The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC

Sporty, stylish, and intelligent: The new CLA 35 4MATIC is the latest compact entry from Mercedes-AMG. The CLA 35 4MATIC shares many of the advanced technologies first introduced in the A-Class, but is even bolder with its iconic four-door coupe design and enhanced MBUX infotainment system. Powered by a new 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, the CLA 35 4MATIC accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

"With its iconic design and agile driving dynamics, the new CLA 35 is an enticing offer for a young, active, and lifestyle-conscious demographic. These customers place a premium on exciting design, superior performance, and dynamic handling characteristics. The new CLA 35 embodies this outlook, and allows for more people to step in the fascinating world of AMG Driving Performance," says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Design: Iconic, Sporty, Characteristically AMG

Characteristic AMG elements add to the iconic design of the CLA 35 4MATIC. Widened wheel arches, a slim yet sporty waistline, and two power domes on the hood distinguish the CLA 35 from its non-AMG counterpart. In addition, a radiator grille with twin louvres, an AMG front apron with flics on the air inlets, and a front splitter are distinguishing AMG design features. From the side view, the aerodynamically optimized 18-inch light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design (19-inch optionally available) and the accentuated AMG side sill panels catch the eye. The rear view is dominated by an apron with a new diffuser insert, a small spoiler lip on the trunk, and two round tailpipe trims positioned on the extreme left and right. Two-piece, narrow tail lights and a license plate housing embedded into the bumper make the rear of the CLA 35 look especially wide.
Inside the vehicle, the seats are covered with ARTICO man-made leather with DINAMICA microfibre in black with red contrasting topstitching or ARTICO man-made leather in black/neva grey.  

The vehicle features an AMG-specific centre console in piano lacquer finish with touchpad as standard. The touchpad has additional buttons that control the functions of ESP®, manual transmission mode, and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension. In conjunction with the optional leather upholstery, the interior of the AMG-specific console of the CLA 35 features a silver chrome surround.

The MBUX infotainment system

MBUX is standard on the CLA 35 4MATIC. Replacing the previous COMAND system, MBUX creates an even closer connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers. Numerous functions can be activated via intelligent voice-operated control, prompted by the phrase: "Hey Mercedes".

In the CLA 35, MBUX features AMG-specific content. The instrument cluster contains specific details such as the AMG start-up menu with three selectable AMG display styles. The "Supersport" mode is particularly striking, with a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in the form of bars to the left and right of the rev counter. Via the AMG menu, there are various special displays such as Warm-up, Set-up, G-Force and Engine Data. The touchscreen multimedia display can also present drivers with telemetry data, visualizations of various driving programs, and AMG TRACK PACE.

With the optionally available MBUX interior assistant, specific infotainment functions can be operated without the need to physically touch them. The interior assistant has the ability to differentiate between driver and passenger, and can recognize certain hand positions and movements. When the interior assistant recognizes movement towards an operating element of MBUX, the media display changes and individual elements are highlighted. In the Radio and Media menu, the MBUX interior assistant will reduce the number of operating steps. In the Navigation menu, the interior assistant will fade in the navigation as soon as it detects a hand moving to operate the touchscreen or touchpad. When displaying the vehicle’s camera images, as soon as a hand moves towards the touchscreen, the MBUX interior assistant will automatically display the four camera operating symbols from the 360 degree camera. MBUX interior assistant can even control the reading lamp via a simple movement of the hand towards the button.

New generation AMG steering wheel with touch control buttons

The new generation of AMG steering wheels provide the perfect link between the driver and the vehicle. The steering wheel rim with a flattened lower section, perforated leather in the grip area and red contrast topstitching is both attractive and pleasant to the touch. Galvanized steering wheel gearshift paddles allow for an even sportier driving style with manual gear shifting.

The new built-in Touch Control buttons can be used to intuitively select the displays of the instrument cluster and the multimedia system by means of horizontal and vertical swiping. The Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC cruise control can be adjusted on the control panels on the left. The control panels on the right are used to activate the voice control and telephone, and to regulate the sound volume, music selection and other functions of the multimedia system.

As an option, the steering wheel can be equipped with extra innovative features such as: a round controller with an integrated display beneath the right-hand steering-wheel spoke and two vertically positioned colour display buttons with switches beneath the left-hand steering-wheel spoke. The AMG drive programs can be activated instantly via this controller and the selected drive program is shown on the colour LCD display, directly integrated in the controller. With these optional features, the two freely configurable display buttons and the additional switches allow for further AMG functions to be controlled directly on the steering wheel. This means that drivers can fully concentrate on driving without taking their hands off the wheel. Each function required can be depicted on the other LCD display, and its switch is tapped by the driver to set the respective function. The driver's two preferred AMG functions can be defined in this way and the settings can be changed with just one touch of the finger.

Reinforced body-in-white with increased torsional stiffness

Mercedes-AMG has taken specific measures to strengthen the front section of the body shell, forming the basis for the vehicle’s precise turn-in ability and the toe and camber stability of the chassis components, even when driving at speed. A bolted aluminum plate under the engine called a "shear panel" increases the torsional stiffness of the front section. Two additional diagonal braces at the front of the underbody also reduce torsion and increase stiffness.

A new four-cylinder turbo engine with output of 302 hp

The newly developed 2.0-litre turbo engine of the CLA 35 is based on the M 260 four-cylinder engine of the new A-Class. The new powertrain boasts a supremely lively response to accelerator pedal commands, high tractive power (295 lb-ft max. torque from 3,000 rpm), and an exciting engine sound. A crankcase made of high-strength, lightweight die-cast aluminum reduces the vehicle weight to improve driving dynamics.

The new four-cylinder engine boasts many technologies that improve engine efficiency. These include CAMTRONIC variable valve control, intelligent thermal management for engine and oil, high-precision piezo injectors and a multi-spark ignition. The patented CONICSHAPE® cylinder honing reduces internal engine friction and also increases efficiency.

The CLA 35 comes equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger that combines optimum responsiveness at low engine speeds with a strong power increase at high speeds. The housing of the twin-scroll turbocharger is divided into two parallel ducts that together with two separate exhaust ducts in the exhaust manifold, make it possible to channel the exhaust gases separately on the turbine wheel.

The cylinders are divided into two cylinder groups and each is directed onto a turbine flow of the twin-scroll turbine. The cylinder groups are defined based on the ignition sequence. This results in an additional advantage of twin-scroll technology -the minimization of the mutually adverse effects of individual cylinders on the gas cycle. The exhaust gas back pressure is reduced which improves gas exchange and engine efficiency.

Agile gear ratios: AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission

The CLA 35 comes equipped with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission that ensures responsive shifting with extremely short shift times. Gear ratios have been configured so that drivers experience very spontaneous acceleration in all speed ranges. The RACE-START function allows for maximum acceleration from stationary. An "M" mode, activated by shift paddles on the steering wheel, allows for drivers to enter into manual gear shifting, providing for an even more dynamic drive. 

AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive

With AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive, the new CLA 35 4MATIC is designed to produce maximum traction and dynamic handling. Torque distribution is infinitely variable to suit the dynamic handling requirements of different driving conditions. The spectrum ranges from front-wheel drive only, to a 50:50 distribution to the front and rear axles.

A multi-disc clutch that is integrated in the rear axle transmission is responsible for the variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles. Torque distribution is not only influenced by the driving speed; lateral and longitudinal acceleration, the steering angle, the difference in rotational speed between individual wheels, the gear selected and accelerator position, are all taken into consideration.

The main advantages of an electro-mechanical control over an electro-hydraulic system relate to sharper driving dynamics. This is primarily due to the significantly faster response and speed-independent actuation of the discs over the entire adjustment range.
When ESP® is activated, the 4MATIC system stays in "Comfort" mode. As soon as the driver presses the "ESP® SPORT Handling" or "ESP® OFF" button, the 4MATIC system switches to "Sport" mode, for even more agile handling and higher stability limits.

Five driving programs: Vehicle characteristics with a wide range

Drivers can choose between five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs that enable a wide range of vehicle characteristics. Toggling between "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual" will change the response of the engine and the timing of the transmission. 

The new "Slippery" drive program optimizes the CLA 35 for slippery road conditions, with reduced power and a flat torque curve. In this mode, smooth gear changes, earlier up shifts, and the ECO start/stop function support stability focused driving.

In "Comfort" mode, drivers can enjoy comfortable, fuel efficient driving as a result of very early upshifts. In this mode, suspension and steering are set up with an emphasis on comfort, and the ECO start/stop function is active.

"Sport" and "Sport+" place the focus on agility and driving pleasure with a more open engine and precisely tuned transmission. In these modes, the sound of the turbocharged engine becomes much more distinctive and the ECO start/stop function becomes inactive. "Sport+" is particularly exhilarating with double-declutching during downshifts and partial cylinder cut-off via a brief delay of the ignition and injection at full load.

The "Individual" driving program enables individual parameters to be selected and saved according to personal preferences. In addition, a gliding function is available in the "Reduced" and "Moderate" drive settings.   

AMG DYNAMICS: More agility with high stability

The CLA 35 4MATIC comes equipped with AMG DYNAMICS as standard, a new feature within the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs. This integrated dynamic handling control system extends the stabilizing functions of ESP® with corrective interventions according to the driver's wishes. During dynamic cornering, imperceptible braking intervention on the rear inside wheel creates a defined yawing moment about the vertical axis. This contributes to the CLA 35 4MATIC’s precise steering.

The different manifestations of AMG DYNAMICS are called "Basic" and "Advanced". On the multimedia display, when a drive program is selected, the new AMG DYNAMICS symbol is displayed together with the corresponding additional information.

• "Basic" is assigned to the "Slippery" and "Comfort" drive programs. In this case, the CLA 35 4MATIC shows very stable handling with high damping of the yaw rate.
• "Advanced" is activated in the programs "Sport" and "Sport+". The CLA 35 4MATIC remains neutrally balanced. The lower yaw damping, lower steering angle requirement and enhanced agility support dynamic manoeuvres such as driving on winding country roads.

AMG sports suspension with specific components

The unique layout of the AMG Sports suspension enables the CLA 35 to achieve exceptional straight-line stability and highly dynamic cornering behaviour. A McPherson suspension strut construction is fitted onto the front axle. A wishbone below the wheel centre, together with a spring strut and respective tie rod, reduce the influence of the road conditions on steering. Aluminum wishbones reduce the unsprung masses and produce a more sensitive response from the springs. The AMG-specific front steering knuckle has a radially bolted brake calliper, a technology usually reserved for motorsport.

A 4-link rear axle is connected to the body via a sub frame, and ensures maximum driving stability and agility.    

AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with three modes

The optional AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension presents drivers with a choice of three different suspension control modes. Ranging from comfort-focused to sporty, the system operates automatically, adapting the damping forces for each wheel according to the driving situation and road conditions. This happens within milliseconds and is infinitely variable, with a wide spread of damping characteristics. With AMG RIDE CONTROL, ride comfort and agility are enhanced in equal measure.

A robust high-performance brake system

The high-performance braking system of the CLA 35 4MATIC ensures fade-resistant deceleration and short braking distances. The front axle of the vehicle is fitted with new 4-piston Monoblock fixed callipers and 350 millimetre brake discs, and the rear with 1-piston sliding callipers and 330 millimetre brake discs. The discs are internally ventilated and perforated to better dissipate heat and prevent brake fading, even with extreme use.

Steering with special rack and variable ratio

A speed-sensitive, electro-mechanical sports power steering supports the CLA 35’s sporty driving style with its direct turn-in ability. A special rack with a variable transmission ratio and two characteristic curves (depending on which drive program the driver has selected), provides taut, sporty, or more comfortable steering feedback. The rigid mounting in the integral carrier connects the steering with the body even more, which increases steering precision.

AMG exhaust system with exhaust flap for sound modulation

The exhaust system of the CLA 35 features an automatically controlled exhaust flap. Depending on the drive program selected, it modulates the sound from balanced and reserved to much more open and powerful.  

Data logger for use on the race track: AMG TRACK PACE

With the optional AMG TRACK PACE, MBUX is enhanced with a virtual engineer that can record and analyze vehicle-specific data and times on closed routes. Many of these values can be displayed on the widescreen cockpit or on the optional head-up display in real-time. After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyze, and if necessary, improve their driving skills.

In addition, acceleration and deceleration values (e.g. 0-100 km/h, ¼ mile, 100-0 km/h) can be measured and saved. The driver can record any circuits and open circuits as they wish, and can save them for later vehicle data recording. Thanks to a newly developed algorithm that determines the vehicle position as precisely as possible, AMG TRACK PACE even detects when the circuit has been left or has been shortened. This is done using GPS data as well as the sensors available in the vehicle: acceleration, gyroscope, steering angle, and wheel speeds.

World premiere and market launch

The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC will celebrate its world premiere during the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) on April 16, 2019. The vehicle will have its Canadian market launch in the winter of 2019.

Technical Data at a glance

*electronically limited, 250 km/h top speed with AMG Driver’s Package

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About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,200 people in 14 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of seven Mercedes-Benz own retail operations and 52 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 49,758 vehicles in 2018. This positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the fifth consecutive year.

For more information, please contact:
Sinead Brown               416-847-7588               sinead.brown@mercedes-benz.ca
Lucas Dias                     416-847-7449               lucas.e.dias@mercedes-benz.ca
Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available at media.mercedes-benz.ca.