While the standard Mercedes CLA EV gained attention for its low energy consumption and a starting price under 50,000 USD, it is the new high-performance AMG variant that has truly captured the focus of sports car enthusiasts. The Mercedes-AMG CLA45 EV recently set a new record on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, completing a lap in 7 minutes 32,07 seconds.

This remarkable achievement makes it the fastest compact four-door sedan ever recorded at the legendary "green hell" circuit, outperforming the new generation Audi RS3 by one second. This milestone marks the first time Mercedes-AMG, the German manufacturer's performance division, has developed a purely electric version for the CLA45. The car features three motors, delivering a total output of 680 horsepower. While its distribution in the US market is not yet confirmed, Mercedes-AMG has already begun selling this model in Europe.

Mercedes-AMG CLA45 EV on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit. Photo: Mercedes

Race driver Kevin Berger achieved this impressive time during official testing organized by Mercedes-AMG. The CLA45 EV's performance is also just one second slower than the Porsche 911 GT2 (997 generation) record set in 2007 by racing legend Walter Rohrl.

Despite its remarkable time, the CLA45 EV currently faces few direct competitors in the nascent small high-performance electric sedan segment. Compared to the fastest similarly sized car at Nurburgring, the two-door BMW M2 CS, which set a time of 7 minutes 25,5 seconds last year, the CLA45 EV is about 7 seconds slower. However, the CLA45 EV's record stands for four-door vehicles of its size.

Mercedes-AMG views this record as a foundational step for its high-performance electric vehicles at Nürburgring. While surpassing the absolute record of 6 minutes 29 seconds, set by the AMG One hypercar, remains a distant goal, the upcoming four-door AMG GT EV is expected to approach this benchmark. The AMG GT EV, featuring a powertrain with nearly 1,200 horsepower, has been confirmed for distribution in the US market, unlike the CLA45 EV.

Ho Tan (via Road and Track)