The CLA 45 is powered by highly innovative axial-flux motors. Following the Mercedes‑AMG GT 4‑Door Coupé, it is only the second fully electric production vehicle to feature this high-performance technology. Three exceptionally powerful electric motors, two on the rear axle and one on the front axle, generate a combined output of up to 500 kW (680 hp) and accelerate the four-seater from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds[i]. This enables the CLA 45 4MATIC+ to reach levels of performance previously unimaginable in its segment. The power delivery is further enhanced by the liquid-cooled motors’ ability to repeatedly provide their full output, creating ideal conditions for record-setting laps on the demanding Nordschleife.

“AMG was born on the racetrack. Over the past nearly 60 years, we have proven with numerous vehicles that this DNA remains as strong as ever. The CLA 45 now writes the next chapter of that story. It is the fastest car in its class on the world’s most demanding racetrack. My sincere thanks go to all the colleagues whose dedication and expertise made this record possible. And I am certain of one thing: this will not be the last AMG record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.”

Dr Stefan Weckbach, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and 

Head of Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach

The three compact and fully decoupled axial-flux motors of the CLA 45 4MATIC+ enable fully variable torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. The front motor primarily acts as a booster motor when additional power is required. In addition, drive force can be distributed individually between the two rear wheels via torque vectoring. The result is a newly developed, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. Torque control is continuously optimised according to the driving situation. The seamless transition between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, and vice versa, is based on a sophisticated control matrix that integrates all algorithms into the vehicle’s overall system architecture. Because all electric motors are controlled independently, drive force remains optimally available at all times. 

For the record lap, the Mercedes‑AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ was equipped with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tyres. Their high level of grip and consistent performance characteristics supported precise handling and reproducible performance.

The record lap on the Nordschleife is not the result of a single technical innovation. Rather, it is the outcome of the seamless interaction between the powertrain, chassis, aerodynamics and energy management, all working together as a fully integrated AMG Performance System to deliver maximum performance.