New Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: An electric monster with three motors
Mercedes-AMG has officially unveiled the new CLA 45 4MATIC+ family at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It includes a high-performance sedan and a Shooting Brake wagon, equipped with a powertrain featuring three electric motors.
The cars get one axial electric motor at the front and two at the rear. This provides all-wheel drive and a total output of up to 671 horsepower with a torque of 1759 Nm.
Impressive dynamics and range
These characteristics allow the model to accelerate to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds using a special launch mode. With a standard start, this figure is exactly 3 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h, and with the AMG Dynamic Plus package, it increases to 270 km/h.
The motors are powered by a 94 kWh battery pack. This gives the sedan a WLTP range of over 670 km, and the wagon 640 km. The Shooting Brake also offers an additional 60 liters of trunk space.
Using a 330 kW fast charger allows recharging the battery from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes. Just 10 minutes of charging provides over 270 km of range.
Handling technologies and suspension
Thanks to the three motors, the car features variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles, as well as torque vectoring between the rear wheels. According to the manufacturer, this ensures impressive maneuverability and smooth transitions between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
The car is equipped with AMG Ride Control sports suspension with steel springs and adaptive three-way dampers. Comfort, Sport, and AMGForce S+ modes are available. Additionally, there are six AMG Dynamic Select driving modes that change the settings of the chassis, steering, accelerator, and recuperation system.
Unique AMGForce S+ mode
AMGForce S+ mode transforms the CLA into a kind of simulator. It activates “active seat vibrators” and “authentic traction interruptions during gear changes.” This mode also plays the sound of an old turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, digitally simulated.
Braking system
Deceleration is handled by a powerful braking system with six-piston calipers and 390 mm discs at the front, and single-piston calipers with 350 mm discs at the rear. Regenerative braking with five levels of energy recovery is also provided.
Exterior design: plastic and aerodynamics
Despite the aggressive AMG image, the CLA 45 looks somewhat cheap due to the plastic imitation lower air intake. However, this is compensated by the fully enclosed Panamericana grille.
The car features headlights with a star pattern and a short light strip between them. As an option, a full-width light strip and illuminated radiator grille are available. The front also features a unique bumper, splitter, and an active air intake that can close at speeds up to 250 km/h to increase range and acceleration.
On the sides, sporty sills, flush door handles, and 19- or 20-inch wheels are noticeable. The rear bumper has a diffuser instead of traditional exhaust pipes.
The CLA is the first car in its class to feature active aerodynamics. The sedan has a deployable spoiler, while the Shooting Brake has a roof spoiler. They can be adjusted automatically or manually.
Night and Dynamic Plus packages are available for order. The former adds black gloss accents, while the latter adds red brake calipers with black AMG lettering.
Sporty interior
The four-seat interior looks modern but has lost practicality: the rear center seat has been replaced by a shallow tray. The front sports seats are upholstered in artificial leather and microfiber with red contrast stitching. As an option, natural leather, two-tone finishes, and red seat belts are available.
The car features unique aluminum trim, stainless steel pedals, and AMG floor mats. The steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather, with microfiber options also available.
The interior is equipped with three displays: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch multimedia system, and a 14-inch display for the front passenger.
The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is a striking example of how the German automaker is adapting its sports traditions to the electric era. The abandonment of a traditional internal combustion engine in favor of three electric motors has allowed not only maintaining but surpassing the dynamic performance of its predecessors. At the same time, the use of artificial engine sound and seat vibrations in AMGForce S+ mode indicates an attempt to preserve the emotional connection with the driver accustomed to traditional ICEs. Interestingly, the company has bet on active aerodynamics, which is rare for this segment, and has offered both a sedan and a more practical wagon, expanding the model’s audience. However, the use of plastic elements in the exterior may raise questions about the premium feel that has always been the hallmark of AMG.