Mercedes-AMG has revealed the CLA 45 as a fully electric performance car for the first time, replacing its turbo-petrol engine with a tri-motor setup producing 670 hp and a simulated engine note with fake gear shifts. Top speed reaches 269 kmph with an optional package and 0-100 kmph takes just 3 seconds. For Indian buyers, this matters because the standard Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric already sells here from Rs 55 lakh and this AMG version signals where Mercedes' next high-performance EV import is headed even without a confirmed India launch date yet. Here's what's actually changed under the badge and why the simulated sound matters more than it sounds.
What's Under the Skin?
The new AMG CLA 45 runs three electric motors, one at the front axle and two at the rear, using
the same axial-flux motor technology first seen on the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. Combined peak output is 670 hp with 612 hp available continuously and torque stands at 1,759 Nm, more than triple what the old turbo-petrol CLA 45 produced.
A 94kWh battery feeds the setup, giving a WLTP-rated 670 km range for the sedan and 640 km for the Shooting Brake wagon with 330kW charging capable of a 10-80% top-up in 22 minutes. During normal driving, the front motor disconnects to save energy, effectively turning the car rear-wheel drive until more power is needed.
Why Mercedes Added Fake Sounds?
The most talked-about feature isn't the power figure but AMGFORCE S+, a drive mode that plays back the sound of AMG's old M139 turbo four-cylinder engine, complete with simulated gear changes, artificial torque cuts between shifts and haptic feedback through the seats timed to match. This exists because EV powertrains deliver power in one continuous pull with no natural pauses which some performance-car buyers find less engaging than a combustion car's shift points.
Whether this is a genuine improvement or a marketing gimmick is a matter of opinion but the engineering behind syncing sound, torque interruption and seat vibration in real time is a real technical undertaking, and not just a speaker playing a recording.
What This Means Before India Launch?
Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed an India launch date or price for the AMG CLA 45 EV. Going by how the standard CLA Electric is priced here, at Rs 55-59 lakh as a fully imported model, the AMG version would likely arrive well above that once it does, if Mercedes chooses to bring it in as a CBU. Buyers interested in performance EVs in this segment should treat this reveal as an early signal instead of a near-term buying decision.
