After Mercedes-AMG revealed the stylish CLA35 four-door coupe a few months ago, it was only a matter of time before the automaker lifted the wraps off its more practical shooting brake sibling. Say hello to the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 Shooting Brake, which combines the style and performance of a sporty coupe with an extended roof and large tailgate offering increased luggage space.
AMG Chairman Tobias Moers describes the wagon as an "attractive alternative for young customers" who want to "access to the exciting world of AMG Driving Performance." It looks stunning and we love cars that offer both performance and practicality. It's such a shame, then, that this is yet another performance wagon that will be forbidden fruit in the US, so prepare to get very jealous.
Like the regular AMG CLA35, the shooting brake is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power to a standard all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the stylish shooting brake to sprint from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds, which is identical to the regular CLA35, before hitting a limited top speed of 155 mph.
To cope with the extra horsepower, Mercedes-AMG has made some refinements to the chassis. Engineers have installed a plate underneath the engine to increase torsional rigidity and added two additional front braces that help to reduce torsion and increase stiffness. The wagon also has retuned suspension that features an AMG-specific front steering knuckle and aluminum components to reduce unsprung mass. Other updates include an electro-mechanical sports steering system and a high-performance braking system with four-piston fixed front calipers on 13.8-inch discs.
Distinguishing the AMG CLA35 from the regular CLA Coupe is a unique grille, an AMG Line front bumper with flics near the air intakes, a front splitter, sportier side skirts, and silver chrome accents. The entry-level AMG wagon also sits on aerodynamically optimized 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels. At the back, the CLA35 Shooting Brake features a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a unique rear bumper with an integrated diffuser.
Buyers can further personalize the CLA35 Shooting Brake with an AMG Night Package and AMG Aerodynamics Package, with the latter adding a modified front splitter and flics as well as a gloss black spoiler. Other available upgrades include 19-inch wheels finished in gloss black or matte black.
Inside, the interior largely carries over from the CLA35, featuring two-tone upholstery, high-gloss black trim and metallic accents. Other luxuries include stainless steel pedals, AMG-branded floor mats and an MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific displays.