Mercedes-AMG unveils electric CLA 45 with 500 kW tri-motor

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its first all-electric CLA 45 4Matic, a high-performance compact car that delivers supercar-level acceleration from a new tri-motor electric powertrain. The vehicle was revealed globally on July 9, 2026, and will be offered in both four-door sedan and Shooting Brake wagon body styles. Production is scheduled to begin later this year, with the sedan confirmed for an Australian market launch in 2027.

The new flagship model marks a significant shift, replacing the previous generation's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a fully electric setup. The heart of the powertrain is three axial-flux electric motors-one on the front axle and two on the rear-which are lighter and more compact than conventional motors. This configuration produces a peak system output of approximately 500 kilowatts, or roughly 670 horsepower, and a staggering 1,759 Newton-meters of torque.

This immense power enables a claimed 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of just 3.0 seconds, making the electric CLA 45 more than a second quicker than its gasoline predecessor. The sedan is quoted with a top speed of 250 km/h, which can be increased to 270 km/h with an...