2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S 4Matic+

2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S 4Matic+

Affalterbach.  Emotional, dynamic, individual: Mercedes-AMG presents the CLA 45 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake and the CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake (combined fuel consumption 8.4-8.2 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 191-188 g/km) – two powerful new compact cars that complement sporty athleticism with wide-ranging functionality. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is more powerful than ever, with an output of 285 kW (387 hp) or 310 kW (421 hp). The combination of extremely sporty performance (acceleration 0-100 km/h in 4.1/4.0 seconds) and the variable interior with increased luggage capacity is aimed at a young target group who lead an active and varied life at work and in their leisure time.

Mercedes-AMG is broadening its model portfolio apace: “The new CLA 45 Shooting Brake is already the third model of our completely new Performance compact cars portfolio and demonstrates that we have a range tailored to all types of individual wishes. The driving dynamics and the sporty product experience are on a level which was previously unimaginable in the compact class. Our Shooting Brake additionally offers a pronounced degree of practical utility value, which its expressive design idiom brings across with plenty of lifestyle appeal,” says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

One new feature which makes a substantial contribution to the incomparable driving experience is the active, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive: for the first time, this system offers selective power distribution to the wheels on the rear axle via AMG TORQUE CONTROL. This means that the power is distributed to the left and right rear wheels highly flexibly and at different ratios, according to the given driving situation – resulting in optimum traction, whatever the road surface conditions and whatever course the route takes. In addition, spectacular Drift mode (standard on the S-Model, included in the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package for the base model) provides for even greater driving enjoyment. This is made possible by a newly developed rear axle differential, which for the first time incorporates two multi-plate clutches. These open and close at lightning speed to control the torque flow for each rear wheel individually.

Athletic and muscular exterior design

The exterior of the new CLA 45 Shooting Brake also packs plenty of emotional appeal: the long bonnet, the greenhouse with coupé-style window line, the muscular shoulders over the wheel arches and the low rear clearly reveal the vehicle’s sports car genes. The AMG-specific radiator grille with the vertical slats unmistakably identifies the Shooting Brake as a member of the AMG Performance family. At the same time, the “shark nose”, the sharply defined, narrow headlamps and the flat, aerodynamic bonnet lend the front a crouched appearance.

The imposing presence is also accentuated by the wider front wings with flared wheel arches. These create space for the wider front axle, and underline the athletic appearance. The nozzle-shaped outer air intakes establish a close link to the AMG GT 4-Door Coupé. The front splitter transitions seamlessly into the side air curtains ahead of the front wheels, which optimise the airflow to improve aero-performance and the Cd figure.

The rear view is characterised by two round twin tailpipes (82 mm diameter) and the wide rear apron. The S-Models are distinguished by their larger, 90 mm exhaust tailpipes with internal fluting and AMG lettering. The impression of width at the rear is emphasised further by the slim two-piece rear light clusters. The diffuser with four vertical fins contributes to the enhanced aerodynamic performance. The airflow break-away edge in the body colour on the roof spoiler rounds off the profile to the rear.

At 871 millimetres, the boot opening is significantly wider than in the previous model (635 mm). In addition, the tailgate can also be opened contactlessly with EASY PACK and HANDS-FREE ACCESS. At 505 litres, the boot is large enough to accommodate a wealth of recreational and outdoor equipment.

Extensively reinforced body shell

As on the Coupé, the AMG developers have extensively reinforced the body shell, as it provides the basis for the precise self-steering characteristics, as well as track and camber stability, also when driving at high speed. A lightweight aluminium plate bolted underneath the engine – the “shearing plate” – increases the torsional rigidity at the vehicle’s front end. This is supplemented by a strut tower brace between the front suspension struts and pistol-shhaped “shotguns”  ‑ these are additional reinforcing plates connecting the side members to the A-pillars to minimise movements of the front section. Diagonal struts at the front and rear of the underbody further improve rigidity.

New four-cylinder turbo engine delivering superlative power

With an output of up to 310 kW (421 hp), the completely new Mercedes-AMG 2.0-litre engine is currently the world’