The fully electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 has shattered expectations by setting a new Nürburgring record for four-door sedans, completing the legendary Nordschleife in just 7:32.070. This milestone proves that the transition to electric powertrains is not compromising track performance for driving enthusiasts. For performance car buyers and EV skeptics alike, this achievement signals a definitive shift: a 680-horsepower electric sedan can now outpace traditional combustion-engine rivals on the world's most demanding 12.4-mile proving ground.
Mercedes achieved this feat without relying on specialized track modifications. The CLA 45 completed the grueling circuit in completely stock form, featuring zero alterations to its body, suspension, or powertrain. This out-of-the-box capability highlights the rapid advancement of electric vehicle engineering, bringing supercar-level dynamics to a daily-drivable four-door format.
A Stock Setup with Supercar Specs
Powering the record-breaking run is an advanced tri-motor setup utilizing axial-flux electric motors, a layout directly derived from the high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe. Two of these motors are mounted on the rear axle, while the third drives the front wheels. This configuration delivers a combined output of 680 horsepower, enabling the sedan to launch from 0 to 62 mph in a blistering 2.7 seconds.
Like its combustion-powered predecessor, the new CLA 45 features an all-wheel-drive system, but the electric architecture allows for significantly more precise torque distribution across all four wheels. This instantaneous power delivery and vectoring are crucial for maintaining traction and speed through the Nordschleife's notoriously complex corners.
Range, Charging, and Simulated Dynamics
Beyond raw track performance, the CLA 45 is equipped with an 800-volt electrical architecture designed for rapid energy recovery. The system supports DC fast charging at up to 330 kilowatts, allowing the battery to replenish from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 22 minutes. On Europe's combined WLTP cycle, official figures estimate the sedan can achieve up to 416 miles of range on a single charge.
To bridge the emotional gap between silent EVs and traditional performance cars, Mercedes has integrated a new simulated driving mode (AMG Force S+). This feature artificially replicates engine sounds and gear shifts, aiming to deliver the visceral, traditional AMG driving experience that enthusiasts expect on a race track.
AMG was born on the race track. 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.
- Dr. Stefan Weckbach, Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes‑AMG GmbH
The Electric Evolution of Track Dominance
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45's record-setting lap illustrates just how rapidly the performance sedan segment has transformed. Just a few years ago, a 680-horsepower Nürburgring record holder would have almost certainly relied on a twin-turbo V8 engine. Today, the benchmark is set by axial-flux motors and high-voltage battery architectures.
While the inclusion of the simulated AMG Force S+ mode shows that automakers are still trying to cater to the acoustic nostalgia of traditional buyers, the raw metrics are undeniable. A 2.7-second sprint to 62 mph and a 7:32.070 lap time prove that the future of track-focused sedans is undeniably electric, forcing legacy competitors to either adapt their EV architectures or risk being left behind on the circuit.
