The Mercedes-AMG brand has decided to prove that the transition to electric does not necessarily mean a loss of emotions. The new CLA 45 has become the first fully electric representative of AMG's "45" series and combines the impressive dynamics of a super car with the technologies of the future, wrote Autocar.
The novelty was created for those who are used to powerful gasoline hot hatches, but are now ready to switch to an electric car. Mercedes engineers tried to preserve the main values: the feeling of speed, controllability and sports character.
There is no internal combustion engine "under the hood" of the electric CLA 45. Instead, a complex system consisting of three electric motors works. two are mounted on the rear axle and one on the front. In total, they develop up to 671 horsepower and provide an all-wheel drive system.
The main work is done by the rear engines, and the front one is engaged only when additional traction is needed, for example, during sharp acceleration, fast travel on the highway or smooth roads. This scheme even made it possible to add a special mode for controlled sliding.
Despite the mass of more than two tons, the car is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3 seconds. This is faster than many legendary AMG models with gasoline engines, and almost comparable to the extreme Mercedes-AMG One hypercar.
The maximum speed of the CLA 45 is about 250 km/h, and with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package it can be increased to approximately 270 km/h.
But the most unusual feature of the car is its attempt to preserve the emotional side of driving. Mercedes has created the AMGForce system, which simulates the operation of a gasoline engine. the car reproduces the sound of the engine, simulates the change of gears and even adds typical "explosions" and clunks during acceleration.
Special vibration motors are built into the front seats, which create a feeling of real engine operation. The driver can choose a quieter or more aggressive sound mode.
At the same time, the CLA 45 remains a true electric car with a large battery capacity of 94 kWh. The power reserve reaches up to 670 km for the sedan and about 640 km for the Shooting Brake version. Fast charging with a capacity of up to 330 kW allows charging from 10 to 80 percent in about 22 minutes.
Engineers have also developed an intelligent battery management system that helps the car maintain maximum power during active driving. Electronics distributes the load so that the car does not overheat in long high-speed sections.
Externally, the electric AMG differs from the regular CLA by a more aggressive design with a widened track, a large rear diffuser, sports wheels and an active spoiler. Sports seats, a special AMG steering wheel and four separate seats instead of the usual rear sofa appeared in the salon.
Sales of the new CLA 45 will begin next year.
