2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG 4Matic Shooting Brake

With 500 kW (680 hp) of peak power and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds , the new Mercedes-AMG CLA45 4MATIC+ advances into spheres that were previously unthinkable in this segment. Behind this surge in performance are three axial flux motors: two on the rear axle and one on the front axle.

With the groundbreaking electric motors that made their production debut in the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door Coupé, Mercedes-AMG is now bringing a top-of-the-range technological concept to the CLA. Thanks to fully variable all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension and active aerodynamics, this compact sports car channels this unbridled power directly onto the road, delivering pure driving pleasure.

The vehicle from the Affalterbach-based performance and sports car brand shares its architecture with a Mercedes-Benz sister model whose outstanding qualities have been confirmed by numerous independent bodies. For example, the Mercedes-Benz CLA was named "Car of the Year 2026" by the European Car of the Year jury and was the safest car tested by Euro NCAP in 2025.

At market launch, the new Mercedes-AMG CLA45 4MATIC+ will be available in two versions: as a saloon and as a Shooting Brake. With their striking design and unmistakable AMG look, the cars appeal primarily to a young target audience and, even when stationary, leave no doubt as to their highly dynamic character.

Revolutionary drive technology: Up to 500 kW from three axial flux motors

Uncompromisingly designed for maximum performance: the CLA45 4MATIC+ completes the sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds - a value that is equivalent to that of a super sports car. In doing so, it sets new standards in its segment. The basis for this impressive figure is the revolutionary drive concept consisting of three axial flux motors, which mobilise more power output and continuous power compared with conventional electric motors. The result is driving performance at the highest level that can be reproduced consistently.

Slim and super powerful: Axial flux motors

The key feature of axial flux motors is that the electromagnetic flux is aligned parallel to the motor's axis. In conventional electric motors, by contrast, it runs at right angles to it. The central components of the axial flux motor are designed as flat discs: here, the stator is enclosed on the left and right by two rotors in a sandwich-like structure. This design, also known as an H-configuration, allows for the ideal transfer of the magnetic flux from the stator's magnetic field to the rotors. In the new CLA45 4MATIC+, the motor on the front axle is just nine centimetres wide. The two rear-axle motors measure just around eight centimetres.

The drive motors are integrated into a High Performance Electric Drive Unit (HP.EDU) for each axle. The HP.EDU on the rear axle houses two axial flux motors, each of which is mounted in a shared housing together with a compact single-speed planetary gearbox. The motors and gearboxes are oil cooled. The pump control unit required for this, including hydraulic pumps and suction filters, is also integrated into the HP.EDU to save space. In addition, there are two water-cooled silicon carbide (SiC) inverters - one per HP.EDU. The specific properties of silicon carbide offer numerous advantages for demanding applications where high voltages, currents and operating temperatures, as well as high thermal conductivity, are required. The rear-mounted axial flux motors deliver up to 500 kW (680 hp).

Intelligent front booster motor: Power on demand

The HP.EDU at the front comprises an axial flux motor, a spur gearbox with integrated parking lock, a liquid-cooled silicon carbide (SiC) inverter and a pump control unit. Although the front drive acts as a "booster motor", it is not only engaged when additional power is required, but also to optimise efficiency. The front motor can deliver up to 225 kW (360 hp) of peak power. The Disconnect Unit (DCU) disconnects the electric motor in a fraction of a second under low load to minimise drag losses and reconnects it during acceleration or energy recovery for optimum power delivery. Alternatively, drive power can be supplied exclusively via the rear axle. The advantage of the system is that the additional power is only activated when it is needed.

AMG Performance 4MATIC+: Fully variable and intelligent all-wheel drive

The three completely independent axial flux motors allow for maximum variable torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. Furthermore, the drive torque can be distributed individually between the two rear wheels (torque vectoring). This results in a newly designed, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. As well as offering a high level of driving safety, the system also delivers plenty of driving pleasure. Optimal drive torque control is continuous and situation-based. The imperceptible switch from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive - and vice versa - is based on a sophisticated matrix that integrates the control algorithms into the overall vehicle system architecture. To ensure optimum traction and driving stability on snow and ice, sensors detect spinning wheels in milliseconds and distribute the torque precisely in accordance with the driving situation. As all electric motors are controlled independently of one another, drive power is maintained at an optimum level.

New benchmark in its class: High-performance battery with a capacity of 94 kWh

The axial flux motors in the CLA45 4MATIC+ draw their power from a lithium-ion battery with a usable energy capacity of 94 kWh. This is a top figure in its segment and crucial to the excellent range of over 670 kilometres (saloon) and 640 kilometres (Shooting Brake). The cells feature anodes in which silicon oxide is mixed with graphite. Compared with batteries featuring conventional graphite anodes, this allows the gravimetric energy density to be increased by up to 20 per cent. The volumetric energy density of this cell chemistry is 680 Wh/l.

To achieve maximum power output, the Mercedes-AMG development team adapted the operating window of the newly developed energy storage system - used for the first time in the new Mercedes-Benz GLC - to the high-performance requirements in the CLA45 4MATIC+. Particular attention was paid to maintaining the cells within an optimal temperature range. This is crucial for consistent power output and the battery's longevity, even under extreme conditions.

800-volt technology for ultra-fast charging

The high voltage of the lithium-ion energy storage system - 800 volts - also contributes to the overall performance. The advantages of this high voltage setup include reduced weight due to lighter cabling, higher continuous power output and shorter battery charging times. Charging losses via the charging cable are also significantly lower. As a result, DC charging from 10 to 80 percent State of Charge (SoC) takes just 22 minutes at a peak charging power of 330 kW - about the same time as a snack and coffee break. In just ten minutes, a range of more than 270 kilometres can be recharged.

Multi-source heat pump optimises charging performance

The standard multi-source heat pump plays a key role in the excellent charging performance of the CLA45 4MATIC+. It forms part of the air conditioning system and can utilise three energy sources simultaneously: the ambient air, waste heat from the powertrain, and the battery. Before fast charging, it brings the high-voltage battery to the ideal temperature range. The battery is integrated into the intelligent thermal management system. If navigation with Electric Intelligence is activated, it is preheated while driving if necessary. This preconditioning ensures that it reaches the optimum temperature for fast DC charging at the selected charging point. To ensure that efficiency does not come at the expense of thermal comfort, the interior remains at a pleasant temperature during fast charging.