The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is as powerful as the outgoing C63 – yet £34,000 less than the plug-in hybrid super-saloon.
Pricing for the new performance model will start from £66,750 in saloon form, with the Shooting Brake costing £1000 more.
Notably, it's also on a par with the price of the previous CLA 45, despite having made the switch from a four-cylinder petrol engine to a tri-motor electric powertrain.
AMG hopes it can convert buyers of its previous hot hatches to electric power with the new CLA 45, which brings advanced torque-vectoring technology and an ICE-aping 'exhaust' note that even pops and bangs.
The first electric 45 model is substantially different under the skin from the regular CLA. It combines three axial-flux motors developed by British firm Yasa with the larger, 94kWh battery from the forthcoming C-Class Electric and an aggressive design overhaul aimed at improving downforce without compromising range.
The tri-motor system - with two drive units on the rear axle and one up front - has a maximum output of 671bhp, sent through all four wheels.
The rear motors alone can combine to offer the full output, as power is limited by the maxmimum throughput of the battery. This also enables a tyre-shredding drift mode.
Listen to the CLA 45's 'exhaust' sound: "Like a vegan burger" – AMG's EV exhaust is very nearly the real thing
The front motor engages only when extra traction is required, such as when setting a hot lap or driving in adverse conditions.
The generous reserves mean the 2.3-tonne saloon can hit 62mph from rest in 3.0sec (3.2sec for the Shooting Brake). That makes it quicker off the mark than many of AMG's most hardcore models, including the SLS AMG Black Series (3.6sec), and almost as quick as the F1-engined AMG One, which took 2.9 sec. The CLA 45 goes on to a top speed of 155mph, or 168mph when fitted with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus pack.
Acceleration is slowed slightly if the 'AMGForce' simulated engine and gearbox are engaged. This system replicates the sound and power delivery of the outgoing 45 models 'M139' turbocharged four-cylinder - the world's most powerful of its configuration in series production - and runs it through a synthesised eight-speed gearbox.
Vibrating motors are fitted in the front seats to ape the rumble of the petrol engine in the occupants backs, and the sound can be heard both inside and outside the car, with pops and crackles on the overrun. It has both quiet and loud modes, and Mercedes says the latter rivals aftermarket exhaust systems for audible impact.
