The redesigned Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 could be a high-performance EV. Report suggests it could have a tri-motor powertrain with more than 500 hp. The four-door coupe is slated to have active aerodynamics and a “V8 Mode.

Nothing is official just yet, but Autocar has been told that the most powerful versions of Mercedes-AMG’s future compact car line-up will offer more than 500bhp and significantly more torque than today’s CLA 45 4Matic+, which has an electronically turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 416bhp and 369lb ft.

Just to recap–the S3 is more powerful, has a more spacious cabin, directly rivals the CLA 35, but is priced $7,400 lower than the Mercedes when plucked as a ‘Premium' trim line. The 2025 Audi S3 Premium starts at $48,700, whereas the base CLA 35 commands a more hefty, $56,100 price tag. Ouch.