First Electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Revealed: 500kW, Simulated Shifts, and a 2027 Australian Launch

Mercedes-AMG has officially unveiled the 2026 CLA 45 4Matic+, transforming its compact performance flagship into an all-electric powerhouse. Generating 500kW from a sophisticated tri-motor setup, the new model promises a 3.0-second sprint to 100km/h alongside highly engineered simulated combustion engine characteristics.

Official pricing and local equipment levels are yet to be detailed. However, considering the pricing strategy of standard electric CLA models introduced earlier, the new AMG flagship could be priced similarly to the outgoing petrol version, which retailed at $129,900 before on-road costs.

Powertrain: Massive Output vs. Increased Weight

The electric CLA 45 abandons the previous turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in favour of three advanced axial-flux electric motors. This layout features one motor on the front axle and two housed together on the rear axle.

The new powertrain produces a peak output of 500kW and 1759Nm of torque, significantly eclipsing the predecessor's 310kW and 500Nm. This immense power translates to a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.0 seconds, or 2.7 seconds when measured with a one-foot rollout.

Notably, this blistering straight-line speed is achieved despite a substantial weight penalty. The new electric architecture pushes the kerb weight to 2295kg, a stark contrast to the previous generation's 1687kg.

Battery, Range, and 800-Volt Charging

Powering the tri-motor system is a 94kWh lithium-ion battery built on an 800-volt architecture.

• Driving Range: The system enables a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 670km for the sedan and 640km for the Shooting Brake.
• Fast Charging: The 800-volt system supports DC fast charging at speeds up to 330kW, allowing a 10 to 80 per cent recharge in roughly 22 minutes. A brief 10-minute charge can add up to 270km of range.

Recreating the Combustion Experience

To retain the emotional engagement of a traditional performance car, Mercedes-AMG has introduced authentic combustion simulation via its AMGFORCE S+ drive mode.

When activated, the vehicle simulates gear shifts by physically interrupting traction, accompanied by standard seat shakers that deliver authentic vibrations to the driver. Mercedes-AMG notes that the accompanying soundtrack is not synthetically generated; engineers used 13 microphones to record the exhaust notes of the previous A45 S hatchback, meticulously recreating the petrol engine's acoustic profile for the electric drivetrain.

Design, Aerodynamics, and Technology

Visually and structurally, the new CLA 45 has grown, featuring a 2790mm wheelbase (an increase of 61mm) and widened overall dimensions. The exterior design is highlighted by an AMG-specific grille and aggressive aerodynamic elements. Active aerodynamics, including a dynamic rear spoiler on the sedan and a roof-edge spoiler on the wagon, adjust automatically based on speed and the selected drive mode to optimise drag and stability.

Inside the cabin, the CLA 45 features contoured AMG Performance seats trimmed in Artico and genuine Nappa leather. The digital experience is driven by the latest MBUX operating system, which integrates artificial intelligence via ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini. However, the availability of the expansive 14.0-inch Superscreen configuration for the Australian market remains unconfirmed at this stage.