Mercedes-AMG's upcoming all-electric CLA 45 4MATIC+ has made an emphatic statement ahead of its market launch, setting a new Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for its segment (compact/sub-compact four-door) with an officially verified time of 7:32.070. The record was previously held by the Audi RS3.

While lap records are often used as marketing tools, the Nürburgring remains one of the automotive world's toughest proving grounds. A strong performance there suggests a car is more than just quick in a straight line, with success demanding power, chassis balance, thermal management and consistency over more than 20 kilometres of demanding corners and elevation changes.

The new CLA 45's performance comes courtesy of a radical electric drivetrain featuring three axial-flux motors producing a combined 500kW and 680Nm. Two motors drive the rear axle, while a third powers the front, allowing the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system to continuously vary torque between all four wheels. Rear torque vectoring further sharpens handling, while adaptive suspension helps keep the compact performance sedan composed at the limit.

Perhaps most impressive is Mercedes-AMG's claim that the liquid-cooled motors can repeatedly deliver full power without significant performance degradation - an area where many high-performance EVs still face challenges during sustained track driving.

The record also reinforces the growing shift in performance motoring. Electric vehicles are no longer simply competing with petrol-powered rivals on acceleration figures; they're increasingly demonstrating genuine circuit capability. Mercedes-AMG's latest effort suggests the brand intends to ensure its electrified future remains every bit as focused on driver engagement as its combustion-powered past.

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ is scheduled to go on sale from August 2026.