Mercedes-Benz will unveil a redesigned CLA at next month’s 2019 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, but the versions we’re more interested in, those developed by AMG, are still close to a year away.
Yes, “versions” isn’t a typo as AMG is working on two performance levels for the latest generation of Mercedes compact cars. There will be direct replacements for the current crop of 45 series cars, plus a new crop of slightly tamer 35 series cars, the first of which was the A35 hatchback unveiled in October at the 2018 Paris auto show.
Today we have our first look at the new CLA45. It follows our previous look at the CLA35 only last week. New A35 sedan and A45 hatchback models are also being developed by AMG engineers.
We know this prototype is for the CLA45 and not the CLA35 because of its quad-exhaust tips. Testers for the CLA35 sport dual-tip exhaust systems. The shot below shows prototypes for both, revealing the differences. The CLA45 also sports multiple vertical grille slats versus the CLA35’s single-bar design.
AMG’s current compact range, which consists of the A45 hatch, CLA45 sedan, CLA45 Shooting Brake (sold overseas), and GLA45 SUV, comes with a top rating of 375 horsepower. The next-gen range will likely be rated at more than 400 horses to ensure the cars have the edge over their Audi Sport counterparts. Recall, the latest RS 3 is delivering 400 hp.
The cars will draw their power from an uprated version of AMG’s existing 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4. Enhancements are thought to include new fuel injectors, a new turbocharger and changes to the combustion process. For subsequent performance increases, AMG engineers are thought to be dabbling with electric compressors and hybrid systems.
2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 (left) and CLA35 spy shots – Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
It’s possible we see both a standard CLA45 and spicier CLA45 S, just like in AMG’s high-end models.
Beyond the more potent powerplant, the cars are expected to benefit from a new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and drift mode. One of the performance targets is a 0-60 mph time of under 4.0 seconds. Top speed will likely remain capped at 155 mph.
The redesigned CLA is expected on sale in mid-2019 as a 2020 model. The CLA35 should arrive in showrooms roughly the same time, followed soon after by this CLA45. The cars should arrive as 2020 models.
