Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 EV Debuts with 671 HP, 416-Mile Range at Goodwood 2026

Mercedes-AMG unveiled its all-electric CLA 45 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 9, 2026, introducing a tri-motor compact sedan that delivers 671 horsepower and 1,297 lb-ft of torque—marking the most powerful compact Mercedes-Benz ever built. The electric performance sedan surpasses the Tesla Model 3 Performance in acceleration while offering up to 416 miles of WLTP range, leveraging advanced axial-flux motor technology and an 800-volt charging architecture.

Tri-Motor Axial-Flux Technology Delivers Class-Leading Performance

The CLA 45 employs three YASA axial-flux motors—two at the rear and one at the front—the same technology debuting in the 1,153-hp AMG GT 4-Door. This configuration enables true torque vectoring and a dedicated drift mode, differentiating the AMG variant from the standard electric CLA lineup.

According to Jalopnik’s coverage of the reveal, the compact sedan accelerates from 0-62 mph in 2.7 seconds with rollout (3.0 seconds from a standstill), eclipsing the Tesla Model 3 Performance’s 3.1-second benchmark. With the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, top speed reaches 168 mph.

The power output represents a 75 percent increase over the outgoing petrol-powered CLA 45 S, which produced 416 hp. AutoEvolution reports this positions the electric model as the most powerful compact Mercedes-Benz ever built, fundamentally redefining performance expectations in the segment.

Range, Charging, and Battery Architecture

A 94-kWh battery pack provides up to 416 miles of WLTP range for the sedan body style, with the Shooting Brake wagon variant rated at 398 miles, according to Autoblog’s technical analysis. The 800-volt architecture supports 330 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80 percent charge in 22 minutes at compatible charging stations.

Simulated Combustion Experience and Active Aerodynamics

AMG has equipped the CLA 45 with what it calls ‘AMGFORCE S+’ mode, featuring simulated four-cylinder engine sound, paddle-shifted fake gears, and seat actuators that vibrate to mimic combustion engine feel, according to CarBuzz. This represents Mercedes-AMG’s attempt to retain emotional engagement for enthusiasts transitioning from petrol-powered performance cars.

The CLA 45 also becomes the first vehicle in its compact segment with an active rear spoiler and active grille shutters, according to Carscoops. These features optimize aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability, contributing to the vehicle’s 416-mile range capability.

What This Means for Buyers

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 EV arrives as German manufacturers accelerate their electrification of performance models, directly challenging Tesla’s dominance in the high-performance EV compact segment. With acceleration faster than the Model 3 Performance and significantly greater range than many dedicated performance EVs, the CLA 45 demonstrates that electrification need not compromise either speed or usability.

However, U.S. buyers face uncertainty. Both the sedan and Shooting Brake wagon variants are unlikely to reach American showrooms, following Mercedes-Benz’s pattern of withholding compact wagons and select high-performance variants from the North American market. European, UK, and Australian markets will likely receive priority allocation when production begins.

Pricing has not been announced, but expect the CLA 45 to command a significant premium over the standard electric CLA lineup—likely positioning above £75,000 in the UK or €85,000 in European markets. This places it in direct competition with the Audi RS e-tron GT (when comparing performance per pound) and positions it as a more practical alternative to the Porsche Taycan GTS.

The tri-motor axial-flux setup represents a technological leap for the compact performance segment. Unlike conventional radial-flux motors, axial-flux designs offer higher power density in a smaller package, enabling the packaging of three motors without significant weight or space penalties. This architecture also facilitates genuine torque vectoring—independently varying power to each wheel—rather than the brake-based torque shuffling found in many all-wheel-drive systems.

For enthusiasts concerned about the emotional disconnect of electric performance cars, the AMGFORCE S+ mode with simulated gears and engine sounds may prove polarizing. While some will appreciate the familiar sensory feedback, purists may view it as gimmickry that distracts from the instantaneous torque delivery and near-silent acceleration that define electric performance.

The 416-mile WLTP range addresses one of the primary concerns with high-performance EVs: that spirited driving dramatically reduces usable range. With aggressive driving, real-world range will drop substantially, but the generous starting point and rapid 330 kW charging capability should mitigate range anxiety on longer journeys.

Mercedes-AMG’s decision to offer a Shooting Brake variant reflects European market preferences for practical performance vehicles. The wagon’s slightly reduced range (398 miles versus 416) stems from increased aerodynamic drag, but the added cargo versatility may appeal to buyers seeking a single vehicle for both track days and family duties—particularly in markets where large SUVs remain less popular than in North America.