By Anthony Horner · Founder of FastTrack

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Electric: 0-60 Specs

The electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 makes 671 SAE horsepower from three axial-flux motors and runs 0-62 mph in 3.0 seconds from a standstill -- or 2.7 seconds with a 1-foot rollout. Mercedes publishes both figures explicitly, which makes this car the clearest single example of how the rollout convention inflates performance claims.

The car debuted at Goodwood in July 2026 and German orders opened in September 2026 at EUR 82,100. US pricing had not been announced as of October 11, 2026.

Key performance figures

All performance figures above are from Mercedes-AMG official materials. Independent road test results have not been published as of October 2026.

2.7 vs 3.0 seconds: the rollout gap

Mercedes publishes both figures in the same press materials: 2.7 seconds and 3.0 seconds for the same sprint to 62 mph. The difference is the starting point.

The 2.7-second figure uses the standard manufacturer test method: the clock starts when the car moves 12 inches, not from a complete stop. The 1-foot rollout eliminates launch-control hesitation and tire scrub from the measurement, giving a number that applies to optimal conditions on a prepped surface.

The 3.0-second figure is the standstill result: from zero movement. This is the number a GPS timer records, because GPS measures actual vehicle displacement from the moment the car is still.

The 0.3-second gap (11%) is meaningful. A car that sounds like "a 2.7-second car" from the brochure is a 3.0-second car on the road. This gap exists across all manufacturer claims that use the rollout method -- the CLA 45 is simply the case where the manufacturer published both numbers side by side. For more on this, see how real-world 0-60 times compare to manufacturer claims.

Axial-flux motors: why this architecture

The CLA 45 uses three axial-flux motors -- two at the rear and one at the front. Axial-flux motors produce more torque per unit of weight than conventional radial-flux motors. The Rimac Nevera R uses them; Ferrari uses them in the SF90. They are heavier per kW than radial motors when compared at the same peak output, but their torque density allows a smaller overall installation in a compact sedan.

The rear-biased two-motor layout gives the CLA 45 the handling balance of a rear-wheel-drive car at the limit, with the traction of AWD at launch. This is the same configuration as the Porsche Taycan Turbo -- a proven approach for high-performance EV saloons.

Sound and shifting

AMG's "Sound Experience" system plays a synthesized 4-cylinder engine note through the car's speakers, including simulated gear-shift pops. This is cosmetic only -- it has no effect on acceleration, throttle mapping, or GPS timing results. The CLA 45 does not have a transmission; the sound is generated by the infotainment system.

Range and charging

The 94 kWh battery packs 670-plus km (416-plus miles) on the WLTP cycle. DC fast charging at 330 kW takes the battery from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes. The architecture runs at 800 volts, matching the Porsche Taycan and Hyundai Ioniq 6 N in charging speed class.

Whether peak power output is available across the full state-of-charge range -- a critical factor for back-to-back acceleration runs -- has not been independently confirmed as of October 2026.

Measure yours

If you own a CLA 45 Electric or its gas predecessor, FastTrack measures your 0-60 from a true standstill with your iPhone's GPS. You will see the 3.0-second figure, not the 2.7-second brochure claim -- and you can watch how charge level and temperature move that number across multiple runs.

Compare your results against the EV 0-60 ranked list to see how the CLA 45 sits among the fastest electric sedans. For the comparison between electric and combustion AMG performance, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door EV is the flagship above it.

FAQ

How fast is the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 electric to 60 mph?

Mercedes states two figures: 2.7 seconds to 62 mph using the 1-foot rollout convention, and 3.0 seconds from a true standstill. A GPS timer measuring from zero records the 3.0-second figure. Independent road tests have not been published as of October 2026.

What does 2.7 seconds vs 3.0 seconds mean in practice?

The 2.7-second figure starts timing 12 inches into the run, eliminating the first instant of movement from the measurement. The 3.0-second figure starts from zero movement. The 0.3-second gap (11%) represents the standard rollout advantage built into most manufacturer claims -- the CLA 45 is notable because Mercedes published both numbers explicitly, rather than only the faster one.

How much horsepower does the electric CLA 45 4MATIC+ have?

500 kW peak output, which converts to 680 PS in European metric horsepower or 671 SAE horsepower by the US measurement standard. All three figures describe the same motor output.

What are axial-flux motors and why does the CLA 45 use them?

Axial-flux motors generate torque from a disc-shaped rotor spinning against a flat stator, rather than the cylinder-and-coil arrangement in conventional radial motors. They produce more torque per unit of weight, enabling higher performance from a smaller and lighter package -- an advantage in a compact sedan. The Rimac Nevera R and Ferrari SF90 use them for the same reason.

When does the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Electric go on sale in the US?

European orders opened in September 2026 at EUR 82,100. UK availability also began in September 2026. Mercedes had not announced US pricing or on-sale dates as of October 11, 2026.

How does the electric CLA 45 compare to the Porsche Taycan?

The Taycan Turbo GT runs 2.1 seconds (tested) and costs around $230,000. The Taycan 4S runs 3.8 seconds and starts around $97,000. The CLA 45 Electric at 3.0 seconds from standstill sits between those benchmarks on performance, and below both on price assuming US pricing tracks European EUR 82,100. See the full EV 0-60 ranked list for context.