The Mercedes-AMG lineup is continuing to grow as the
company has introduced the new CLA 35 Shooting Brake. Designed to appeal to drivers who
want a little performance with their practicality, the CLA 35 Shooting Brake
has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 302 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
The engine is connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch
transmission which sends power to a standard all-wheel drive system. This setup
enables the wagon to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds
before hitting a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
The entry-level AMG has
a unique grille and an AMG Line front bumper with flics near the air
intakes. Designers also installed a
front splitter, silver chrome accents and aerodynamically optimized 18-inch
lightweight alloy wheels. Other notable
features include sportier side skirts, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a unique
rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. A host of styling options will be available
including an AMG Night Package and an AMG Aerodynamics Package. The latter adds
a new front splitter and flics as well as a gloss black spoiler. Customers can
also order 19-inch wheels with either a gloss black or matte black finish.
The interior largely carries over from the CLA 35
and drivers will find two-tone upholstery, high-gloss black trim and metallic
accents. Other niceties include stainless steel pedals, AMG-branded floor mats
and an MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific displays. Of course, the CLA 35 Shooting
Brake is all about performance and engineers installed a plate underneath the
engine to increase torsional rigidity. They also added two additional front
braces that help to reduce torsion and increase stiffness.
Besides the chassis tweaks, the model has been
equipped with a retuned suspension that features an AMG-specific front steering
knuckle and aluminum components to reduce unsprung mass. Other updates include
the installation of an electro-mechanical sports steering system and a
high-performance braking system with four-piston fixed front calipers that grab
onto 13.8-inch (350 mm) discs.
Mercedes didn’t mention launch details, but AMG
Chairman Tobias Moers said the wagon is an “attractive alternative for young
customers” who want to “access to the exciting world of AMG Driving
Performance.”