AMG CLA 45: 7:32 minutes – Class record at the Nordschleife
The all-electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ completed the Nordschleife in 7:32.070 minutes, making it the fastest vehicle in its class according to the manufacturer. Three axial flux motors deliver 500 kW (680 horsepower), and the battery has a capacity of 94 kWh.
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Mercedes-AMG completed a lap time on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife with the all-electric CLA 45 4MATIC+ that, according to the manufacturer, is the fastest in its class. On July 28, 2026, the sedan driven by Kevin Berger crossed the finish line in 7:32.070 minutes. The time was officially measured and notarized. Conditions were summer-like, with an air temperature of 24 degrees Celsius and an asphalt temperature of 30 degrees Celsius. Sales of the model are set to begin in August 2026.
Powertrain: three axial-flux motors with 500 kW
The CLA 45 4MATIC+ is the second production vehicle from the brand equipped with axial-flow engines, following the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door coupe. Three such engines are installed: two at the rear axle and one at the front axle. Together, they deliver up to 500 kW (680 horsepower). Mercedes-AMG claims a 0-to-100 km/h acceleration time of 2.7 seconds, measured using the so-called 1-Foot Rollout method, which ignores the first 30.48 centimeters of the acceleration distance.
The engines are liquid-cooled, which allows for repeated full-power demands according to the manufacturer — an important factor on a 20.832-kilometer lap. Since all three units are decoupled and individually controllable, the torque can be variably distributed between the front and rear axles as well as between the two rear wheels (Torque Vectoring). The front engine primarily acts as an auxiliary drive when more power is required. The switch between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive occurs continuously and depending on the situation.
The energy comes from a lithium-ion battery with 94 kWh of usable energy capacity. Mercedes-AMG claims a range of over 670 kilometers for the sedan and 640 kilometers for the shooting brake. The operating temperature range of the battery has been adjusted for use in the CLA 45. The goal was to keep the cells within an optimal temperature range as much as possible, thereby maintaining consistent performance even under sustained load.
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Suspension, Aerodynamics, and Energy Management
A steel-spring AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive three-way adjustable damping was used, featuring a multi-link front axle and a space-link rear axle. The wheel control components, springs, and dampers were revised compared to Mercedes-Benz’s CLA sibling model. The damping curve can be selected in three stages; the damping force itself is adjusted per wheel in milliseconds. Berger completed the record lap using the “RACE” program, which is part of the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package. The vehicle was equipped with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires.
In addition, there is active aerodynamics. A rear spoiler adjusts itself depending on the driving mode, optimizing either driving stability or reduced air resistance. In “RACE” mode, it remains active throughout the time, with its position influenced by factors such as longitudinal acceleration. The active cooling fins direct air specifically toward the undercarriage to reduce lift at the front axle, opening in eight stages only when sufficient cooling is needed. Unlike the Mercedes-Benz CLA, they can remain closed at speeds up to nearly 250 km/h.
The Predictive Performance Manager also played a role. The system analyzes the track layout and distributes the available energy throughout the lap based on terrain and driving conditions. Two strategies are available: “RACE” for a single fast lap, and “SPRINT” for multiple laps with as even performance as possible. According to Mercedes-AMG, lap time is determined less by sustained maximum power and more by the distribution of energy over the entire distance.
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