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New Mercedes-AMG CLA is 671bhp EV – with pops and bangs
CLA 45 goes electric with supercar-baiting pace, choice of saloon or estate and 416-mile range
Mercedes-AMG is aiming to convert hot hatch buyers to electric power with the new CLA 45, which brings supercar-baiting performance, advanced torque-vectoring technology and an ICE-aping exhaust note that even pops and bangs.
Available as both a saloon and a Shooting Brake estate, the first electric 45 model is substantially different under the skin from the regular CLA. It combines three axial flux motors developed by Oxfordshire firm Yasa with the larger, 94kWh battery from the forthcoming C-Class Electric and an aggressive design overhaul aimed at improving downforce without compromising range.
The tri-motor set-up - with two drive units on the rear axle and one up front - has a maximum output of 671bhp through all four wheels. The rear motors alone can combine to offer the full output, however: power is limited by the maxmimum throughput of the battery, and future updates could unlock more. This also enables a tyre-shredding drift mode.
The front motor engages only when extra traction is required, such as when setting a hot lap or driving in adverse conditions.
The generous reserves mean the 2.3-tonne saloon can hit 62mph from rest in 3.0sec (3.2sec for the Shooting Brake). That makes it quicker off the mark than many of AMG's most hardcore models, including the SLS AMG Black Series (3.6sec), and almost as quick as the F1-engined AMG One, which took 2.9 sec. The CLA 45 goes on to a top speed of 155mph, or 168mph when fitted with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus pack.
Acceleration is slowed slightly if the 'AMGForce' simulated engine and gearbox are engaged. This system replicates the sound and power delivery of the outgoing 45 models 'M139' turbocharged four-cylinder - the world's most powerful of its configuration in series production - and runs it through a synthesised eight-speed gearbox.
Vibrating motors are fitted in the front seats to ape the rumble of the petrol engine in the occupants backs, and the sound can be heard both inside and outside the car, with pops and crackles on the overrun. It has both quiet and loud modes, and Mercedes says the latter rivals aftermarket exhaust systems for audible impact.
The system engages when the S+ drive mode is selected, but it is disabled in the track-focused Race mode to maximise the car's outright pace.
AMG has also developed a predictive battery management system that maximises performance over the course of a fast lap by adapting power outputs based on where maximum performance is most needed: deploying full power around the entirety of a longer track would raise battery temperatures and force the car to limit its output, paring it back through bends reduces the heat and allows maximum thrust to be delivered for the length of a long straight, such as the Nordschleife's Döttinger Höhe.
Braking is performed primarily by the electric motors, which can supply up to 300kW to the battery. The hydraulic system has also been upgraded, with 390mm ventilated discs and six-piston calipers up front, and 350mm ventilated discs with single piston calipers at the rear.
Completing the dynamic overhaul is a wider track, which stretches the CLA by 24mm horizontally compared with the standard car, plus adaptive dampers and an active rear spoiler.
The rear spoiler and more aggressive stance clearly differentiate the car from the regular CLA, but further stylistic tweaks include the optional replacement of the front light bar with a new air duct, giving a more purposeful look. It rides on 19in alloy wheels as standard, although 20s will also be offered, and at the rear end is the largest diffuser yet fitted to an AMG hot hatch.
In the Eco, Comfort and Sport drive modes, the spoiler is reclined until 90mph in order to reduce drag and preserve range, but it is permanently raised in S+ and Race. Its position can be overridden using the steering wheel controls.
The CLA 45 saloon is claimed to be capable of covering 416 miles between charges, while the Shooting Brake manages 398 miles. This is thanks in part to not only the large battery but also a system that disconnects the front motor when it is not needed, which reduces energy waste from friction. In the normal drive modes it is disconnected up to 100mph or until additional traction is required at the front axle, at which point it engages within one millisecond.
A heat pump is also included as standard. When using the CLA's built-in sat-nav, this automatically pre-heats or cools the battery before reaching a planned charging stop to maximise the charge rate accepted by the car. This allows it to take 330kW, allowing a 10-80% refill in 22 minutes - or, according to Mercedes, the equivalent of 168 miles of range in 10 minutes.
Inside, the CLA's sporting overhaul comprises standard-fit bucket seats with thick bolsters, new finishes for the centre console and seatbelts and an AMG-specific steering wheel with drive mode dials. Notably, it also swaps the rear-seat bench for two individual rear chairs, making it strictly a four-seater.
Deliveries of the CLA 45 will begin next year. Prices have yet to be confirmed but are expected to top £70,000, given the previous petrol-powered car started just below that mark. Its closest competitor will be the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, priced from £65,800.
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