All-Electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Smashes Nürburgring Record

CLA 45 breaks the mould: electric AMG posts new Nordschleife benchmark

Less than a month after its world debut, the all‑electric Mercedes‑AMG CLA 45 4Matic+ stunned enthusiasts by setting a new class lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. On July 28 the compact four‑door completed the notorious 20.832‑km loop in a notarized 7:32.070 — a time Mercedes says crowns the CLA 45 as the fastest car in its segment around the "Green Hell." The run came under near‑ideal conditions: ambient 24 °C, track 30 °C.

Performance hardware: three axial‑flux motors and advanced drive control

At the heart of the record‑setting sedan are the same compact axial‑flux electric motors deployed in the GT 4‑Door Coupe — three units producing a combined peak of up to 500 kW (680 PS / 671 hp). Their small size and full decoupling enable fully variable torque distribution between front and rear axles, plus independent rear‑wheel torque vectoring through an evolved AMG Performance 4Matic+ system. That hardware delivers a blistering 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) time of just 2.7 seconds and is liquid‑cooled to sustain high output during extended track work.

Why the CLA 45 nailed the lap

Mercedes credits a package of performance systems for the lap time: the potent axial‑flux motors, intelligent all‑wheel drive, adaptive suspension tuning and sophisticated energy management. For the run the car rode on Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires and used the Race drive program from the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package. Driver Kevin Berger extracted the most from the setup and the car’s active aero, including a segment first: an active rear spoiler that continuously optimizes aerodynamic balance for both efficiency and dynamic stability.

Specs & highlights

• Three axial‑flux electric motors, combined output up to 500 kW (680 PS / 671 hp)
• 0–2.7 sec (0–100 km/h / 0–62 mph)
• AMG Performance 4Matic+ with variable torque split and rear torque vectoring
• Liquid cooling for sustained motor output
• Adaptive suspension and active aerodynamics with active rear spoiler
• Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS track tires (record run)

Context: AMG’s electric pivot

The CLA 45 arrives at a moment of transition for Mercedes‑AMG. With waning enthusiasm for some recent petrol models and the A 45 S phased out in a Final Edition, AMG is accelerating its electrification push across the lineup, including compact SUVs and performance sedans. The CLA 45 is the marque’s second fully electric production car to use axial‑flux motors, and the Nürburgring result is being framed as proof that AMG’s racing DNA adapts well to electric propulsion.

"AMG was born on the racetrack," said Stefan Weckbach, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH. "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. And I am certain of one thing: this will not be the last AMG record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife."

How it compares

Compared with previous hot hatches and compact performance sedans, the CLA 45 trades a traditional internal‑combustion howl for instantaneous electric torque and thermal management built to extend peak performance. While rivals pursue similar electrified approaches, the CLA 45’s axial‑flux layout is notable for its power density and compact packaging, helping to preserve cabin and trunk space while delivering track credentials.

Market positioning and launch

Mercedes says sales of the new CLA 45 kick off in August 2026, coinciding with the celebration of the Nürburgring achievement. Positioned as a sportier, more performance‑oriented alternative to conventional electrified compacts, the CLA 45 will square up against other premium performance EVs and halo models that blend everyday utility with racetrack capability.

For buyers and fans, the Nürburgring record is more than a PR milestone: it’s the first tangible benchmark proving that AMG’s electric strategy can translate into the lap times and driving dynamics enthusiasts expect. Whether the CLA 45 will also win hearts with character and everyday usability remains to be seen, but on the Green Hell it has already made a loud statement.

Key takeaway: Mercedes‑AMG’s all‑electric CLA 45 combines axial‑flux high‑performance motors, advanced AWD control and active aero to deliver a 7:32.070 Nürburgring Nordschleife lap, underlining AMG’s serious move into electric performance.