Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ posts 7min32,070s Nürburgring lap

Following the controversial electric four-door GT Coupé, Mercedes has taken another stride in electrifying its performance line-up by unveiling the new CLA 45 4MATIC+ at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026.

The world’s most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine, rated at 421 PS and 500 Nm, has been replaced by a trio of electric motors-one on the front axle and two at the rear-delivering a combined 500 kW (680 PS) and 1759 Nm. Supercar-level figures.

Swapping a combustion engine for electric motors is bound to split opinion, so Mercedes-AMG headed to the Nürburgring with the new CLA 45 4MATIC+ to demonstrate what it can do.

7min32,070s

That is the time Kevin Berger needed to lap the German circuit in the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+. The result makes it, according to the brand, the “fastest vehicle in its segment”, placing it ahead of rivals such as the Audi RS 3, which stopped the clocks at 7min33,123 seconds over the same test.

In a clear illustration of the challenge mass still presents for electric performance cars, the Mercedes-AMG CLA required 280 more horsepower than the Audi RS 3 to gain only just over one second at the Nürburgring. That context helps explain the 2355 kg it registers on the scales.

Beyond the extra output, AMG’s electric record-setter was fitted with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, which adds Race drive mode, raises top speed to 270 km/h, and includes red or black brake calipers with “AMG” lettering.

Power to spare

Beneath the bodywork, the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ uses an 800 V electrical architecture made up of three motors. The set-up provides four-wheel drive and a combined 500 kW (680 PS) and 1759 Nm, enabling the 0–100 km/h sprint in just three seconds.

Although the car was developed with a stronger focus on performance, range remains-much like the “standard” CLA models-one of this electric saloon’s biggest selling points. With a 94 kWh battery, this AMG version claims up to 670 km of range (WLTP).

Alongside the powertrain, the electric CLA 45 features variable torque distribution, a torque-vectoring system, and AMG Ride Control sports suspension with steel springs and three-stage adaptive damping.

The equipment list also covers a high-performance braking system, active aerodynamics, and a technology-led cabin with three screens: a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, a 14-inch central screen, and a third 14-inch display dedicated to the front passenger.

Deliveries start in August

First deliveries of the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ are scheduled for August. The German brand has not yet announced European pricing, but it is expected to sit above the outgoing combustion-engined generation.

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