2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+ is an EV monster

For the first time in its history, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+ is electric. Having just debuted in Europe, the latest generation of Mercedes’ smallest performance sedan is a zero-emission monster outputting 500kW and racing from 0-100km/h in just 2.7 seconds.

The insane performance is provided by the same trio of axial flux motors used in the savage AMG GT 4-door Coupé – albeit wound down a bit – and a 94kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery pack that’s good for a claimed range of up to 670km in the sedan and up to 640km in the Shooting Brake (wagon).

Stay in it off the mark and you’ll hit a governed top speed of 250km/h, but the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package lifts that ceiling to 270km/h.

At this stage in the high-performance EV game, fully variable all-wheel drive is a given, as are active suspension (AMG Ride Control) and aerodynamics, myriad drive modes (seven) and a virtual combustion powertrain (sound and gear shifts).

Where the GT 4-Door replicates AMG’s iconic V8 soundtrack, the hot CLA honours its lineage with enhanced recordings of the A 45’s pioneering 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powerplant, digitally adapted and calibrated to suit the EV and all of its driving metrics.

The new CLA 45 sits on the same 800-volt architecture as the standard CLA range, meaning it can be charged at up to 330kW on DC power for a 10-80 per cent top-up in 22 minutes under ideal conditions – or 270km of range in 10 minutes.

Five-stage regenerative braking plays a role in range extension, however six-piston front callipers – acting on 390 x 36mm rotors – and floating single-piston rears – grabbing 350 x 22mm discs – are on call for sporty driving or emergency stops.

Headline equipment and creature comforts include ARTICO leather-look and MICROCUT microfibre upholstery, seating for four, brushed stainless pedals, AMG.

Performance steering wheel, 19-inch alloys, the latest-generation MBUX infotainment system incorporating ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini AI, and a multi-source heat pump.

At this early stage, the 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic+ is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market but we wouldn’t be surprised if it made its way Down Under sometime in 2027.

It’s unclear if there’ll be an AMG-fettled turbo-petrol CLA to compliment the established mild hybrid variants, though it seems plausible given the huge performance gulf between the non-AMG versions and the new electric halo.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au