2027 Mercedes-AMG CLA Debuts As a 671-HP Pocket Rocket

It was Bound to Happen

For the most part, every car that Mercedes-Benz launches, you're pretty much guaranteed an AMG version down the line. After all, this was a company that turned the R-Class minivan into a tire-shredding people carrier with a 6.2-liter V8. There's no doubt, then, that even the smallest Mercedes models would get the sporty treatment.

That's exactly the case for the CLA. Ever since the first generation, it has always come with an AMG version, so it was only a matter of time before the all-new model received a healthy dose of power and torque.

A Baby AMG GT

While AMG did promise more V8s soon, the hot CLA goes for the electric route. What the company did was effectively turn the compact four-door coupe into a baby AMG GT, benefiting from tech and packaging from the flagship electric performance car.

Dubbed the CLA 45+, it doesn't pack over 1,000 hp, but it does benefit from the axial-flux motors, which deliver superior power and torque density compared to traditional radial motors. More importantly, it's lighter and more compact than radial motors, which should help keep the EV's weight relatively low.

Output? We're talking about 671 hp and a maximum torque of 1,297 lb-ft from its tri-motor arrangement. For something as small as the CLA, that's a nearly obscene amount of power. As for battery size, it's 94 kWh, allowing an estimated range of up to 416 miles under WLTP measurements. 0 to 62 mph is dispatched in 3 seconds, or 2.7 seconds with rollout. As for top speed, it's governed at 155 mph, but the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package raises the limiter to 167 mph.

Yes, There’s a Wagon, Too

Sticking to tradition, there’s also a wagon version dubbed the Shooting Brake. The electric longroof gets the same insane specs as the four-door. So while the electric C-Class won’t get a more practical version, this battery-powered AMG CLA should make up for that.

Despite the added weight, the claimed figures are still properly rapid. AMG’s spec sheet says it can match the four-door's acceleration numbers, so sub-3-second 0-to-60-mph runs are possible. Where it does take a hit is in range, down to 398 miles. Sadly, this one has little to no chance of ever crossing the Atlantic.

Other Goodies

Unsurprisingly, engine sounds are piped inside via AMGFORCE S+. That’s on top of seats that rumble to simulate vibrations just to trick the driver into thinking there’s an engine at the front. The car also comes with an active rear spoiler and a system called Predictive Performance Manager. It essentially reads a track’s layout, then constantly regulates how much power to apply based on cornering speed or a long straight.

As for the cabin, there are heaps of AMG touches to remind the driver they’re not in a garden-variety CLA. Deeper bucket seats are also available for good measure. Adaptive suspension is, of course, standard, along with a multitude of drive modes.

The odds of coming to the U.S? Highly likely for the sedan, but we’re not betting on the Shooting Brake being offered stateside.

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