The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 EV has set a new lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing the 12.9-mile circuit in 7 minutes and 32.070 seconds. The electric sedan now holds the title of the fastest vehicle in its segment, according to the automaker.
The Record Run
The lap was driven by Kevin Berger in Race mode, part of the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package. The package also increases the car’s top speed to 168 mph and includes red or black brake calipers with AMG lettering. While the car appeared mostly stock, it was equipped with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires for the record attempt.
The record was set on July 28, with Mercedes crediting the CLA 45’s tri-motor powertrain for the performance. The setup includes a front-mounted axial flux motor and two rear motors, delivering all-wheel drive and a combined output of 671 horsepower and 1,297 pound-feet of torque.
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Those figures allow the CLA 45 to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in three seconds. The sedan’s 94 kWh battery pack provides a WLTP-rated range of over 416 miles. Fast charging is also a highlight—330 kW DC charging can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in 22 minutes, or add over 168 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
More Than Just Speed
The CLA 45 EV isn’t just about straight-line performance. It features variable torque distribution, torque vectoring, and an AMG Ride Control sports suspension with steel springs and three-way adaptive damping. Active aerodynamics and a high-performance braking system round out the mechanical upgrades.
Inside, the cabin is dominated by screens: a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment display, and a 14-inch front passenger screen. The design reflects Mercedes’ shift toward a more digital-focused interior, though the company hasn’t detailed how much of that tech is standard or optional.
The record comes after mixed reactions to the CLA 45’s debut last month. Some critics questioned whether an electric AMG could deliver the same driving experience as its combustion counterparts. The Nürburgring lap was likely an attempt to silence those doubts, though it may not convince everyone.
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If the car’s performance holds up in real-world conditions—beyond the controlled environment of a track—it could redefine expectations for electric sedans. The combination of range, charging speed, and power suggests Mercedes is betting big on this segment. Whether buyers will respond the same way remains an open question.
The CLA 45 EV isn’t just a statement about speed. It’s also a test of how far electric performance has come—and how much further it still has to go.
Mercedes has not announced when the CLA 45 will reach dealerships or how much it will cost. The company has only said the model will arrive in the coming years, with more details to follow.