Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli took the wraps off the new fully-electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
In the run-up to FoS 2026, Mercedes-AMG teased a new performance model but did not confirm a name or whether it would adopt an all-electric or an internal combustion powertrain.
Yet on the first day of the world’s largest motorsport festival, Affalterbach’s latest performance model was unveiled by F1’s Antonelli as the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45.
Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 battery, performance, and range
Available as either a saloon or a Shooting Brake, the first all-electric 45 model is powered by three electric motors sourced from Mercedes-owned Yasa, which are then paired with a 94kWh battery lifted from the new C-Class EV.
The setup combines two motors on the rear axle with one on the front to send a blistering 671bhp through all four wheels via an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that kicks in during a hot lap or in difficult driving conditions. For the rest of the time, the AMG CLA 45 is rear-wheel drive.
Despite tipping the scales at a portly 2.3 tonnes, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 saloon can go from 0-62 mph in just 3.0 seconds, while the wagon takes just 0.2s longer. This makes it almost as quick as the F1-engined AMG One, which took just 2.9s to complete the run. The CLA 45 tops out at 155mph, or 168mph when specced with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Pack.
Mercedes says that despite its supercar-bating performance, the CLA 45 AMG saloon can manage up to 416 miles on a single charge, while the Shooting Brake comes with a 398-mile range.
A maximum charging speed of 330kW allows for a 10-80% top-up in just 22 minutes, or 168 miles of range in just 10 minutes. To ensure efficiency, a heat pump is standard, and the battery is disconnected from the front motor up to 100mph or when extra traction is required, reducing energy waste from friction.
Technology and what’s underneath
Underneath, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is a tech fest, featuring a simulated eight-speed gearbox and engine note that replicates the power delivery and sound of the outgoing 45’s ‘M139’ turbocharged AMG-built, 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor.
For reference, the M139 is the world’s most powerful turbocharged in-line four, with anything from 382bhp to 415bhp depending on whether it was in standard or ‘S’ guise.
A pair of motors is fitted to the front seats to mirror the four-pot’s rumble and vibrations, while the synthetic pops and bangs can be heard inside and out. The sound system is engaged in S+ drive mode, but is switched off when the track-focused Race setting is selected to maximise pace.
Mercedes-AMG has fitted the CLA 45 with a predictive battery management system that maximises performance over the course of a lap by deploying maximum power when needed to manage battery temperature. The three electric motors carry out the bulk of the braking, and a new braking system has been fitted to handle the performance.
Up front, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 gets 390mm ventilated brake discs and six-piston callipers, while 350mm ventilated discs with single callipers sit at the rear. A wider track stretches the CLA’s width by 24mm over the standard car, while adaptive dampers and an active rear spoiler that kicks in over 90mph complete the AMG revamp.
Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 design, practicality, and pricing,
AMG has also been at work on the CLA 45’s visuals.
A set of 19-inch alloy wheels is standard with 20-inchers available as an extra, while the regular CLA’s bonnet-mounted lightbar can be ditched in favour of an optional new air duct for a meaner, sportier look. Around the back, the CLA gets the largest diffuser fitted to any ‘regular’ AMG car to date.
Inside, thickly bolstered bucket seats are standard, along with trim inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT 4 Door Coupé, plus a new dedicated flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel with switchgear that allows the driver to flick between Eco, Comfort, and Sport drive modes.
In the back, the rear bench has been dropped in favour of two individual seats, transforming the CLA 45 strictly into a four-seater. In terms of practicality, the latest AMG car gets a 390-litre boot and a 101-litre frunk.
When order books open, prices are expected to start at around £70,000, with deliveries starting in 2027. Still want that Hyundai Ioniq 6 N?
