Best in Class on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 sets new record

• 7:32.070 minutes: New benchmark on arguably the world's most demanding race circuit
• Three axial-flux motors delivering up to 500 kW (680 hp) mark a performance revolution
• Intelligent all-wheel drive, adaptive suspension and sophisticated energy management ensure maximum driving dynamics
• Sales are scheduled to begin in August 2026

On 28 July 2026 at 11:31 a.m., the moment had arrived: the all-new Mercedes‑AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ crossed the finish line of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife and celebrations erupted in the pit lane. With an officially measured and notarised lap time of 7:32.070 minutes, the sporty four-door saloon claimed the title of the fastest vehicle in its segment on the legendary Nordschleife. Under summer conditions with ambient temperatures of 24 °C and track temperatures of 30 °C, it demonstrated its performance capabilities at the very first attempt.

The CLA 45 is powered by highly innovative axial-flux motors. Following the Mercedes‑AMG GT 4‑Door Coupé, it is only the second fully electric production vehicle to feature this high-performance technology. Three exceptionally powerful electric motors, two on the rear axle and one on the front axle, generate a combined output of up to 500 kW (680 hp) and accelerate the four-seater from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds¹. This enables the CLA 45 4MATIC+ to reach levels of performance previously unimaginable in its segment. The power delivery is further enhanced by the liquid-cooled motors’ ability to repeatedly provide their full output, creating ideal conditions for record-setting laps on the demanding Nordschleife.

“AMG was born on the racetrack. Over the past nearly 60 years, we have proven with numerous vehicles that this DNA remains as strong as ever. The CLA 45 now writes the next chapter of that story. It is the fastest car in its class on the world’s most demanding racetrack. My sincere thanks go to all the colleagues whose dedication and expertise made this record possible. And I am certain of one thing: this will not be the last AMG record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.”
Dr Stefan Weckbach, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑AMG GmbH and  
Head of Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class & Mercedes‑Maybach

The three compact and fully decoupled axial-flux motors of the CLA 45 4MATIC+ enable fully variable torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. The front motor primarily acts as a booster motor when additional power is required. In addition, drive force can be distributed individually between the two rear wheels via torque vectoring. The result is a newly developed, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. Torque control is continuously optimised according to the driving situation. The seamless transition between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, and vice versa, is based on a sophisticated control matrix that integrates all algorithms into the vehicle’s overall system architecture. Because all electric motors are controlled independently, drive force remains optimally available at all times. 

For the record lap, the Mercedes‑AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ was equipped with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tyres. Their high level of grip and consistent performance characteristics supported precise handling and reproducible performance.

The record lap on the Nordschleife is not the result of a single technical innovation. Rather, it is the outcome of the seamless interaction between the powertrain, chassis, aerodynamics and energy management, all working together as a fully integrated AMG Performance System to deliver maximum performance.

AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension for maximum precision

During its record lap on the 20.832-kilometre Nürburgring Nordschleife, the CLA 45 4MATIC+ also benefited from its steel-sprung AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive three-way adjustable damping. Based on a multilink front axle and multilink rear axle, all-wheel-guiding components, springs and dampers were comprehensively revised compared with the Mercedes-Benz CLA. The objective was to achieve higher lateral acceleration while maintaining excellent controllability at the limit. Drivers can select between three suspension settings: “Comfort”, “Sport” and “AMGFORCE S+”, providing a distinct spectrum from comfort-oriented driving to maximum performance. Ideal for fast laps on a racetrack, damping force is adjusted within milliseconds at each wheel to suit the driving situation. 

“RACE” drive programme developed specifically for the track

Kevin Berger completed the record lap using the “RACE” drive programme, available for the CLA 45 4MATIC+ as part of the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package. Developed specifically for ambitious performance drivers, the mode is uncompromisingly tuned for race-track use to achieve optimum lap times. The 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system ensures high cornering speeds, strong traction and excellent vehicle control. Special drivetrain conditioning provides immediate accelerator response and sustained boost performance. Firm suspension and damping configuration reduces body roll and pitch movements to a minimum, further emphasizing the vehicle’s performance-oriented character.

Active aerodynamics for maximum dynamics and efficiency

On the Nürburgring Nordschleife, Kevin Berger also benefited from the CLA 45 4MATIC+’s active aerodynamics. For the first time in this segment, an active rear spoiler optimises aerodynamic balance, enhancing both dynamic performance and efficiency. Depending on the selected driving programme, the spoiler adopts different angles either to maximise stability or reduce aerodynamic drag and thus improve range according to driving conditions. In “RACE” mode, the spoiler remains active at all times. Its position depends on various parameters, including longitudinal acceleration and the position of the active cooling shutters.

The active cooling shutters direct airflow specifically toward the underbody to reduce front-axle lift. They open only when certain components reach predefined temperatures and cooling demand becomes particularly high. The shutters are controlled independently and can operate in eight stages up to full opening. Compared with the Mercedes Benz CLA, the system has been optimized to remain almost completely closed at speeds of up to 250 km/h, resulting in improved acceleration, reduced aerodynamic drag and maximum range.

Predictive Performance Manager: Intelligent energy management for fast lap times

A key factor behind the record-setting lap was the Predictive Performance Manager (PPM). The system analyzes the track layout and optimizes energy deployment based on the circuit’s topography and the current driving situation. As a result, the available power is delivered precisely where it has the greatest impact on lap time. On demanding circuits such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife, performance is not achieved through continuous maximum power output, but through the intelligent distribution of available energy throughout the entire lap. This is exactly where the PPM comes into play, creating the foundation for both fast and highly repeatable lap times. The driver can choose between two operating strategies: “SPRINT” for achieving the fastest possible lap time, and “RACE” for multiple laps with maximum consistency and sustained performance.

94-kWh battery for long range and consistent performance

The axial-flux motors of the CLA 45 4MATIC+ draw their energy from a lithium-ion battery with a usable energy content of 94 kWh. This class-leading capacity is a key factor behind the vehicle’s outstanding range of more than 670 kilometres³ for the Saloon and 640 kilometres for the Shooting Brake. To achieve maximum power output, Mercedes-AMG adapted the operating window of the battery system to the high-performance requirements of the CLA 45 4MATIC+. Particular emphasis was placed on maintaining the cells within their optimum temperature range. This is critical for sustained power delivery and long-term battery durability, even under extreme conditions.

Mercedes-Benz anniversary year “140 Years of Innovation”

Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorised carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes‑Benz has dedicated itself to constant innovation and to creating the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world’s first automobile in 1886 to the biggest product launch programme in the company’s history that is currently underway. With its passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling that runs through everything Mercedes‑Benz does: Welcome home.

Mercedes‑Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by driving three new S‑Class saloons on a trans-continental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. Along the way, customers, fans and colleagues will get to join in the celebrations – on an epic adventure that will run until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” drive across six continents on our “140 Years of Innovation | Mercedes‑Benz Media” special and via the Mercedes‑Benz Community.

¹ “1-Foot rollout”: The distance travelled that is not taken into account in the measurement (the ‘rollout’) is 1 foot = 30.48 cm.

² The specified values were determined in accordance with the prescribed measurement procedure WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light-duty vehicles Test Procedures). The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a passenger car depend not only on the efficient utilisation of fuel or the respective energy carrier by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.

³ The actual range depends on numerous factors, such as individual driving style, environmental conditions, battery aging, auxiliary consumers such as air conditioning, optional equipment, tires, payload, and route profile, and may therefore differ from the WLTP value specified.