2027 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 EV Arrives With 671 HP, Three Motors, And A Bold New Take On Electric Performance

 Mercedes-AMG has officially ushered in a new era of high-performance electric vehicles with the unveiling of the 2027 CLA 45 4MATIC+ EV at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Available as both a sleek four-door sedan and a practical Shooting Brake, the new flagship compact AMG replaces the traditional turbocharged four-cylinder with an advanced tri-motor electric powertrain producing an astonishing 671 horsepower and 1,759 Nm (1,297 lb-ft) of torque. Capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.0 seconds while offering more than 670 km (416 miles) of WLTP driving range, the CLA 45 EV promises supercar-level performance wrapped in a premium compact package.

However, Mercedes-AMG knows that electric performance alone isn't enough for loyal AMG enthusiasts. To preserve the emotional experience of driving a performance car, engineers have introduced synthetic engine sounds, simulated gearshift interruptions, and even active seat vibration technology that mimics the sensations of an internal combustion engine. Whether these digital tricks satisfy traditional AMG fans remains to be seen, but they certainly make the CLA 45 one of the most technologically ambitious electric performance cars on the market.

AMG Enters A New Electric Era

The launch of the CLA 45 EV marks one of the most significant moments in AMG's history.

For decades, AMG built its reputation around handcrafted V8 engines, thunderous exhaust notes, and explosive acceleration. As the automotive industry transitions toward electrification, Mercedes-AMG faces the challenge of maintaining that emotional appeal without relying on gasoline power.

Rather than simply installing a powerful electric drivetrain into an existing vehicle, AMG has developed a comprehensive performance package designed to preserve the brand's dynamic character.

The result is a compact luxury EV capable of rivaling much larger performance sedans while introducing technologies that could define AMG's future lineup.

Three Electric Motors Deliver Incredible Performance

The centerpiece of the CLA 45 EV is its advanced tri-motor electric powertrain.

Unlike most dual-motor electric vehicles, AMG equips the CLA with:

• One axial-flux electric motor on the front axle
• Two independent electric motors on the rear axle

Together they generate:

• 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS)
• 1,759 Nm (1,297 lb-ft) of torque

This configuration enables fully variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles while also allowing precise torque vectoring across the rear wheels.

By independently controlling each rear motor, the system continuously adjusts power delivery for maximum traction, agility, and cornering performance.

Mercedes says the result is seamless transitions between rear-wheel-drive characteristics and full all-wheel-drive stability depending on driving conditions.

Supercar Acceleration

Performance figures place the CLA 45 EV firmly within supercar territory.

With rollout enabled, Mercedes-AMG claims:

• 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 2.7 seconds

Using a conventional standing start, acceleration takes:

• 0-100 km/h: 3.0 seconds

Top speed is electronically limited to:

• 250 km/h (155 mph)

Buyers selecting the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package see that increase to:

• 270 km/h (168 mph)

These numbers comfortably outperform many traditional V8-powered sports cars while maintaining everyday usability.

Long Driving Range And Rapid Charging

Despite its immense performance, the CLA 45 EV remains impressively efficient.

A large 94-kWh battery pack provides:

• Over 670 km (416 miles) WLTP range for the sedan
• More than 640 km (398 miles) for the Shooting Brake

The wagon sacrifices only a small amount of range while providing an additional 60 liters (2.1 cubic feet) of cargo capacity.

Charging performance is equally impressive.

Using a 330-kW DC fast charger, the battery can recharge from:

• 10% to 80% in approximately 22 minutes

Even more useful for daily driving, just 10 minutes of charging can add more than 270 km (168 miles) of driving range.

Advanced Electric Drivetrain Technology

Mercedes-AMG has engineered the electric drivetrain to deliver far more than straight-line speed.

The tri-motor layout enables:

• Fully variable all-wheel drive
• Rear torque vectoring
• Dynamic front-to-rear power distribution
• Enhanced cornering agility
• Improved traction on slippery surfaces

Unlike conventional mechanical AWD systems, electric motors can instantly adjust torque thousands of times per second.

This allows the CLA 45 EV to respond immediately to changing road conditions without relying on clutches or traditional differentials.

Adaptive Suspension For Every Situation

Supporting the powerful drivetrain is AMG's latest Ride Control sports suspension.

The system combines steel springs with electronically controlled adaptive dampers offering three primary settings:

• Comfort
• Sport
• AMGForce S+

Drivers can also select from six AMG Dynamic Select driving modes, each recalibrating:

• Steering response
• Suspension stiffness
• Accelerator sensitivity
• Electronic stability control
• Regenerative braking
• Power delivery

This flexibility allows the CLA to function equally well as a comfortable daily commuter or an aggressive track-focused performance machine.

Simulating The Internal Combustion Experience

Perhaps the most controversial feature is AMGForce S+ Mode.

Recognizing that many enthusiasts associate performance with sound and mechanical sensations, Mercedes has developed a system that recreates aspects of traditional AMG driving.

The technology includes:

• Digitally synthesized combustion engine sound
• Simulated gearshift interruptions
• Active seat vibration ("seat shakers")
• Enhanced throttle response simulation

Rather than remaining silent like most EVs, the CLA reproduces the soundtrack of AMG's previous 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Whether enthusiasts appreciate these digital enhancements will largely depend on personal preference, but Mercedes clearly believes emotional engagement remains important even in the electric era.

High-Performance Braking

Stopping power matches the vehicle's acceleration.

The front axle features:

• Six-piston brake calipers
• 390 mm (15.4-inch) brake discs

The rear uses:

• Single-piston calipers
• 350 mm (13.8-inch) discs

Complementing the mechanical braking system is adjustable regenerative braking with five different energy recovery levels, allowing drivers to choose between traditional coasting and aggressive one-pedal driving.

Aerodynamics Designed For Performance

The CLA 45 EV introduces several aerodynamic innovations.

At the front, Mercedes incorporates an active air intake capable of remaining closed at higher speeds.

Reducing airflow into the radiator improves aerodynamic efficiency, extending driving range while also contributing to better acceleration.

The sedan also becomes the first vehicle in its class to feature an electrically deployable rear spoiler.

Meanwhile, the Shooting Brake adopts an active roof-mounted spoiler that adjusts automatically depending on speed and driving conditions.

These systems maximize downforce during spirited driving while minimizing drag during highway cruising.

A Distinctive AMG Exterior

Although unmistakably related to the standard CLA, the AMG version receives several exclusive styling elements.

Highlights include:

• Fully enclosed Panamericana-style grille
• Star-pattern LED headlights
• Optional illuminated grille surround
• Aggressive front splitter
• Sport-specific bumpers
• Larger side skirts
• Flush door handles
• 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels
• Rear diffuser replacing traditional exhaust outlets

Optional appearance packages further personalize the vehicle.

The Night Package adds gloss black trim throughout the exterior, while the Dynamic Plus Package includes distinctive red brake calipers featuring black AMG lettering.

A Technology-Focused Cabin

Inside, the CLA 45 EV combines premium materials with advanced digital technology.

Unlike conventional five-seat sedans, the AMG model adopts a dedicated four-seat layout, replacing the rear middle seat with a storage tray.

Front occupants benefit from heavily bolstered AMG sport seats upholstered in synthetic leather and microfiber with striking red contrast stitching.

Optional upgrades include:

• Genuine leather upholstery
• Two-tone interior combinations
• Red seat belts
• Microfiber steering wheel
• Leather/microfiber performance steering wheel

Performance-inspired details continue throughout the cabin with:

• Aluminum trim
• Stainless steel pedals
• AMG floor mats
• Nappa leather AMG steering wheel

Three Large Digital Displays

Technology dominates the dashboard.

Drivers receive:

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14-inch central infotainment touchscreen
• 14-inch passenger display

Together, these screens create Mercedes-Benz's signature full-width digital cockpit while providing access to navigation, vehicle settings, performance telemetry, entertainment, and connectivity features.

The Future Of AMG

The CLA 45 EV demonstrates Mercedes-AMG's determination to preserve its performance identity while embracing electrification.

Rather than simply chasing impressive horsepower figures, the company has invested heavily in technologies that attempt to replicate the excitement traditionally associated with gasoline-powered AMG models.

From simulated engine sounds and seat vibrations to active aerodynamics and sophisticated torque vectoring, the CLA represents a bold experiment in redefining electric performance.

Final Thoughts

The 2027 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 EV is far more than an electric replacement for its gasoline predecessor. With 671 horsepower, three electric motors, all-wheel drive, a 670-km driving range, and acceleration comparable to many supercars, it establishes a new benchmark for compact luxury performance EVs.

While features such as synthetic engine sounds and active seat shakers are likely to divide opinion, they reflect Mercedes-AMG's commitment to maintaining the emotional connection enthusiasts expect from the brand. Whether these innovations become the new standard for performance EVs or remain unique experiments, the CLA 45 EV proves that AMG is determined to make the electric era every bit as exciting as the one powered by combustion engines.