With the Mercedes-Benz A-Class line-up – sedan and
hatchback – now available as performance AMG “35” models, it’s now time for the
second-generation C118 CLA to get its very own. This is the new Mercedes-AMG
CLA 35 4Matic, which is being revealed online ahead of its first official
public debut at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) a week from now.
As with the base car, the CLA 35 wears a roofline
that brings it closer to being a junior CLS than a more traditional three-box
shape that is the A-Class Sedan. Like its other A 35 siblings, the CLA 35 draws
power from a M260 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine which produces 302 hp at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 3,000 to 4,000 rpm.
Drive for the CLA 35 is sent to all four wheels via
a 4Matic fully-variable all-wheel drive system (ranging between pure FWD and a
50:50 front-to-rear split) with torque distribution managed by a multi-disc
clutch, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain enables a
0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed
of 250 km/h.
The AWD calibration is synced with the car’s
stability programming, where 4Matic remains in Comfort mode as long as ESP is
switched on. Switching to ESP Sport Handling or ESP Off also switches the
4Matic system into Sport mode for “even more agile handling and higher
stability limits.” Drive modes remain familiar as well, with five to choose
from – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.
Similarly, the suspension for the CLA 35 is a
MacPherson strut layout for the front axle with a four-link setup for the rear
It also uses specific axle geometry in front to reduce the influence of drive
output upon the steering, while an aluminium wishbone helps reduce unsprung
weight. Adjustability comes courtesy of the optional adaptive damping system
offering three settings, ranging from comfort-focused to sporty.
The four-link rear axle features transverse arms and
trailing arm, wheel carrier and bearings derived from the A 45. Braking is
taken care of by a pair of four-piston monoblock calipers in front mated to 350
mm discs, while one-piston sliding calipers are paired with 330 mm brake discs
at the back. Steering is electromechanical with variable ratios, and features
two assistance settings depending on the drive mode selected.
Over to the interior of the CLA 35, the
Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) features here in place of the previous
COMAND setup, and offers command via voice control with the ‘Hey Mercedes’
activation phrase. The MBUX infotainment system visually blends into the
widescreen cockpit as the two displays share a common housing.
As with the A 35 hatch and sedan, the CLA 35
features a new-generation steering wheel with a flattened lower section,
perforated leather and red contrast stitching with metal gearshift paddles
mounted behind. Built-in touch controls on the left wheel spoke enables control
over the Distronic and adaptive cruise control systems, while the right spoke
commands the voice control, telephone and infotainment functions.
