Enzo Ferrari believed that a sports car is only as good as its engine. The history of Mercedes-Benz AMG fully confirms this. AMG earned its fame not through motorsport accolades, nor through the popularity of its body kits among those who like to show off, but precisely through its magnificent V8 and V12 engines for road cars. And the Mercedes-AMG M156 engine (V8, 6.2 liters) is, without exaggeration, one of the absolute peaks of engine engineering in the entire history of the automotive industry.

But those days are long gone. So what is Mercedes-AMG about now? Meet the latest Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, an electric car whose main distinguishing feature is the simulation of a gasoline engine’s operation not only through sound, but also through seat vibrations and brief interruptions in electric motor thrust during acceleration — as if to mimic gear changes in a stepped transmission, Drom.ru reports.

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 powertrain is equipped with three electric motors — one at the front and two at the rear. Total output is 680 hp, and torque is 1,759 Nm! The brakes on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 feature 390 mm discs and six-piston calipers at the front, and 350 mm discs with single-piston calipers at the rear. The chassis suspension uses steel conical springs and telescopic dampers with automated stiffness adjustment. 

Battery capacity is a mind-blowing 94 kWh for a compact car. The company has not disclosed the electric vehicle’s curb weight, but it is clear that it is no less than two tons.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 2.7 seconds, while top speed is limited to 250 km/h (the limiter can be raised to 270 km/h, but that is a paid option). On a full charge, the electric car can travel up to 670 kilometers.

The exterior of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is defined by an elaborate aerodynamic body kit and an illuminated imitation grille. The front panel of the cabin features three seamlessly mounted digital screens and ambient lighting spilling from every corner. The decorative trim appears to depict either “aluminum carbon” or “carbon aluminum.” In standard form, the seats in the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 are upholstered in artificial leather.

The new model will be offered in both sedan and wagon body styles. Both versions feature an active rear spoiler that rises at high speeds, thereby increasing downforce.