Skip advert
Advertisement

New Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Shooting Brake revealed

The Mercedes CLA 35 arrives with 302bhp and £40k price tag

Mercedes has launched the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, a high-performance version of its CLA Shooting Brake estate. The car uses the same underpinnings as the Mercedes-AMG A35 hatchback and will sit at the top of the CLA Shooting Brake range, with a price of around £40,000.

The CLA Shooting Brake is effectively an estate version of the Mercedes A-Class, and the AMG 35 models of both cars use the same 302bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Four-wheel drive is standard, as is a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The CLA is slightly heavier than the A-Class, so it’s not quite as quick from 0-62mph, but it will still manage it in under five seconds.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The best fast estates you can buy

Unlike the A35 hatchback, however, the CLA 35’s four-wheel-drive system isn’t switched on all the time. To save fuel, the CLA can switch between front- and four-wheel-drive, and Mercedes claims it will do up to 37.6mpg as a result.

Under the bodywork, the CLA Shooting Brake has been enhanced to deal with the power on offer. The front disc brakes are much larger than the standard car, and Mercedes has rejigged the traction control system to include a sport mode, which will make the electronic stability programme (ESP) intervene less often than normal. Adaptive suspension is an optional extra.

There are five driving modes to choose from, ranging from Comfort (front-wheel drive only for better fuel economy) to Sport +, the most aggressive setting. Select this mode and the response from the accelerator is improved and the gearshifts get quicker. The CLA 35’s interior features sports seats, an AMG steering wheel and new trim finishers. Mercedes’ latest infotainment system is fitted, and you can choose extras including leather upholstery, even more supportive seats, and illuminated steel door plates.

Despite the standard CLA only coming in sporty AMG Line trims, the full AMG version adds to the aggressive styling with new 18-inch wheels, a redesigned front grille, and new front and rear bumpers. The back end also features a restyled diffuser with large exhaust tips. Raid the options list and your CLA can have 19-inch alloys and an Aerodynamic Package, consisting of a front splitter, rear spoiler and black canards on the front bumper. These are supposed to shape the airflow and help cool the brakes.

Read our review of the Mercedes CLA, or see where the AMG A35 features on our list of the fastest hot hatchbacks.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door
BMW M235 Gran Coupe front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
29 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades
2025 Toyota Yaris front quarter
News
29 Nov 2024

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024