2019 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 First Look

2019 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 First Look

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 joins the expanding A-class family of redesigned baby Benzes, which already includes the 2020 CLA250 four-door coupe, the A220 sedan, and the AMG-fettled A35 sedan. To make the jump from Mercedes-Benz CLA250 to Mercedes-AMG CLA35, this CLA hews closely to the blueprint set out by the A35 sedan. Changes from the standard CLA include a revised powertrain with increased engine output, upgrades to the suspension, additional standard equipment, and specific design elements inside and out. Individual. They alter the throttle and transmission mapping, the steering, and the stability control system. The CLA35鈥檚 firmer suspension includes AMG-specific steering knuckles and aluminum control arms, while additional bracing under the engine and in the front underbody make for a stiffer platform for the suspension. An optional adaptive damping system (AMG Ride Control) can adjust damping automatically and also offers three selectable levels of compliance. Compared to the standard CLA, the CLA35 has special styling touches that set it apart.

The grille has twin louvers flanking the 3-pointed star, there鈥檚 a revised lower front fascia, and the hood has twin power bulges. AMG-specific 18-inch wheels are standard. A lip spoiler at the trailing edge of the deck lid, a restyled rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser, and quad exhaust outlets dress up the rear. An available AMG Aerodynamics Packages can further turn up the visual wattage, and an AMG Night Package, and carbon-fiber mirror caps also are available. Inside, the 2020 CLA35 shares the regular CLA鈥檚 MBUX Interior Assistant, which offers voice control of features via the command, 鈥淗ey, Mercedes,鈥?similar to Amazon鈥檚 Alexa, as well as gesture-control capabilities. Twin 10.25-inch screens, one housing the virtual instrument cluster and a second for the infotainment system, are standard on the CLA35. The virtual cluster offers three different display configurations, including one with a large tachometer at the center. Interior color schemes include black with red accents or black and gray, in manmade leather and microsuede. Dual power seats have integrated headrests, and multi-contour AMG Performance Seats are optional.

The standard AMG-style flat-bottomed steering wheel includes a perforated leather wrap and red contrast stitching, and includes touch-sensitive nubs on the left and right spokes to control various functions. An upgraded steering wheel adds a knob beneath the right spoke to select the drive mode and two buttons under the left spoke that can be programmed as shortcuts to other AMG-specific features (similar to BMW鈥檚 鈥淢鈥?buttons). We鈥檙e not sure how many owners are going to track their CLA35, but should they want to, the available AMG Track Pace app would seem to be a must-have. Note that the CLA35 does not directly replace the current CLA45 four-door coupe, which as its higher model number suggests boast an even more powerful engine鈥攁 375-hp turbo four. To date, the CLA35 is the most potent version of the new generation of Mercedes鈥?compact 4-door coupe. But we expect that, ultimately, the CLA35 will be an intermediate step between the standard CLA-Class and an eventual, even more powerful range-topping AMG version. Like we said, the A- and CLA-Class families are expanding.

The unit pumps out 306 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the outgoing M140i, it falls behind by 29 horsepower and 37 pound-feet of torque. This version is obviously quicker, needing 4.8 seconds to hit 62 mph, toward a top speed of 155 mph. The seven-speed gearbox is replaced with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission with a sportier setup. On the diesel front, BMW offers a 1.5-liter three-cylinder as a base engine. The oil burner generates 116 horsepower and 199 pound-feet, only two horses more than the old model. The most affordable diesel hits 62 mph in 10.1 seconds with the eight-speed automatic transmission and 10.3 seconds with a six-speed manual. Its top speed is rated at 124 mph. The second diesel option is called the 118d and features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that cranks out 150 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of twist. It replaces a long discontinued model that delivered 141 horsepower and 236 pound-feet, so that鈥檚 an extra nine horses and 22 pound-feet.