging preparation. Once a route is entered into the vehicle’s built-in navigation system, the car automatically pre-heats or cools the battery before a planned charging stop.
The system is designed to maximize the battery’s charging rate, allowing peak charging at 330kW. Mercedes says the CLA 45 can charge from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes.
Mercedes also calculates that the car can add roughly 168 WLTP miles in 10 minutes of charging. Using the EPA cycle, that would be closer to 140 miles.
Four Seats and a More Focused AMG Interior
Inside, the CLA 45 receives more than a cosmetic sporting makeover. Standard equipment includes bucket seats with thick bolsters and a new AMG steering wheel featuring drive-mode dials.
Mercedes-AMG has also replaced the rear bench with two individual rear seats. As a result, this generation of the CLA 45 is a strict four-seater rather than a five-seat configuration.
Why the C63 Needed a Replacement
The need to replace the C63 traces back to tightening European noise regulations and the cost of continuing to re-engineer its complex four-cylinder hybrid setup. Autoblog had reported months before the new model’s pricing was announced that this outcome was approaching.
With the CLA 45 moving to a fully electric compact format while maintaining a price close to its predecessor, the launch puts AMG’s existing customer base at a significant crossroads. The new model’s reception will show whether those customers follow the brand into its fully electric compact performance car.
