Mercedes-AMG Unveils the 2027 CLA 45, a Sub-Compact Electric Sedan with 680 Horsepower

• The new CLA EV gains its first AMG variant.

• Three motors that deliver a total of 680 horsepower to all four wheels make possible a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 2,7 seconds.

• AMG versions of the hybrid CLA are also expected in the near future.

As the first units of the brand-new electric CLA sub-compact sedan have started arriving at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in Canada, the automaker is launching a more powerful AMG variant.

Indeed, the 2027 CLA EV will be available as the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+, in addition to the existing Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic.

While the all-wheel drive CLA 350 4Matic already seems more than powerful enough, with an output of 349 horsepower courtesy of two electric motors, the new AMG CLA 45 boasts 680 horsepower.

This impressive figure is achieved by adding a third electric motor, giving the small coupe-like sedan an asymmetric powertrain configuration, where both rear wheels are powered by their own motor while the fronts share the third one.

According to the automaker, this should be enough to propel the CLA 45 to 100 km/h from a stop in just 2.7 seconds.

These axial flux motors are related to those that were recently introduced in the electric AMG GT four-door coupe and allow for an entirely variable all-wheel drive system, which should provide the best levels of grip achievable in all situations.

To ensure sustained high-performance driving, the motors and their single-speed gearbox are oil-cooled, while the inverters are water-cooled.

Like the other electric CLA models, the CLA 45 features an 800-volt electric architecture that makes for very high peak charging rates on DC fast charging stations.

Unlike its less sporty relatives, however, the CLA 45 benefits from a larger 94 kWh battery instead of the 85 kWh unit found in the CLA 250+ and 350 4Matic.

Thanks to slightly faster charging rates (330 kW vs 320 kW), this larger battery can charge from 10 to 80 % in 22 minutes, the same as the 85-kWh battery.

While EPA or NR Can data is not yet available for the AMG CLA 45, Mercedes-Benz claims a range of 670 km for this model in Europe, using the WLTP testing cycle. This means we can expect an official range in Canada of about 575 km when this model arrives later in the year.

Of course, the powertrain is not the only thing that changes over the non-AMG variants, since the suspension and braking systems have also been significantly re-worked to provide the level of performance buyers have come to expect from the performance division of Mercedes.

For example, the CLA 45 EV comes standard with the AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension, which is tied into the seven drive modes. Also standard are six-piston front brake callipers and five levels of regenerative braking that can be selected with paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.

Like a few other high-performance EVs, including the Dodge Charger Daytona and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 features simulated engine noises meant to further driver engagement when the AMGFORCE S+ drive mode is selected.

Instead of creating synthetic sounds that mimic engine noises, Mercedes engineers recorded the actual soundtrack of a four-cylinder engine in an AMG A45. These recordings, more than 1,600 in total, are then sliced together by the car’s computer to create a realistic sound environment that matches the car’s behaviour and the driver’s inputs.

Unique design elements inside and out are also part of the AMG package, including exclusive alloy wheels, more aggressive front and rear bumpers and diffusers, along with a rear spoiler.

This spoiler is part of an active aero system that includes cooling flaps up front which can reduce drag for increased range in everyday driving conditions without hindering performance. The rear spoiler provides additional downforce when needed by altering its angle based on the selected drive mode and the vehicle’s speed.

Inside, the 2027 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 stays mostly true to the other models in the CLA lineup, which introduced the brand’s latest design language and infotainment tech package. Nevertheless, this AMG model stands out with its sport seats covered in leatherette and synthetic suede upholstery paired with red contrast stitching.

Sport pedals and an AMG steering wheel are also included, along with aluminum accents and available red seatbelts.

The MBUX infotainment system is also upgraded with AMG performance pages that give the driver an overview of the powertrain’s status at all times.

Pricing and additional information are expected over the next few months, as the 2027 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 EV gets nearer to its Canadian launch.

While nothing has been announced at the moment, we expect the hybrid version of the new CLA to get its own AMG variant at some point in the near future.