New Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Shooting Brake joins the range
The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Shooting Brake has arrived with mechanicals borrowed from the AMG A 35, meaning 302bhp and 400Nm of torque
This is the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Shooting Brake, the latest addition the the German manufacturer’s performance line-up. The new model will reach the UK by the end of the year, with prices expected to start from around £40,000.
It’s powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the Mercedes-AMG A 35 hatchback, producing 302bhp and 400Nm of torque. Like the hatch, power is fed to a four-wheel drive system via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission although, due to the Shooting Brake’s increased kerbweight, its 0-62mph time drops from 4.7 to 4.9 seconds.
To cope with the extra performance, Mercedes-AMG has redesigned the Shooting Brake’s body-in-white with a range of underbody strengthening plates and bracing bars. Additional chassis upgrades include larger four-piston front disc brakes, optional adaptive suspension and a reconfigured traction control system with a “sport handling” mode, which Mercedes says relaxes the ESP.
Unlike the AMG A 35, the CLA 35’s all-wheel-drive system is variable rather than permanent. The rear differential is fitted with a multi-disc clutch, which can vary the power distribution from front-wheel-drive only to a 50:50 split. Mercedes claims the system offers fuel economy advantages, with the CLA 35 achieving claimed figures of 37.6mpg.
As with all AMG products, the new CLA 35 Shooting Brake also comes with the brand’s five-setting “dynamic select” drive modes. “Comfort” mode disconnects drive to the rear axle, offering improved fuel economy, while the most aggressive “Sport +” sharpens throttle response and engages a double-declutch downshift setting for the transmission.
Styling updates over the standard model include a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels, a fresh front grille, new front and rear bumpers, wider side skirts and a reworked rear diffuser with larger exhaust tips. Optional extras include 19-inch alloy wheels and AMG’s Aerodynamic Package, which adds a more aggressive front splitter, a set of dive planes and a new spoiler.
Inside, the new CLA 35 estate gets a pair of nappa-trimmed sports seats, an AMG-branded multifunction steering wheel, a new centre console, aluminium pedals and Mercedes’s latest MBUX dual-screen infotainment system. Buyers can also opt for leather upholstery, more heavily-bolstered AMG sports seats and a set of illuminated, stainless steel tread plates.
Now read our review of the Mercedes-AMG A 35 hatchback. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below…
Find a car with the experts
