Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: The Electric Sedan Sets a Category Record at the Nürburgring

• The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ posted a time of 7 minutes 32.070 seconds over the 20.832 km of the Nordschleife
• The three axial-flux motors develop up to 500 kW, or 680 hp, for a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 2.7 seconds.
• The 94 kWh battery promises about 575 km of range.

On July 28, 2026, the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ crossed the finish line at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7 minutes 32.070 seconds, an officially timed and certified result. The electric sport sedan thus becomes the benchmark in its segment on this track, widely considered the most demanding in the world.

High-Tech Powertrain

The model owes this performance to three axial-flux motors, a technology already used on the AMG GT four-door, which deliver up to 500 kW (680 hp) and launch the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds. Their distribution across both axles, combined with a fully variable all-wheel-drive system, ensures traction and precision through corners.

“Race” Mode

The record was set in “Race” drive mode, a track-focused setting that optimizes responsiveness and chassis stiffness. The car also features an active rear wing and electronically controlled radiator shutters, which adjust the aerodynamics according to the situation to gain stability or range. A predictive energy management system, the Predictive Performance Manager, intelligently distributes available power throughout the circuit rather than drawing maximum output continuously.

On the range side, the 94 kWh lithium-ion battery, a large capacity for the category, allows for more than 670 km on the sedan under WLTP conditions, or about 575 kilometres.

A Historic Milestone

Dr. Stefan Weckbach, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH and head of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Mercedes-Maybach divisions, sums up the CLA 45’s journey well, calling it a culmination: “AMG was born on the racetrack. For nearly 60 years, we’ve proven with countless vehicles that this DNA still lives on today. The CLA 45 now writes the next chapter of that story. It’s the fastest vehicle in its category on the most demanding track in the world. A big thank you to the colleagues who made this record possible. I’m certain this won’t be the last AMG record on the Nordschleife.”