2019 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake - Images, Specifications and Information

Emotional, dynamic, individual: 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 285 kW (387 hp) or 310 kW (421 hp). The combination of extremely sporty performance (acceleration 0-62 mph in 4.1/4.0 seconds) and the 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.

Mercedes-AMG is broadening its model portfolio apace: "The new CLA 45 Shooting Brake is already the third model of our completely new Performance compact cars portfolio and demonstrates that we have a range tailored to all types of individual wishes. The driving dynamics and the sporty product experience are on a level which was previously unimaginable in the compact class. Our Shooting Brake additionally offers a pronounced degree of practical utility value, which its expressive design idiom brings across with plenty of lifestyle appeal," says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

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.

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.

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-shaped "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.

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 62 mph 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 (155 mph), while the S-Model leaves the factory with a top speed of 270 km/h (167 mph). With the optional AMG Driver's package, the base variant can also driven at up to 270 km/h (167 mph).

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.

The new engine excels with numerous intelligent design features. In contrast to the likewise transversely installed four-cylinder in the 35 models, the new engine has been turned around its vertical axis by 180 degrees. This means that the turbocharger and the exhaust manifold are now positioned at the rear, on the side of the firewall when viewed from behind. The intake system is therefore positioned at the front. This configuration allows the flattest possible and aerodynamically advantageous front section design. Furthermore, the new arrangement allows much improved air ducting with shorter distances and fewer diversions - both on the intake and exhaust side.

The new twinscroll turbocharger combines optimum responsiveness at low engine speeds with a high power in the upper rpm range. The shaft of the compressor and turbine wheel is installed for the first time on anti-friction bearings, thus minimising mechanical friction in the turbocharger. The charger therefore responds more readily and reaches its maximum speed of up to 169,000 rpm more rapidly.

With a maximum charge pressure of 2.1 bar, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is also the leader in its segment in this respect. The electronically controlled wastegate (exhaust relief valve) allows the charge pressure to be controlled even more precisely and flexibly while optimising responsiveness, especially when accelerating from partial load. Numerous parameters are taken into account in this process.

Fresh air is used in addition to oil and water to cool the turbocharger. This is directed specifically to the charger from the radiator grille, via the engine cover designed as an air deflector and ducts beneath the bonnet. In addition the turbine housing has integral insulation.

In the cylinder head, the repositioned and slightly angled injection nozzles and spark plug system have allowed much larger exhaust valves than in the preceding engine. The larger exhaust cross-sections allow the gases to stream out of the combustion chambers with minimum loss.

Two overhead camshafts control the 16 valves via weight-optimised roller cam followers. Camshaft adjustment on the inlet and outlet side allows an excellent response and optimises the gas cycle for each operating point. Variable CAMTRONIC valve control on the exhaust side is another feature, with two cams per valve. The cams have different geometries, so that depending on the cam setting to suit the driving situation, the exhaust valves can be opened for short or long periods - for even better responsiveness at low engine speeds, comfortable and fuel-efficient driving at medium rpm and full power delivery in the upper rpm range.

For the first time, the new high-performance four-cylinder has two-stage fuel injection. In the first stage the particularly fast and precisely operating piezo injectors supply fuel to the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 200 bar. This is a multiple process at times, and is controlled by the engine management system as required. In the second stage there is additional intake manifold injection using solenoid valves. This is needed to achieve the engine's high specific output. The electronically controlled fuel supply has an operating pressure of 6.7 bar.

The high output requires an intelligently conceived cooling system. This is designed so that the cylinder head and crankcase can be cooled to different temperature levels. This innovative measure allows a cold cylinder head for maximum output with efficient ignition timing, and a warm crankcase to reduce in-engine friction.

The coolant to the cylinder head is supplied by a mechanical water pump, while cooling of the crankcase is via a second, electrically driven high-performance water pump. After a cold start, this pump remains passive until the engine has warmed up. In operation it is regulated by the engine control unit so that the crankcase is always cooled according to need.

In addition the engine has an oil temperature management function which controls the warm-up phase and flexibly regulates the engine oil temperature. This brings the engine to its operating temperature more rapidly, reducing friction and wear. This is accompanied by the environmentally friendly ancillary effect that fuel consumption and cold start emissions are also reduced.

Functions such as alternator management, the ECO start/stop function with fast restarting, the gliding function and a petrol particulate filter are also part of the technology package for the new AMG four-cylinder.

The new engine is entirely assembled by hand. To this end a completely newly designed production line was constructed in the AMG engine manufactory in Affalterbach, where Mercedes-AMG has raised the "One Man, One Engine" principle and Industry 4.0 processes to an innovative level reflecting the latest findings in ergonomics, material flows, quality assurance, sustainability and efficiency. On the road to implementing Industry 4.0, AMG's hand assembly operation likewise follows the vision of "smart production". This excels with maximum flexibility, and is transparent and highly efficient. It safeguards and improves the quality of the engines and production processes using innovative and digital technologies.

The 8-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission likewise contributes to the agile and dynamic character. The gear ratios have been configured so that the driver experiences very spontaneous acceleration in all speed ranges, combined with fast shifting and optimum connections when shifting up. Depending on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode, the driver receives a specific drive configuration with different accelerator and gearshift characteristics.

The standard RACE-START function allows maximum acceleration from stationary, a highly emotional experience. This also applies to the drive sound with partial ignition interruption when changing up a gear, and the automatic double-declutching function when changing down. Neither is efficiency neglected: in "Comfort" mode the ECO start/stop function is active; the "gliding" function can be selected in the "Individual" driving mode.

The extremely dynamic driving experience in a completely new dimension is greatly assisted by the fully variable all-wheel drive included as standard. The secret is AMG TORQUE CONTROL in the new rear axle differential: This has two electronically controlled multidisc clutches, each of which is connected to a rear axle drive shaft. In this way, the power can not only be completely variably distributed between the front and rear wheels, but also selectively between the left and right rear wheel. This means that depending on the drive mode, the traction can be separately distributed to both rear wheels.

The result is consistently optimum traction, even in adverse road conditions and during extreme cornering manoeuvres, for example on the racetrack. Furthermore, this sophisticated solution allows Drift mode (standard in the S-Models, included in the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package for the basic models), which makes "powersliding" possible for even more driving pleasure. Drift mode can be called up in the "RACE" driving mode using the shift paddles, provided that ESP is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode.
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