The new-gen Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ has been unveiled, and unlike its combustion-powered predecessor, it’s an all-electric offering. Based on the Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric that broke cover in 2025, the AMG version is available in sedan and Shooting Brake form factors.
2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 powertrain and performance
Up to 680hp and 1,759Nm
The new AMG CLA is equipped with a 94kWh LFP battery powering a trio of electric motors – one mounted on the front axle and two at the rear – that use the same axial-flux tech introduced with the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. Compared to conventional radial-flux motors, axial-flux units are smaller, lighter, and offer greater power density.
Combined peak output stands at 680hp – continuous output is rated at 612hp – and 1,759Nm, which is more than three times the 500Nm generated by the prior AMG CLA. During steady driving, the front motor can disconnect to improve efficiency, allowing the new AMG CLA to operate as a RWD car. The two rear motors can also operate independently, enabling torque vectoring and a dedicated Drift Mode.
Though the new AMG CLA weighs just under 2.3 tonnes, the sedan version can accelerate from 0-100kph in a claimed 3 seconds, while the Shooting Brake completes the same in 3.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, rising to 270kph with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package. The CLA 45 also features seven drive modes and an adaptive sports suspension.
Simulated engine note and vibrations
To enhance its aural experience, the new AMG CLA packs an AMGFORCE S+ driving mode that emulates the soundtrack of the carmaker’s ‘M139’ 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, along with gear shifts, artificial power interruptions, and haptics in the seats.
Coming to range, the AMG CLA sedan offers a WLTP-tested range of 670km, while the Shooting Brake is good for 640km. Up to 330kW DC fast charging is supported, allowing for a 10-80 percent charge in 22 minutes and a 270km range top-up in just 10 minutes.
2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 exterior design
More menacing styling updates
Being an AMG model, the new CLA 45 sports a more aggressive body kit that includes a bespoke grille section with 10 slats (which can be optionally illuminated), redesigned bumpers with bigger air ducts, AMG-specific badging, wider fenders and side skirts, and a large rear diffuser.
The new AMG CLA rides on 19-inch alloy wheels as standard – 20-inchers are available as an optional extra – and gets larger brakes as well. The sedan also features an active deploying rear spoiler, while the Shooting Brake gets a roof-mounted spoiler.
2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 interior and features
Sportier steering wheel and bucket seats
Inside, the new CLA 45 receives a similarly sporty treatment, with bucket seats up front, an AMG-spec steering wheel with dedicated drive mode selectors, all-black upholstery with contrasting accents, and more.
The dashboard is dominated by Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Hyperscreen’ triple-display setup – the digital instrument cluster even features a virtual tachometer and gear indicator, both of which work in conjunction with the AMGFORCE S+ drive mode.
Unlike the standard CLA, the AMG variant features two individual rear seats instead of a conventional bench, making for a 4-seat configuration.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
