If you thought going electric meant Mercedes-AMG would calm down, think again. The new CLA 45 4MATIC+ is an all-electric compact saloon (and Shooting Brake) with a frankly ridiculous 680hp, enough to catapult it from 0-62mph in just 2.7 seconds. That’s not hot hatch territory – that’s supercar territory.

The magic comes from three new axial flux electric motors – two driving the rear axle and one at the front. They’re smaller, lighter and more powerful than conventional EV motors, while a fully variable all-wheel-drive system constantly shuffles power between all four wheels for maximum grip and grin factor.

A 94kWh battery and 800-volt electrical system mean it isn’t just quick off the line. Mercedes claims up to 670km (416 miles) of range in the saloon, while 330kW rapid charging can take the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in just 22 minutes. Ten minutes plugged in is enough for more than 270km of extra range.

But here’s the controversial bit. AMG knows enthusiasts miss noisy engines, so it’s built an artificial driving experience that mimics one. Select the new AMGFORCE S+ mode and the CLA pumps authentic A 45 S engine noises through the speakers, simulates gearshifts, interrupts power between ‘changes’ and even shakes the seats to convince your brain there’s still a turbocharged four-cylinder under the bonnet.

Elsewhere you’ll find adaptive suspension, active rear spoilers, torque vectoring, track telemetry that records more than 80 data points ten times every second, plus the latest MBUX infotainment system with AI from ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing.

Whether the fake engine theatrics are genius or gimmick is up for debate. What’s harder to argue with is the performance. The electric AMG era has officially arrived – and it’s making one hell of an entrance.