Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Electric: 671-HP Tri-Motor Compact Debuts at Goodwood, No U.S. Sale

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its most powerful compact performance car ever, the 2027 CLA 45 Electric, at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed with a tri-motor setup delivering 671 horsepower and 1,297 lb-ft of torque. The electric performance sedan accelerates to 62 mph in just 3.0 seconds, yet Mercedes has confirmed it will not be sold in the United States despite targeting premium compact EV rivals like the Tesla Model 3 Performance.

Tri-Motor Architecture Redefines Compact Performance

The AMG CLA 45 Electric employs an innovative tri-motor configuration, with one motor mounted on the front axle and two on the rear. What distinguishes this setup from dual-motor rivals is that the rear motors alone can generate the full 671 hp output, enabling a rear-wheel-drive drift mode that echoes traditional AMG driving dynamics in an electric package.

According to CarBuzz, the front motor engages only when extra traction or efficiency is needed, making this the first AMG CLA capable of switching between front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive modes. This rear-biased philosophy contrasts sharply with the BMW i4 M50’s balanced dual-motor layout and Tesla’s front-heavy Model 3 Performance configuration.

The performance figures place the electric CLA 45 ahead of much of AMG’s historic lineup. Carscoops reports the car sprints from 0-62 mph in 3.0 seconds—or 2.7 seconds with a 1-foot rollout—while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, extendable to 168 mph with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package. That acceleration time makes it quicker than the legendary SLS AMG Black Series (3.6 seconds) and nearly matches the F1-derived AMG One hypercar at 2.9 seconds.

Advanced Battery Technology and Charging

Underpinning the performance is a 94 kWh battery pack using silicon oxide mixed with graphite, which improves energy density by 20 percent over traditional lithium-ion cells. The 800-volt electrical architecture enables 330 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 10-80 percent charge in just 22 minutes.

Despite its 5,026-lb curb weight—substantially heavier than the 4,048-lb Tesla Model 3 Performance—the CLA 45 Electric achieves a WLTP range exceeding 416 miles in sedan form. The Shooting Brake wagon variant offers a slightly reduced 398-mile range. An active rear spoiler adjusts for aerodynamic balance and efficiency at speed.

Strategic Market Positioning: Europe Yes, America No

Mercedes-AMG has made the notable decision to exclude the United States from the CLA 45 Electric’s launch markets, despite America’s appetite for high-performance EVs. The UK launch is scheduled for early 2027 with pricing starting around £70,000 (approximately $93,800), positioning it as a premium alternative in the compact performance EV segment.

This strategic choice likely reflects several factors. First, Mercedes is consolidating its U.S. EV lineup around larger, higher-margin vehicles like the EQS and upcoming electric G-Class. Second, the compact performance sedan segment has contracted sharply in North America as buyers migrate toward SUVs. Third, homologation costs for the CLA’s unique tri-motor system and 800-volt architecture may not justify projected U.S. sales volumes in a segment dominated by Tesla.

In Europe and the UK, however, the CLA 45 Electric directly challenges the BMW i4 M50 (starting at £63,000) and Audi’s forthcoming RS e-tron GT compact variant. Against the Tesla Model 3 Performance—priced from £54,990 in the UK—the Mercedes commands a £15,000 premium but counters with 220 additional horsepower, tri-motor versatility, and the prestige of the AMG badge.

Performance and Range Comparison

Model	Power	0-62 mph	Range (WLTP)	UK Price
Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Electric	671 hp	3.0 sec	416 miles	£70,000
Tesla Model 3 Performance	450 hp	3.1 sec	341 miles	£54,990
BMW i4 M50	536 hp	3.9 sec	367 miles	£63,000
Audi RS e-tron GT	637 hp	3.3 sec	298 miles	£115,000

What This Means for Buyers

For European and UK buyers, the AMG CLA 45 Electric represents a compelling middle ground: supercar-level acceleration in a practical, long-range package that undercuts six-figure performance EVs like the Porsche Taycan Turbo S and Audi RS e-tron GT by £40,000 or more. The tri-motor system’s ability to operate in rear-drive mode preserves traditional AMG driving character while offering all-wheel-drive security when conditions demand it.

However, the £70,000 starting price positions it firmly in premium territory—£15,000 above the Tesla Model 3 Performance and £7,000 above the BMW i4 M50. Buyers will need to value the extra 135-220 hp, drift mode capability, and Mercedes luxury appointments enough to justify that premium. The 416-mile range does provide genuine grand touring capability, addressing one of the key objections to high-performance EVs.

For potential U.S. buyers, the exclusion is disappointing but not entirely surprising. Americans seeking compact performance EVs will continue choosing between the Tesla Model 3 Performance, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and upcoming BMW i4 variants. Mercedes’ decision signals that its U.S. electrification strategy prioritizes SUVs and full-size luxury sedans over compact performance cars, reflecting broader market trends but leaving a gap for enthusiasts.

AMG’s Electric Future

The CLA 45 Electric forms part of Mercedes-AMG’s broader transformation toward electrification, sitting alongside the upcoming AMG GT 4-Door EV and electric versions of larger SUVs. The tri-motor architecture developed for the CLA will likely migrate to other compact and mid-size models in the Mercedes lineup, providing economies of scale that justify the engineering investment.

Mercedes has indicated that the Shooting Brake wagon variant will launch shortly after the sedan, catering to European buyers who prioritize practicality without sacrificing performance. Both body styles share the same powertrain, battery, and performance specifications, with the wagon’s slightly reduced range reflecting its less aerodynamic profile.

As traditional performance benchmarks like the BMW M3 and Audi RS 4 transition toward electrification over the next three to five years, the CLA 45 Electric establishes AMG’s credentials in the emerging electric performance segment—even if American enthusiasts will have to admire it from afar.