These days Mercedes-AMG is busy testing its upcoming
compact performance models – and boy does it has quite a few on its plate. While the A35 has been available
for quite some time, we’re still waiting for has the CLA 45 in four-door coupe
guise, as well as the CLA 35 and CLA 45 Shooting Brake. Further down the line
are the GLB 35 and GLB 45, as well as the GLA 35 and (possibly) the GLA 45.
Back to the CLA, Carscoops photographers recently caught
the clearest shots of the upcoming CLA 35 and 45 Shooting Brake at the
Nürburgring. The prototypes were wearing less camouflage than ever, revealing
more of the elegant yet muscular silhouette of the compact performance wagon. Most of the prototypes captured
are of a CLA 35 Shooting Brake (the white prototype), but there’s also an image
of the range-topping CLA 45 Shooting Brake (the gray-painted model). Compared
to previous sightings, the CLA 35 and 45 Shooting Brake have shed much of the
camo, with only the AMG-specific bumpers, side skirts and bonnet still in
disguise.
There’s no secret regarding their powertrains
either, as both models will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter
four-cylinder. The CLA 35 will get the turbo-four in a lower state of tune of
302 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Connected to a standard
seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel-drive
system, it should complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in around 5 seconds
and hit a 250 km/h electronically limited top speed.
As for the full-blown CLA 45 Shooting Brake, it will
reportedly offer two flavors: a 387 PS base model and a 421 PS CLA 45 S.
