Mercedes-AMG reveals 302bhp CLA 35 09 | 04 | 2019
MERCEDES-AMG HAS LIFTED the wraps from its new 302bhp, all-wheel drive CLA 35, ahead of its debut at the New York Motor Show on April 16. When it arrives in Scottish showrooms in August-September, we expect it to cost around £38,000. That sets it against the like son the VW Golf R and Honda Civic Type R. (Related: Mercedes-AMG A 35 Saloon)
Clearly the hottest version of the new second-generation CLA small coupe-saloon — which includes the the new A 35 hatchback and saloon — it’s powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the AMG A 35 models, producing 302bhp and 400Nm of torque.
Power is fed through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to all four wheels, and a s result Mercedes-AMG quote a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. (Related: New 302bhp Mercedes-AMG A 35 Hatch)
Externally the CLA 35 differs itself from other models in the range thanks to AMG Line bumpers, larger side skirts, a more aggressive rear diffuser. There’s also 18-inch twin-spoke alloys, a set of larger disc brakes, a valved performance exhaust system and a lip spoiler for the boot lid. Automatic adaptive dampers and 19in alloys are on the options list.
Inside the cabin, Mercedes’ excellent dash-spanning MBUX infotainment system dominates. There’s also a pair of leather-and-microfibre-trimmed sports seats, red seat belts, a flat-bottomed multifunction AMG steering wheel and a customisable ambient lighting setup with 64 colour options. Standard kit also includes voice activation and a 360-degree camera.
The driver can select from five customisable drive programs: “Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport +” and “Individual”. According to Mercedes, these enable a wide range of vehicle characteristics from comfortable to dynamic. They change relevant parameters, such as the response of the engine and transmission.
The new “Slippery” drive programme is optimised for low-grip, icy road conditions, with reduced power and a flat torque curve. Smooth gear changes and earlier upshifting support the driving impression characterised by stability.
The “Comfort” programme stands for comfortable and fuel-efficient driving, for example thanks to very early upshifts. Suspension and steering are set up for an emphasis on comfort.
“Sport” and “Sport+” place the focus on agility and driving pleasure with sporty engine and transmission tuning. The sound of the turbo engine is more striking. “Sport+” is particularly emotional with double-declutching during downshifts and partial cylinder cut-off via a brief and precisely defined retardation of ignition and injection at full load.
The “Individual” drive programme enables the individual parameters to be selected and saved according to personal preferences. In addition, the gliding function is available in the “Reduced” and “Moderate” drive settings.
Also available on the CLA 35 — but as an option — is AMG Track Pace data logger. Integrated into the car’s MBUX infotainment system, it records 80 vehicle-specific data points, (such as speed, acceleration and lap-times), when driving on a race track. Then, when the driver stops, he or she can consult the data to find areas for improvement.
Related: Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster unveiled)
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars
Jim McGill