Automotive

Published on July 17th, 2019 | by Subhash Nair

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Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Shooting Brake Revealed

Less than 2 weeks after showing the all-new A 45 and CLA 45, Mercedes-AMG now shows us the CLA 45 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake. This wagon variant of the CLA comes in an S version too which outputs 421hp instead of 387hp. The additional power and torque makes it marginally faster. Performance specs are at the end.

Here are details from the Press Release.

PRESS RELEASE

Mercedes-AMG presents the CLA 45 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake and the CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake – 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 387 hp or 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.

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’ s most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder manufactured for series production. Mercedes-AMG has bettered the output of the preceding engine by 30 kW(40 hp). Maximum torque has also increased from 475 to up to 500 newton metres. The new, highly efficient powerpack is produced on an innovative production line in Affalterbach, on the “One Man, One Engine” principle.

The four-cylinder engine delivers extremely agile drive power in two output ratings: with 310 kW (421 hp) as the S-Model and with 285 kW (387 hp) in the basic version. The new compact sportscars absolve the sprint from zero to 100 km/h in record time: the CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake requires just 4.0 seconds, while the base model CLA 45 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake gets up to speed in 4.1 seconds. The top speed of the base model is electronically limited to 250 km/h, while the S-Model leaves the factory with a top speed of 270 km/h. With the optional AMG Driver’s package, the base variant can also driven at up to 270 km/h.

Apart from its performance figures, the new engine impresses with its immediate response. To this end the torque curve was carefully balanced (“torque shaping”): The peak torque of 500 newton metres (480 newton metres for the basic version) is available in a range of 5000-5250 rpm (4750-5000 rpm in the basic version). With this configuration the AMG engineers have achieved a power delivery akin to a naturally aspirated engine. 

MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific displays

The combination of sporty design and sophisticated details is also featured in the MBUX infotainment system with its innovative operating and display concept. MBUX creates an even closer connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers. Emotionally appealing presentations underline the clear control structure and feature brilliant maximum-resolution 3D graphics. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a Widescreen Cockpit and as a central element consequently emphasise the horizontal orientation of the interior design.

The customer can choose between the three AMG display styles “Classic”, “Sport” and “Supersport” for the instrument cluster. The “Supersport” mode is particularly striking with a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in the form of bars to the left and right of the rev counter: with a three-dimensional perspective, they reach far into the background to an artificial horizon.

And needless to say, the trailblazing voice control activated with the words “Hey Mercedes” is also on-board. Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX recognises and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation, even if they are expressed indirectly.

Technical data at a glance

About the Author

Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.

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