On July 28th, Mercedes-AMG achieved a milestone at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit with its new electric CLA 45 4MATIC+ . Driver Kevin Berger completed the 20,832 kilometers of the German track in an official time of 7:32.070 minutes , a record that the Affalterbach-based company has certified as the fastest ever achieved by a vehicle in its class. The lap was completed on the first attempt, with an ambient temperature of 24 degrees Celsius and an asphalt temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, conditions that allowed the car to fully exploit its potential.
This result not only reinforces the brand's commitment to high-performance electrification, but also positions the CLA 45 as a benchmark among sporty compact sedans. Although the BMW M2 CS, a two-door coupe, achieved a faster time (7:25,5), the Mercedes-AMG stands as the fastest four-door car in its segment, surpassing rivals such as the Audi RS 3 and even sports cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4.
A revolutionary propulsion system
The heart of the CLA 45 4MATIC+ is a set of three axial flux electric motors , a technology previously seen in the AMG GT four-door coupé. Two of these motors are located on the rear axle and one on the front, together producing 680 hp (500 kW) . This configuration allows for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2,7 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h when the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package is activated, which includes the RACE mode used during the record attempt.
The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system has been redesigned for this electric platform. Each motor operates independently, allowing for individual torque vectoring to the rear wheels and variable torque distribution between the axles. The front motor provides support in situations of maximum demand, while the electronics decide at any given moment whether to prioritize rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, ensuring maximum traction at any point on the track.
Chassis and aerodynamics designed for the track
The record wouldn't have been possible without a specific setup. The CLA 45 features AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with three-way adaptive dampers (Comfort, Sport, and AMG FORCE S+), capable of adjusting damping force in milliseconds. During the record lap, the most aggressive setting was used, which stiffens the body and minimizes roll and pitch, allowing for high cornering speeds without loss of control.
In terms of aerodynamics, the model incorporates, for the first time in its segment, an active rear wing that adjusts its angle depending on the driving mode. In RACE mode, it remains in the maximum downforce position, while in other modes it reduces drag. It also features active cooling louvers that open only when necessary, improving aerodynamic efficiency up to speeds of 250 km/h.
Battery and energy management
The lithium-ion battery has a usable capacity of 94 kWh , the largest in the CLA range. Thanks to a chemistry with silicon oxide and graphite anodes, energy density is 20% improved compared to a conventional anode. This allows for a homologated range of 670 kilometers in the sedan and 640 in the Shooting Brake variant, according to the WLTP cycle. The 800-volt architecture supports DC fast charging at up to 330 kW, going from 10 to 80% in 22 minutes.
Energy management is another key feature. The Predictive Performance Manager (PPM) analyzes the track layout and intelligently distributes power, reserving energy for the sections where it's most needed. The driver can choose between SPRINT mode, focused on achieving the fastest lap time, or RACE mode, designed to maintain consistent performance over several laps. This technology, along with liquid-cooled motors, ensures that performance doesn't drop off under extreme conditions.
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ represents a step forward in the electrification strategy of the performance division. With this record, the brand demonstrates that the transition to electric motors doesn't compromise on performance, but rather reinterprets it with innovative solutions. The model will arrive on the European market this fall, and its technology is expected to be incorporated into future Mercedes-AMG releases.
