The World's Fastest Family Car: Electricity Over Gasoline
The electric Mercedes CLA 45 AMG has set a new Nürburgring lap record for family cars. Here are the details of this remarkable achievement.
Electricity is winning: The Mercedes CLA 45, an electric performance family car, has set a new lap record at the Nürburgring. Kevin Berger, AMG's chief test driver, clocked a time of 7 minutes and 32 seconds—the fastest time ever recorded by a 4-door family car in the 'Green Hell,' beating the previous titleholder, the Audi RS3, by 1.1 seconds.
Launched just a month ago, this performance model is the second electric vehicle from Mercedes' high-performance division. It features a three-motor setup—two at the rear and one at the front—providing all-wheel drive with torque vectoring. The combined output reaches 680 hp, an increase of 259 hp over the previous gasoline-powered CLA 45s. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds, 1.1 seconds faster than the outgoing model. Much like the AMG GT, it includes an engine sound simulator that mimics a turbocharged 4-cylinder configuration, complete with simulated gear-shifting sensations.
Compared to the standard CLA, the suspension system features unique geometry and adaptive shock absorbers that adjust stiffness based on the driving mode. The car is also equipped with an active front air deflector to reduce lift and a retractable trunk-lid spoiler to generate downforce.
The braking system utilizes larger discs than the previous gasoline version: 390 mm with 6-piston calipers at the front and 350 mm with single-piston calipers at the rear. According to Mercedes, the record-breaking car was fitted with optional Pirelli P-Zero Trofeo R tires, which offer superior grip compared to the standard Continental SportContact 7.
Our Take
With a 20.8 km length, 73 turns, and dramatic elevation changes, the Nürburgring is considered a mecca for driving enthusiasts and a benchmark for dynamic performance that draws manufacturers to compete for records in every category.
'While the time set by Mercedes may not be the fastest overall, it is incredibly intriguing. It serves as further proof that electricity can outperform gasoline not only in reducing emissions and maintenance costs but also on the racetrack.'
