Mercedes-AMG CLA Sets Nürburgring Record for Subcompact EVs

Mercedes-Benz announced that its new AMG CLA completed a lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:32.07 minutes, setting a record for subcompact production cars. Driver Kevin Berger piloted a stock 2027 CLA 45 4Matic around the 12.94-mile track, beating the previous record of 7:33.12 set by the Audi RS3 in 2024. The time is just seven seconds slower than the BMW M2 CS, a true sports car. The EV features a tri-motor powertrain producing 680 hp and 1,297 ft lbs of torque, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 2.7 seconds, with a top speed of 168 mph and a range exceeding 400 miles. The car is not currently planned for sale in the U.S., where only the CLA 250+ (starting at $47,950) and CLA 350 4Matic ($50,500) will be offered. The record was reported by Robb Report, with details from Road & Track.