Mercedes-AMG is bringing high-performance attitude into the electric era with the new electric CLA 45, a powerful EV sedan designed to deliver more than silent acceleration. Instead of simply focusing on speed and range, Mercedes wants this electric AMG to feel more like the brand’s turbocharged performance cars, complete with dramatic sound, simulated gear changes, and physical feedback from the cabin.
The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 replaces the traditional turbo engine experience with three axial-flux electric motors, producing an impressive 680 horsepower. A shooting brake version is also part of the lineup, giving buyers a more practical body style while keeping the same high-performance character.
What makes this electric AMG stand out is its AMGFORCE S+ driving mode. This mode is built to recreate the emotion of a combustion-powered AMG, adding engine-like sound, simulated shift interruptions, and even seat vibrations during “gear changes.” Rather than relying on basic artificial audio, Mercedes created the sound profile from more than 1,600 recordings of a real AMG A 45 S. The goal is to make the experience feel more authentic, with live-mixed audio that changes with driving behavior instead of playing a repetitive loop.
Performance is a major part of the story. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ delivers up to 1,759 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.0 seconds. With a one-foot rollout, that time drops to 2.7 seconds. Top speed is rated at 168 mph, putting it firmly in high-performance EV territory.
The battery and charging figures are equally important. A large 94 kWh battery gives the electric CLA 45 an estimated driving range of up to 416 miles, making it suitable for both performance driving and longer trips. Fast charging at up to 330 kW allows the battery to recharge from low levels to 80 percent in around 22 minutes, helping reduce downtime on longer journeys.
The trend of making electric performance cars feel more like gasoline-powered machines is growing quickly. Some recent electric performance models already use artificial engine sounds, simulated shift points, and programmed torque interruptions to create a more engaging driving feel. Mercedes-AMG is taking a slightly different approach by emphasizing real recorded engine audio and physical cabin feedback, hoping to make the experience feel less like a gimmick and more like a natural evolution of the AMG driving character.
The CLA 45 also gets hardware to match its aggressive personality. AMG performance upgrades include an active aerodynamic wing and adaptive dampers, helping the car deliver sharp handling and stability at high speeds. These features suggest Mercedes is not relying only on sound and vibration to create excitement; the company is also aiming to deliver genuine performance on the road.
Still, the question remains: do electric vehicles need to imitate combustion cars? For some drivers, the instant torque and smooth, quiet power delivery of an EV are part of the appeal. For others, the drama of an engine, the sensation of shifting, and the emotional connection of a traditional performance car are difficult to give up. With the electric AMG CLA 45, Mercedes is clearly targeting drivers who want the speed and efficiency of an EV without losing the theater of a gas-powered AMG.
As more legacy automakers move deeper into the electric performance market, simulated engine sound and artificial shifting may become common features rather than unusual extras. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 shows how brands with deep performance histories are trying to preserve their identity in an electric future. It may not have a real turbo engine anymore, but Mercedes is making sure it still feels, sounds, and drives like an AMG.
