Posted on 7/9/2026 by Agent009
Mercedes-AMG is aiming to convert hot hatch buyers to electric power with the new CLA 45, which brings supercar-baiting performance, advanced torque-vectoring technology and an ICE-aping exhaust note that even pops and bangs.
Available as both a saloon and a Shooting Brake estate, the first electric 45 model is substantially different under the skin from the regular CLA. It combines three axial flux motors developed by Oxfordshire firm Yasa with the larger, 94kWh battery from the forthcoming C-Class Electric and an aggressive design overhaul aimed at improving downforce without compromising range.
The tri-motor set-up - with two drive units on the rear axle and one up front - has a maximum output of 671bhp through all four wheels. The rear motors alone can combine to offer the full output, however: power is limited by the maxmimum throughput of the battery, and future updates could unlock more. This also enables a tyre-shredding drift mode.