Mercedes-Benz has just unveiled the CLA45 AMG Shooting Brake, its fourth high-performance compact model following the A45, CLA45 and GLA45 AMG, and another European performance wagon US buyers will be denied. Adopting the form of the CLS63 AMG Wagon: a sports car with five seats and a big tailgate, the CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake gets typical aggressive, dynamic styling coupled with 1,354 liters of load space.

Up front, the grille and AMG lettering are finished in matte titanium gray. There's also a body-color splitter, large air intakes, "TURBO AMG" badging on the front wings, and a choice of 18- and 19-inch 5-twin-spoke alloys in titanium gray. At the back, the roof spoiler gets a Gurney flap for added downforce, while chromed twin tailpipes are integrated into the black diffuser. Power comes from the familiar 2.0-liter four-cylinder twin-turbo unit delivering 355 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a DCT seven-speed transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, the CLA 45 AMG wagon will shift to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds and hit a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

The automatic exhaust flaps provide a range of engine soundtracks depending on driver inputs, while the AMG Speedshift box offers three modes and a Race Start function. The AMG chassis sports a specially-tuned suspension setup, elaborate axle technology, beefier anti-roll bars, and purpose-designed high-performance brakes. The interior, a carry-over from the CLA 45 AMG sedan, boasts sports seats wrapped in Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfiber with red contrast stitching, red seat belts, a flat-bottomed steering wheel with shift paddles, and plenty of aluminum trim.

Carbon-fiber, Night, and Exclusive packages offer a host of optional extras, while AMG has introduced an OrangeArt Edition. Matt graphite gray and splashes of orange on the body are matched with black/orange multi-spoke alloys, while the cabin gets a similar two-tone finish with Performance seats and steering wheel, and special trim. After debuting at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the CLA45 AMG Shooting Brake will go on sale in March.