Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45

Core summary

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+

The current Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ is the performance flagship of the third-generation CLA family. Mercedes-AMG launched the car as a fully electric model with three axial-flux motors, an 800-volt electrical architecture and fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. The system produces up to 500 kW, or 680 hp, and Mercedes-AMG quotes 1,759 Nm of maximum system torque. The saloon reaches 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds. A Shooting Brake version is also offered, with a separate efficiency and range profile.

The model combines high-output electric propulsion with a steel-sprung AMG RIDE CONTROL chassis, adaptive three-way damping, active aerodynamics and track-oriented energy management. The saloon has a usable battery capacity of 94 kWh and a quoted range of more than 670 kilometres under the cited WLTP test cycle. Charging from 10 to 80 percent takes 22 minutes at a suitable fast-charging station.

The public order announcement dated August 27, 2026 covers Germany. The technical description in this profile uses the manufacturer’s common CLA 45 configuration and distinguishes the saloon from the Shooting Brake where published values differ.

History & generations

The CLA 45 name began with the first-generation CLA, introduced in 2013 as a compact four-door performance model using a hand-built 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. It established the formula of combining a coupé-like body with AMG-specific powertrain and chassis technology.

The second generation arrived in 2019 with the AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ and CLA 45 S 4MATIC+. It brought a transversely mounted 2.0-liter engine, an eight-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ with AMG TORQUE CONTROL. The S version produced 421 hp and 500 Nm, while the regular version produced 387 hp and 480 Nm at launch. The generation also included a Shooting Brake variant in selected markets.

The third generation changes the model’s technical identity completely. Announced for production ordering in August 2026, the new CLA 45 uses three electric motors, an 800-volt system and a 94-kWh usable battery. The turbocharged CLA 45 S remains part of the preceding generation’s history rather than the current specification card.

Body, platform & design

The current CLA 45 retains the low-slung, four-door silhouette associated with the CLA line while applying AMG-specific aerodynamic hardware. Its performance design is functional rather than limited to visual detailing: the saloon uses an active rear spoiler, while the Shooting Brake uses an active roof-edge spoiler. Both systems alter their position according to the selected driving programme and operating conditions.

The active aerodynamics are designed to balance efficiency and stability. The spoiler can reduce drag for improved range or increase aerodynamic support during performance driving. Active cooling shutters in the front remain closed when cooling demand is low and open when additional airflow is required. Mercedes-AMG says the system also directs airflow toward the underbody to help reduce front-axle lift.

The current car’s AMG identity is therefore expressed through its aerodynamic management, stance and chassis hardware as much as through body trim. The preceding combustion generation used a Panamericana-style AMG grille, widened front bodywork, AMG bumpers, performance wheels and quad tailpipes. Those features belong to the second-generation design language and should not be treated as current-generation specifications.

Engine & drivetrain

The current Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ uses three fully independent axial-flux electric motors. Two motors are mounted at the rear axle and one is mounted at the front. Combined peak output is up to 500 kW, equivalent to 680 hp. The manufacturer quotes a maximum system torque figure of 1,759 Nm and a 0–100 km/h time of 2.7 seconds for the saloon.

The motors are liquid-cooled and can repeatedly provide high output. The front unit primarily works as a booster when additional power is needed, while the two rear motors allow individual torque distribution between the rear wheels. This arrangement enables torque vectoring without a mechanical rear differential and supports the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system.

The 94-kWh usable lithium-ion battery operates within an AMG-specific performance window. Mercedes-AMG also uses a Predictive Performance Manager with SPRINT and RACE strategies to distribute energy according to the road or circuit profile. The system is intended to combine repeatable track performance with long-distance electric range rather than treating maximum output as a continuously available condition.

Trim differences

The manufacturer’s current public announcement identifies the model as the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ rather than presenting separate regular and S performance grades. Two body styles are identified: the CLA 45 4MATIC+ Saloon and the CLA 45 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake.

Published equipment includes AMG Performance 4MATIC+, AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive three-way damping, active aerodynamics and the 94-kWh usable battery. The optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package adds the RACE drive programme. Mercedes-AMG describes three suspension settings: Comfort, Sport and AMGFORCE S+.

Ordering information in the August 27, 2026 announcement applies to Germany, where the saloon and Shooting Brake were listed separately. Local equipment, body-style availability, certification and ordering timing are market matters. The earlier second-generation range used both CLA 45 4MATIC+ and CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ grades, but those combustion models are historical configurations and are not part of the current third-generation specification card.

Interior & seating

The current CLA 45 is a four-seat performance model. Its interior belongs to the third-generation CLA architecture, which was developed around Mercedes-Benz’s newer digital and electrical systems.

The body-style distinction affects practical space. The Shooting Brake uses a longer roof and hatchback rear opening, making it the more cargo-oriented version. The saloon prioritizes the lower fastback profile associated with the CLA name. Mercedes-Benz’s broader third-generation CLA family includes a front luggage compartment, but the AMG CLA 45 release does not establish a complete cargo-volume specification for both performance variants.

The preceding CLA 45 S offered AMG Performance seats, AMG steering-wheel controls, digital displays and model-specific trim. Those details describe the previous combustion generation and should not be transferred automatically to the electric model. Current cabin equipment can vary by market and selected package.

Efficiency & range

Mercedes-AMG quotes combined energy consumption of 18.7–16.5 kWh/100 km for the CLA 45 4MATIC+ Saloon and 19.6–17.4 kWh/100 km for the Shooting Brake under the stated WLTP measurement framework. The saloon’s quoted range is more than 670 kilometres, while the Shooting Brake is quoted at 640 kilometres in the manufacturer’s performance material.

The current car uses active aerodynamic elements to manage the trade-off between drag and high-speed stability. The rear spoiler changes angle according to the driving programme, and the front cooling shutters open only when additional thermal airflow is needed. These systems support efficiency during normal driving while retaining performance-focused settings.

Charging uses the 800-volt architecture. Mercedes-AMG quotes 22 minutes for a 10–80 percent charge at a suitable fast-charging station. Actual energy use and charging time depend on temperature, charger capability, battery state and driving conditions. The quoted energy and range figures are manufacturer test-cycle values, not universal real-world results.

Safety & equipment

The current CLA 45 is built on the third-generation CLA platform and uses the electronic architecture of the new CLA family. Mercedes-Benz describes the wider CLA range as supporting advanced driver assistance, connected functions and over-the-air software capability. The manufacturer’s AMG CLA 45 announcement concentrates on propulsion, chassis, aerodynamics and performance rather than publishing a complete safety-equipment matrix.

Safety-related equipment can vary with market specification, package selection and regulatory requirements. The AMG performance systems also have a safety role: fully variable all-wheel drive manages traction, torque vectoring can help distribute drive force through corners, and adaptive damping allows the chassis to respond to changing conditions.

The available RACE programme and AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package are performance features intended for controlled track use. They do not replace normal driver attention, suitable tyres or compliance with public-road regulations. A complete feature list should be taken from the applicable regional technical specification and safety documentation.

Strengths

The current CLA 45’s central strength is the depth of its electric performance system. Three independently controlled axial-flux motors provide high peak output while enabling front-to-rear torque variation and rear-axle torque vectoring. The 800-volt architecture supports rapid charging, and the 94-kWh usable battery gives the saloon a manufacturer-quoted range above 670 kilometres.

The chassis specification is unusually focused for a compact electric model. AMG RIDE CONTROL uses adaptive three-way damping, while the active rear spoiler and cooling shutters manage aerodynamic balance and thermal demand. The optional RACE programme adds track-specific energy and drivetrain conditioning.

The model also preserves the CLA’s practical choice of saloon and Shooting Brake body styles. That gives buyers a performance car with either a lower fastback form or a more versatile rear body. The main strengths are therefore systems integration, repeatable electric performance, charging speed and body-style choice rather than a single headline output figure.

Considerations

The current CLA 45 represents a fundamental change from the preceding model. Buyers seeking the sound, response and mechanical character of AMG’s hand-built 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will be looking at the previous-generation CLA 45 S rather than the current electric car.

The quoted 680-hp output is a peak system figure, and maximum electric performance depends on battery temperature, state of charge and operating conditions. Track use will also increase energy consumption substantially compared with the quoted WLTP values. The performance chassis and large battery add technical complexity and mass compared with a conventional compact sports sedan.

The public order information reviewed for this profile is German. Regional availability, charging infrastructure, equipment, body-style offerings and regulatory certification can differ. The Shooting Brake also carries a higher quoted energy-consumption range than the saloon. Buyers should therefore compare the exact local configuration, charging network and intended use before selecting between the two body styles.

Recommended use

The saloon is the clearest choice for buyers who want the lowest, most performance-focused CLA 45 body style and the strongest published range figure. The Shooting Brake suits users who need a larger rear opening and greater cargo flexibility without leaving the AMG performance category.

Both versions are designed for rapid road travel, high-speed stability and occasional circuit use. Comfort mode and adaptive damping support everyday driving, while Sport and AMGFORCE S+ increase chassis focus. The optional RACE programme is specifically intended for ambitious track drivers and uses dedicated energy-management and drivetrain settings.

For long-distance use, the 800-volt system and 10–80 percent charging claim are important advantages, but fast-charging access remains central to the ownership case. For regular circuit driving, tyre choice, battery state, thermal preparation and charging availability will matter as much as peak output.

FAQ

Q: What is the exact current vehicle name? A: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+.

Q: Is the current CLA 45 electric? A: Yes. The 2026 model uses three axial-flux electric motors.

Q: How much power does the current CLA 45 produce? A: Up to 500 kW, or 680 hp, in the manufacturer’s published specification.

Q: Does the current model have all-wheel drive? A: Yes. It uses fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.

Q: Is the CLA 45 available as a Shooting Brake? A: Yes. Mercedes-AMG lists both Saloon and Shooting Brake body styles.

Q: How is the current car different from the CLA 45 S? A: The current CLA 45 is electric; the previous CLA 45 S used a 2.0-liter turbo engine.

Sources & updates

Research for this Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 profile prioritized current manufacturer specifications, model-year equipment pages and official press material. Independent safety or regulatory records were used where available. Historical references were kept separate from current-generation specifications and image identification.

Equipment, pricing and certified figures can vary by market, trim and model year. The expandable reference list below contains the linked sources used for verification. Last editorial review: August 29, 2026.

• Official or verified reference →
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Last editorial review: August 29, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.