Photo: SB-Medien
2018 saw the debut of both the A-Class hatch and the A35 model from AMG, spaced only a few months apart. So with the regular CLA-Class being presented mid-January, we suspect the CLA 35 and 45 (at least one) could be shown at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, perhaps together with the new A45.
Save for the fact that not all of them have LED headlights, the prototypes look almost ready. And these are not the heavily camouflaged or unfinished model we've seen all year. No, the CLA 45 even has a production color, which is always a good sign. Peaking out from under the wrap in several areas, we see the same shade of bold yellow that's been added to the A35 for the launch.
While we're on the subject of aesthetics, let's talk about the differences between the two AMG versions. The CLA 45 features four large exhaust pipes compared to the two fitted on the less powerful model. Also, it has a different grille, bumpers and even heavier tint on the taillights and privacy glass.
This makes it more desirable as a "sports car," but probably also more expensive. The base CLA 35 should come in at around €40,000 with a drivetrain consisting of the M 260 four-cylinder engine, 4Matic AWD and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission. We're talking 306 PS, and 400 Nm toque at 3,000rpm, a 0 to 100 km/h time of around 5 seconds (probably less) and up to 50% power distribution to the rear.
In addition to the twin-scroll turbocharger, the CLA 45 is supposed to have some kind of hybrid tech. Mercedes has promised over 400 horsepower, but it didn't go into specifics as to how and when it will be available. We're 90% sure that only a top-spec CLA 45 S will get the full power, and that an EQ Boost system will be used to fill in the power delivery gaps, though an electric supercharger has also been rumored.
While we're on the subject of aesthetics, let's talk about the differences between the two AMG versions. The CLA 45 features four large exhaust pipes compared to the two fitted on the less powerful model. Also, it has a different grille, bumpers and even heavier tint on the taillights and privacy glass.
This makes it more desirable as a "sports car," but probably also more expensive. The base CLA 35 should come in at around €40,000 with a drivetrain consisting of the M 260 four-cylinder engine, 4Matic AWD and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission. We're talking 306 PS, and 400 Nm toque at 3,000rpm, a 0 to 100 km/h time of around 5 seconds (probably less) and up to 50% power distribution to the rear.
In addition to the twin-scroll turbocharger, the CLA 45 is supposed to have some kind of hybrid tech. Mercedes has promised over 400 horsepower, but it didn't go into specifics as to how and when it will be available. We're 90% sure that only a top-spec CLA 45 S will get the full power, and that an EQ Boost system will be used to fill in the power delivery gaps, though an electric supercharger has also been rumored.
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