Mercedes-AMG has revealed the new CLA 45 4MATIC+ as a fully electric performance model, with a peak output of 500 kW (680 hp). The company says power comes from three axial flux motors — two on the rear axle and one on the front — and the car arrives as both a Saloon and a Shooting Brake. It marks a dramatic shift for one of AMG’s most compact hot models, moving from combustion to a zero-emission drivetrain.

Mercedes-AMG has pulled the covers off the new CLA 45 4MATIC+, and the headline change is fundamental: the badge that once defined the compact hot-hatch class is now fully electric. According to the manufacturer, the model delivers a peak output of 500 kW (680 hp), a figure the company describes as advancing into territory previously unthinkable in this segment.

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Three motors, all-wheel drive

Behind the performance jump sits an unusual powertrain. Mercedes-AMG says the CLA 45 4MATIC+ uses three axial flux motors — two mounted on the rear axle and one on the front axle. Axial flux designs are prized for packing high power into a compact, lightweight package, and the layout also delivers the electronically controlled all-wheel drive implied by the 4MATIC+ name.

The brand has not detailed torque, 0–100 km/h, top speed, battery capacity or charging figures in this release, so those key performance numbers remain to be confirmed.

Saloon and Shooting Brake

Buyers get a choice of two body styles. The CLA 45 4MATIC+ Saloon is quoted with a combined energy consumption of 18.7–16.5 kWh/100 km, while the more practical Shooting Brake estate is rated at 19.6–17.4 kWh/100 km. Both carry combined CO₂ emissions of 0 g/km and fall into CO₂ class A2. The figures were determined under the WLTP test procedure.

What it means

An all-electric CLA 45 is a significant statement of intent. For years the AMG 45 range was built around a fierce turbocharged four-cylinder; shifting that identity to an EV signals how far the performance brand is committing to electrification in its smaller models. With 680 hp on tap, the new car also raises the bar in the compact performance class, where rivals from other premium makers have yet to reach these outputs from a fully electric drivetrain.

Mercedes-AMG has yet to confirm pricing and on-sale timing for the CLA 45 4MATIC+.

Facts: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+

  • Peak power: 500 kW (680 hp)
  • Powertrain: three axial flux electric motors (two rear, one front), all-wheel drive
  • Body styles: Saloon and Shooting Brake
  • Energy consumption (WLTP combined): Saloon 18.7–16.5 kWh/100 km; Shooting Brake 19.6–17.4 kWh/100 km
  • CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km (CO₂ class A2)
  • Price and availability: not yet stated

Source: mailing.mercedes-benz.com