New Mercedes CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake

Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Shooting BrakeMercedes-AMG is continuing its model initiative: following on from the successful A 45 AMG, CLA 45 AMG and GLA 45 AMG models,

the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake is now the fourth high-performance compact car to be brought out, and it makes a stunning impression with its unique interior concept and its unrivalled mix of thrilling driving dynamics, excellent everyday usability and tremendous individuality. The sensational avant-garde concept of the CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake offers yet another highly attractive means of entering the fascinating world of AMG. With an output of 265 kW (360 hp) and peak torque of 450 Newton metres, the 2.0-litre turbo engine is the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine in series production.

The fourth high-performance compact car from Mercedes-AMG adopts the same philosophy as the successful CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake by taking the form of a sports car with five seats and a large tailgate. The five-door newcomer plays out its role as an individual, extravagant trendsetter for connoisseurs to perfection: stylish, cool and right in touch with the times, the design and dynamic performance of the compact-sized Shooting Brake from AMG will satisfy even the most discerning demands.

Despite the sporty, progressive looks, featuring a roof line that slopes down gently towards the rear, low-set cabin, long bonnet, exaggerated, high beltlineand a dynamically styled tail end, absolutely no compromises have to be made when it comes to everyday practicality: thanks to a versatile luggage compartment with a maximum capacity of 1354 litres and the increase in headroom compared to the four-door coupé, the CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake is the perfect companion for day-to-day driving. At the same time, it lends itself to the enjoyment of all manner of leisure pursuits and is sure to delight a physically active target group that enjoys a design-oriented lifestyle and is constantly on the lookout for new trends.

AMG Performance 4MATIC – this highly sophisticated variant of the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system provides the best possible mix of dynamism, traction and efficiency in any driving situation. This is made possible by fully variable distribution of drive torque, ranging from full front-wheel drive to a 50:50 split.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Shooting BrakeMercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Shooting BrakeMercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Shooting BrakeMercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Shooting BrakeA two-part propeller shaft transfers the power from the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine to the rear axle. In the interests of favourable weight distribution, an electrohydraulically controlled multiple-disc clutch is integrated with the rear axle differential. The multiple-disc clutch control detects slip at the front axle. A hydraulic pump instantaneously presses the discs together and channels the engine torque to the rear wheels as necessary. All this takes place without the driver noticing.

Power distribution is fully variable: during normal driving, the CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake uses front-wheel drive for optimal efficiency. Depending on driving conditions and driver input, the variable all-wheel-drive system splits the torque between the front and rear wheels up to a ratio of 50:50.

The 3-stage ESP® program offers a choice of three customised driving modes: “ESP ON”, “SPORT Handling Mode” and “ESP OFF” can be activated at the push of a button.

The CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake makes its mark in style with a sporty and progressive design. Highlights when viewed from the front include the radiator grille with AMG lettering and twin louvre in matt titanium grey, along with the brand’s trademark front apron featuring a splitter in a striking colour finish. The large air intakes on the outside are framed by prominent black surrounds. Along the vehicle’s flanks, side sill panels with inserts in matt titanium grey and “TURBO AMG” badging on the front wings produce an air of sporty superiority. Various light-alloy wheels in 8 x 19-inch format with size 235/35 R 19 tyres are available as an alternative to the standard 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and measuring 8 x 18 inches with 235/40 R 18 tyres.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Shooting BrakeThe elongated roof line that slopes down towards the rear terminates in a powerful and athletic-looking tail end. The roof spoiler with its special trailing edge is exclusive to the range-topping AMG model. Measuring around three centimetres in height, this Gurney flap, as it is known, reduces the lift that can occur at high speeds, thereby improving roadholding at the rear axle. The sports exhaust system’s chromed twin tailpipes are integrated into the black diffuser insert. Matt titanium grey trim and a rear apron with simulated air outlet openings at the sides add further visual highlights.

The sense of dynamism and exclusivity so characteristic of Mercedes-AMG is also clearly apparent in the interior of the CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake. Classy touches include the sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with red contrasting topstitching and red designo seat belts, the flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles and the AMG DRIVE UNIT in the centre console. The CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake features longitudinal-grain aluminium trim, five galvanised air vents with red rings and an instrument cluster in 2-tube look. The central colour display incorporates the AMG main menu including RACETIMER and AMG start-up screen.

The CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake is making its show debut in March 2015 at the Geneva International Motor Show, while the market launch is also due to start in March 2015.

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